Chinese Language Courses

Our language and culture classes are delivered by experienced Chinese language teachers with an emphasis on practical and enjoyable learning.

HSK preparation and conversation courses

HSK preparation

The HSK is an international standardised Chinese Proficiency Test (HSK). We offer ten-week HSK preparation online and on-site courses for Mandarin language students.

  • Most classes are for 10 weeks.
  • We offer four classes for HSK levels 1–4.
  • Class sizes are a minimum of 2 and a maximum of 5 people.
  • For HSK levels 5–6 please contact us directly for in-person options.
  • Target audience: For students 14 years older who may be planning to sit an HSK test.

Our next classes will run from September to November 2024

2025’s course dates will be released in late October 2024. Sign up using this online form to get an alert.

Class dates

HSK level 1—Monday 23 September–25 November, 5.30 pm (on-site). 1 hour class per week, 9 hours. No class on Labour Day. Cost: $80 + GST.

HSK level 2—Tuesday September–26 November, 5.30 pm (on-site). 1 hour class per week, 10 hours. Cost: $80 + GST.

HSK level 3—Wednesday 25 September–27 November, 5.30 pm (on-site). 1 hour class per week, 10 hours. Cost: $100 + GST.

HSK level 4—Thursday 26 September–28 November, 5.30 pm (on-site). 1.5 hour class per week, 10 hours. Cost: $150 + GST.

Register now

Register using our online form by Friday 6 September 2024. We will allocate and confirm your class by 13 September and send payment details. For more information, please email confucius-institute@vuw.ac.nz.

Workplace Chinese

In this introductory course, specially tailored for the New Zealand workplace, In partnership with Wellington Uni-Professional, we offer an introductory course, tailored for the New Zealand workplace on the basics of Chinese language and culture. In this course you will gain a greater understanding of conducting business with China, including receiving Chinese visitors, visiting China, and business communications with Chinese.

You will have the opportunity to sit the HSK (Hanyu Shuiping Kaoshi) standard Chinese proficiency language test, Level 1, at the end of the course. Test is optional and involves a small fee that is not included in the course fee.

Course date

This course is currently on hold.

If you are interested in Workplace Chinese classes for your workplace, please contact us on confucius-institute@vuw.ac.nz

Target audience

This course will benefit anyone who is involved with China or Chinese in the work context.

By the end of this course you will be able to:

  • master Chinese Language pronunciation, including the recognition and writing of Pinyin, four tones
  • use the oral communication, including greeting, self-introduction and asking questions
  • understand basic differences between Chinese Language and English
  • gain a better understanding of Chinese culture and society as it relates to professional interactions
  • learn elements and constructions of Chinese characters and become capable of writing 20–50 Chinese characters
  • learn HSK 1 vocabulary.

Chinese language and culture training—tailored programme

The University’s Confucius Institute provides tailored Chinese language and culture training to professionals. This includes government officials, academics, and those intending to take the HSK Chinese Language Proficiency Test. The HSK test is a globally recognised achievement standard in the Chinese language.

  • Language classes are generally taught to groups of not fewer than 3 clients and not more than 12 clients.
  • Those interested in learning Chinese at the University’s Confucius Institute have the responsibility of forming their own group of 3 or more students of around the same level of Chinese competency.
  • Classes are taught during working hours only.
  • Classes are usually an hour long, are weekly, and are taught in blocks of ten weeks per course, with course content and dates to be discussed and agreed upon with clients.
  • The charge for this year’s classes is available on request.
  • The University’s Confucius Institute is also able to offer Chinese cultural training to clients, depending on the availability of resources.

Contact us about classes and cultural training at confucius-institute@vuw.ac.nz.

One-on-one classes and tutoring

One-on-one classes are arranged individually. Please email us at  confucius-institute@vuw.ac.nz.