Chinese Language Courses
Our language and culture classes are delivered by experienced Chinese language teachers with an emphasis on practical and enjoyable learning.
- Chinese conversation courses
- HSK preparation courses
- Tailored group courses
- One-on-one Chinese classes and tutoring
Chinese conversation courses
- Classes run for 10 weeks.
- We offer five classes for Novice, Beginners, Elementary, Pre-intermediate, and Intermediate levels.
- Contact us directly for Advanced classes.
- Class sizes are a minimum of 2 and a maximum of 6 people.
- These classes are suitable for learners 14 years older.
- All classes are held at the VUW Pipitea Campus in Rutherford House.
Novice
This is a beginner’s course to support learners with no or very little knowledge of the Chinese language who want to use basic Chinese in daily communications. This course will also create a good foundation for further learning of Chinese.
This can prepare you for the HSK Level 1 exam.
Beginners
Participants should know at least 150 Chinese words and some basic grammar patterns.
This course aims to expand your vocabulary. You will be able to produce simple connected text on topics related to your daily life and make some basic comments on things around you. Content will be at the discretion of the teacher and student needs.
This can prepare you for the HSK Level 2 exam.
Elementary
Participants should know at least 300 Chinese words and some basic grammar patterns.
This course will enhance your speaking skills to produce simple connected text on topics related to your daily, academic, and professional lives, and briefly give reasons and explanations for opinions and plans. Content will be at the discretion of the teacher and student needs.
This can prepare you for the HSK Level 3 exam.
Pre-Intermediate
Participants should know at least 600 Chinese words and beyond basic grammar patterns.
This course is designed to help participants refine their presentation skills, to help make a smooth transition between colloquial Chinese and written Chinese. Discussion, debate, and presentation are important components of this course.
This can prepare you for the HSK Level 4 exam.
Intermediate
Participants should know at least 1200 Chinese words and understand grammar patterns.
This can prepare you for the HSK Level 5 exam.
Class Dates
Term 1, 2025
Course | Time | Room | Term | Term Dates | Registration Deadline | Fees |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Novice | 5.30pm - 6.30pm Wednesday | RH 206 | 1 | 26 Feb - 7 May | 12 Feb | $120 |
Beginners | 5.30pm - 6.30pm Tuesday | RH 102 | 1 | 25 Feb - 6 May | 12 Feb | $120 |
Elementary | 5.30pm - 6.30pm Monday | RH 206 | 1 | 24 Feb - 5 May | 12 Feb | $120 |
Pre-intermediate** | 5.30pm - 6.30pm Tuesday | RH TBC | 1 | 25 Feb - 6 May | 12 Feb | $150 |
Intermediate** | 5.30pm - 6.30pm Thursday | RH TBC | 1 | 27 Feb - 8 May | 12 Feb | $180 |
*No classes Easter week 21-25 April
**There are no Pre-intermediate and Intermediate classes for term 1
Term 2, 2025
Course | Time | Room | Term | Term Dates | Registration Deadline | Fees |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Novice | 5.30pm - 6.30pm Wednesday | RH TBC | 2 | 11 Jun - 13 Aug | 28 May | $120 |
Beginners | 5.30pm - 6.30pm Wednesday | RH TBC | 2 | 11 Jun - 13 Aug | 28 May | $120 |
Elementary | 5.30pm - 6.30pm Monday | RH TBC | 2 | 9 Jun - 11 Aug | 28 May | $120 |
Pre-intermediate | 5.30pm - 6.30pm Tuesday | RH TBC | 2 | 10 Jun - 12 Aug | 28 May | $150 |
Intermediate | 5.30pm - 6.30pm Thursday | RH TBC | 2 | 12 Jun - 14 Aug | 28 May | $180 |
Term 3, 2025
Course | Time | Room | Term | Term Dates | Registration Deadline | Fees |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Novice | 5.30pm - 6.30pm Wednesday | RH TBC | 3 | 10 Sep - 12 Nov | 27 Aug | $120 |
Beginners | 5.30pm - 6.30pm Wednesday | RH TBC | 3 | 10 Sep - 12 Nov | 27 Aug | $120 |
Elementary | 5.30pm - 6.30pm Monday | RH TBC | 3 | 8 Sep - 10 Nov | 27 Aug | $120 |
Pre-intermediate | 5.30pm - 6.30pm Tuesday | RH TBC | 3 | 9 Sep - 11 Nov | 27 Aug | $150 |
Intermediate | 5.30pm - 6.30pm Thursday | RH TBC | 3 | 11 Sep - 13 Nov | 27 Aug | $180 |
*No Elementary class Labour Day, Monday 27 October. Make up day will be determined with teacher.
Register now
Register using our online form by the deadline listed. We will allocate and and confirm your class within 10 days of the deadline and send payment details. For more information, please email confucius-institute@vuw.ac.nz.
HSK Preparation Courses
The HSK is an international standardised Chinese Proficiency Test (HSK).
Intensive HSK preparation classes including HSK-specific Chinese vocabulary, grammar, reading and listening comprehension, and exam-taking skills. Content will be at the discretion of the teacher and student needs.
Classes are one-on-one by request only. Please email us at confucius-institute@vuw.ac.nz
Tailored group courses
The University’s Confucius Institute provides tailored Chinese language and culture training to professionals. This includes government officials, academics, business groups 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.
Contact us about classes and cultural training at confucius-institute@vuw.ac.nz.
One-on-one classes and tutoring
One-on-one personalised classes are available at $60 per hour, inclusive of GST. We offer a 15% discount if you take 10 or more one-hour sessions. Register using our online form.
For more information, please email confucius-institute@vuw.ac.nz.