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

  • 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

CourseTimeRoomTermTerm DatesRegistration
Deadline
Fees
Novice5.30pm - 6.30pm
Wednesday
RH
206
126 Feb - 7 May12 Feb$120
Beginners5.30pm - 6.30pm
Tuesday
RH
102
125 Feb - 6 May12 Feb$120
Elementary5.30pm - 6.30pm
Monday
RH
206
124 Feb - 5 May12 Feb$120
Pre-intermediate**5.30pm - 6.30pm
Tuesday
RH
TBC
125 Feb - 6 May12 Feb$150
Intermediate**5.30pm - 6.30pm
Thursday
RH
TBC
127 Feb - 8 May12 Feb$180

*No classes Easter week 21-25 April

**There are no Pre-intermediate and Intermediate classes for term 1

Term 2, 2025

CourseTimeRoomTermTerm DatesRegistration
Deadline
Fees
Novice5.30pm - 6.30pm
Wednesday
RH
TBC
211 Jun - 13 Aug28 May$120
Beginners5.30pm - 6.30pm
Wednesday
RH
TBC
211 Jun - 13 Aug28 May$120
Elementary5.30pm - 6.30pm
Monday
RH
TBC
29 Jun - 11 Aug28 May$120
Pre-intermediate5.30pm - 6.30pm
Tuesday
RH
TBC
210 Jun - 12 Aug28 May$150
Intermediate5.30pm - 6.30pm
Thursday
RH
TBC
212 Jun - 14 Aug28 May$180

Term 3, 2025

CourseTimeRoomTermTerm DatesRegistration
Deadline
Fees
Novice5.30pm - 6.30pm
Wednesday
RH
TBC
310 Sep - 12 Nov27 Aug$120
Beginners5.30pm - 6.30pm
Wednesday
RH
TBC
310 Sep - 12 Nov27 Aug$120
Elementary5.30pm - 6.30pm
Monday
RH
TBC
38 Sep - 10 Nov27 Aug$120
Pre-intermediate5.30pm - 6.30pm
Tuesday
RH
TBC
39 Sep - 11 Nov27 Aug$150
Intermediate5.30pm - 6.30pm
Thursday
RH
TBC
311 Sep - 13 Nov27 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.