Overview
The NZELTO scheme will continue to provide an opportunity for Foreign Ministry officials from a range of African countries to undertake an intensive ten-week English language course in New Zealand. The objective is to enhance the English language skills of participating officials to enable them to represent their countries effectively in international forums where English is the medium of communication, and to strengthen ties with New Zealand and between participating countries.
Applications for Intake 16, running in 2025 have now closed. Please check back for future intakes.
In-country pre-programme
communication
January – February 2025
Information will be sent to officials.
There will be online meetings to convey key programme information and engage with all participants via Zoom.
There will be pre-departure briefings held online in conjunction with Posts where relevant.
In NZ at Victoria University of Wellington (VUW)
3 March – 16 May 2025
- 10 weeks
- Introduction to New Zealand culture, society, New Zealand’s economy, New Zealand’s system of government and International issues
- Guest speakers and workshops
- Ministry & theme related visits
- Field Trip
Possible Participants
The NZELTO Africa programme is for mid-level Foreign Ministry officials whose current or future work requires dialogue with English-speaking countries and involvement in international forums where English is the primary language.
Eligible countries are:
Algeria, Angola, Benin, Burundi, Cameroon, Cabo Verde, Central African Republic, Chad, Comoros, Côte d’Ivoire, Democratic Republic of Congo, Djibouti, Guinea, Guinea Bissau, Madagascar, Mauritania, Morocco, Mozambique, Republic of the Congo, São Tomé and Principe, Senegal, Togo, Tunisia.
Selection Criteria
Individual applicants should meet the following criteria:
- English language proficiency IELTS 4.5 – 5.5 or equivalent
- Foreign Ministry official in a junior to mid-level position (First, Second or Third Secretary or equivalent level)
- Needs to use English frequently for work
- Age range 25 – 45
- Are not currently serving in the Military
Consideration is also given to:
- the balance of representation from across the continent, so that no one geographic area is overrepresented in the intake
- the balance of languages, so that no one language is overrepresented in the intake
- the respective seniority of applicants from any one country; ideally applicants from the same country will be of similar seniority
- equal representation of women and men, as practical