Chinese language courses

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

Mandarin language classes
HSK preparation classes
Tailored group courses
One-on-one tutoring

Mandarin language classes

There are 15 teaching weeks.
We offer classes at the following levels: Novice, Beginners, Elementary, Pre-intermediate, and Intermediate.
Contact us directly for Advanced classes.
Class sizes are small and range from approximately 3 to 10 people.
These classes are suitable for learners 14 years older.
All classes are held at the VUW Pipitea Campus.

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, 2026

Course	Time	Room	Term Dates	Term Length	Registration Deadline	Fees
Novice	5.30pm - 6.30pm (60 mins.) Tuesday	TBC	10 Feb - 2 Jun	17 weeks with a 2-week break from 6 to 17 Apr	Register until 18 January	$180
Beginners	5.30pm - 6.30pm (60 mins.) Wednesday	TBC	11 Feb - 3 Jun	17 weeks with a 2-week break from 6 to 17 Apr	Register until 18 January	$180
Elementary	5.30pm - 6.45pm (75 mins.) Thursday	TBC	12 Feb - 4 Jun	17 weeks with a 2-week break from 6 to 17 Apr	Register until 18 January	$180
Pre-intermediate	5.30pm - 6.45pm (75 mins.) Wednesday	TBC	11 Feb - 3 Jun	17 weeks with a 2-week break from 6 to 17 Apr	Register until 18 January	$225
Intermediate	5.30pm - 6.45pm (75 mins.) Thursday	TBC	12 Feb - 4 Jun	17 weeks with a 2-week break from 6 to 17 Apr	Register until 18 January	$270

Term 2, 2026

Course	Time	Room	Term Dates	Term Length	Registration Deadline	Fees
Novice	5.30pm - 6.30pm (60 mins.) Tuesday	TBC	14 Jul - 3 Nov	17 weeks with a 2-week break from 17 to 28 Aug	Register until 19 June	$180
Beginners	5.30pm - 6.30pm (60 mins.) Wednesday	TBC	15 Jul - 4 Nov	17 weeks with a 2-week break from 17 to 28 Aug	Register until 19 June	$180
Elementary	5.30pm - 6.45pm (75 mins.) Thursday	TBC	16 Jul - 5 Nov	17 weeks with a 2-week break from 17 to 28 Aug	Register until 19 June	$180
Pre-intermediate	5.30pm - 6.45pm (75 mins.) Wednesday	TBC	12 Aug - 25 Nov	16 weeks with a 1-week break from 19 to 23 Oct	Register until 19 June	$225
Intermediate	5.30pm - 6.45pm (75 mins.) Thursday	TBC	13 Aug - 26 Nov	16 weeks with a 1-week break from 19 to 23 Oct	Register until 19 June	$270

Register now

Payment

Registration will be confirmed after you make payment. Pay by the deadlines listed.

Payment instructions:

Pay online here
Select “Chinese Language Courses”
Enter the required details.
Select the course type.
Enter the amount as per the fees in the table above

We will allocate and confirm your class within 10 days of the deadline. For more information, please email confucius-institute@vuw.ac.nz.

Join our mailing list for 2027 class dates.

HSK Preparation Classes

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.

One-on-one 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.