» Excellence certificates for students

Certificates of Excellence 2026

To recognise exceptional achievement in the field of language learning, NZALT provides certificates, suitably endorsed, for NZALT members to award to their students. Please note that it is not possible to apply for certificates for other (non-member) teachers in your school.

For 2026, we are very lucky to be working with Language Circle to prepare your certificates. Please note that the email address to send your completed spreadsheets is now support@languagecircle.co.nz

As with last year, 2026 certificates will be sent to schools in pdf format for self-printing. This is to ensure certificates are not held up due to delivery issues so that all schools have the certificates available to present in Term 1.

Dates for 2026 have now been set and are as follows:

Friday, 27 February: spreadsheets due, clearly labeled, listing students eligible for recognition. Completed spreadsheets should be sent to support@languagecircle.co.nz

Only one spreadsheet containing the information for all languages should be sent per school.

The spreadsheet can be found here.

Week beginning Monday, 16 March: Certificates emailed to schools.

Please note that applications after the Friday, 27 February deadline will not be accepted

Guidelines

1. Eligibility :

a student is eligible to receive a Certificate of Excellence if s/he has gained, in a language in any one year, at least:

at NCEA Levels 1, 2 and 3: 14 or more credits at Excellence level, including at least 3 credits at Excellence from externally and 3 credits at Excellence from internally assessed standards.

Cambridge International Examinations: A or A*

International Baccalaureate (IB): Standard Level grade 7 or Language B Higher Level grade 6 or 7.

2. Applications must state:

Candidate's name (correctly spelt)
b. Language learned and which examination / level;
c. School attended;
d. Name(s) of teacher(s) making application;
e. Name of school principal;
f. NZALT region of the school (Auckland, Waikato, Massey, Victoria, Canterbury, Otago/Southland)

3. Certificates are for students in Years 11 to 13.

4. The student's teacher must be a current member of NZALT (i.e., hold membership in the year in which students completed the standards to which an Excellence certificate applies).