Become an Interpreter

Where to train to become an interpreter

There is currently only one New Zealand Sign Language/English interpreter training course in New Zealand. The course is at AUT University, in Auckland.

The course is three years full-time, running from February to November each year. Students who successfully complete the course receive a Bachelor of Arts (BA) with a major in New Zealand Sign Language – English Interpreting.

For more information on this course, visit the AUT website.

AUT NZ Sign Language (NZSL) & Interpreting Career Flyer

Watch a video about the AUT interpreting course here

Learn New Zealand Sign Language (NZSL)

Sign language classes are available in many cities in New Zealand. For more information, see the New Zealand Sign Language Teachers Association website.

Learn NZSL is a free e-learning resource, taking you through 9 topics focusing on everyday communication in NZSL.

You can also view NZSL videos online, for instance on YouTube and on the Deaf Aotearoa website.

NZSL Online is an online dictionary of NZSL with videos showing how the sign is produced and example sentences showing how the sign is used in context.