Certificate in Foundation Studies – CertFoundStud

The Certificate in Foundation Studies is a pre-degree qualification that prepares students for undergraduate study. Successful completion of this qualification will give students admission to New Zealand universities.

Overview

The Certificate in Foundation Studies is a one-year full-time (120 credits) qualification that can also be studied part-time. It is designed to equip students with the necessary skills and knowledge to succeed in undergraduate studies.

Type of Qualification

• Certificate
• Level of study: Pre-degree study (NZQF level 4)

Time to Complete

• 1 year full-time (120 credits)
• Part-time available

Where You Can Study

• Auckland campus
• Distance and online
• Wellington campus
• Manawatū campus (Palmerston North)

International Students

The Certificate in Foundation Studies is open to international students on campus in New Zealand, or studying online outside New Zealand.

Key Dates

• Admission application due dates
• Course enrolment dates for accepted students
• Semester dates

Note

• Creative Arts pathway based internally at the Wellington campus
• International students with intended pathways other than Creative Arts should seek to enrol in the Foundation Certificate International (FCI).
• Students can take a maximum of 2 courses (30 credits) in Summer School.

Why Do the Certificate in Foundation Studies?

The Certificate in Foundation Studies is a good fit for students who would like to study at university but do not have university entrance. It enables students to gain university entrance and prepares them for undergraduate study.

Entry Requirements

Admission to Massey

All students must meet university entrance requirements to be admitted to the University.

Specific Requirements

To enter the Certificate in Foundation Studies, students will:

• Have completed NCEA Level 2, or equivalent
• Have a minimum IELTS score of 5.5 overall, with a minimum of 5.0 in each band (or equivalent), if English is not their first language

International Students

Eligible students with an intended pathway to College of Creative Arts qualifications are permitted to enrol in the Creative Arts pathway within the Certificate in Foundation Studies qualification. International students with intended pathways to other undergraduate qualifications will need to gain admission via the Foundation Certificate (International) (full year).

Prior Learning, Credit, and Exemptions

For information on prior learning, exemptions, and transfer of credit or other questions, students should review the Recognition of Prior Learning regulations or contact Massey University.

English Language Skills

If students need help with their English language skills before starting university, Massey University offers courses and qualifications that may help, such as English for Academic Purposes (EAP).

Official Regulations

To understand what students need to study and must complete to graduate, they should read the official rules and regulations for this qualification.

Structure of the Certificate in Foundation Studies

The Certificate is made up of eight 15-credit courses, including four compulsory courses that focus on academic language, study, and research skills. Students choose four elective courses from their intended pathway (the academic area they want to study at undergraduate level).

Core Courses

• Academic Language and Writing 1
• Critical Academic Skills
• Foundations of Tertiary Learning
• Strategies for Undergraduate Success

Pathway Courses

Business Pathway

• Foundation Business Studies
• Foundation Māori Culture
• Foundation Communications
• Foundation Analytical Thinking and Numeracy

Humanities/Social Sciences Pathway

• Foundation Māori Culture
• Foundation Communications
• Foundation Humanities
• Foundation Social Sciences

Science Pathway

• Foundation Māori Culture
• Foundation Communications
• Foundation Social Sciences
• Foundation Analytical Thinking and Numeracy
• Foundation Applied Sciences
• Foundation Natural Sciences

Health Pathway

• Foundation Māori Culture
• Foundation Communications
• Foundation Health Studies
• Foundation Social Sciences
• Foundation Analytical Thinking and Numeracy

Creative Arts Pathway

• Foundation Māori Culture
• Foundation Communications
• Foundation Drawing
• Foundation Sound and Image
• Foundation Fabricate

Fees and Scholarships

2026 Tuition Fees

• Domestic students: $7,415
• International students: $34,220

Tuition fees are estimates only and depend on which courses students select at the time of enrolment.

Student Loans (StudyLink) and Fees Free Scheme

Students may be eligible for a student loan to help towards paying their fees. The New Zealand Government offers fees-free tertiary study for eligible domestic students.

Scholarship and Award Opportunities

Massey University offers various scholarships and awards. Students can search for these opportunities on the university's website.

Accreditations and Rankings

Massey University has received a 5+ star rating from QS for the third consecutive time, highlighting its strengths in employability, environmental impact, facilities, global engagement, inclusiveness, innovation & knowledge transfer, online learning, research & teaching.

Related Study Options

• Certificate of University Preparation – CertUniPrep
• Foundation Certificate (International - Accelerated) – FCert(IntAcc)
• Foundation Certificate (International) – FCert(Int)
• Postgraduate Certificate in Intelligence – PGCertIntel
• Postgraduate Certificate in International Security – PGCertIntlSy
• Graduate Certificate in Arts
• Diploma in Arts
• Graduate Diploma in Arts

Colleges

• Massey Business School
• College of Creative Arts
• College of Health
• College of Humanities and Social Sciences
• College of Sciences

Popular Links

• Apply to study
• Qualifications & courses search
• Scholarships & awards
• Key dates
• Massey University Calendar
• Student & staff portal
• Staff intranet
• Jobs at Massey
• News
• Events

Copyright 1998 – 2025 Massey University. All rights reserved.

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Outline:

• Type of qualification: Certificate
• Level of study: Pre-degree study
• NZQF level: 4
• Time to complete: 1 year full-time (120 credits)
• Part-time availability: Up to 4 years
• International students: Open to international students on campus in New Zealand or studying online outside New Zealand.
• Key dates: Admission application due dates, Course enrolment dates for accepted students, Semester dates.
• Structure: The Certificate is made up of eight 15-credit courses:
• Four compulsory courses:
• Academic Language and Writing 1
• Academic Language and Writing 2
• Study Skills and Strategies
• Critical Academic Skills
• Four elective courses:
• Chosen from a selected academic pathway (business, creative arts, health, humanities/social sciences, or science).

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Pathway options:

• Business: Available in Auckland, Manawatū, and Distance.
• Creative Arts: Available in Wellington.
• Health: Available in Auckland, Manawatū, Distance, and Wellington (limited courses available).
• Humanities/Social Sciences: Available in Auckland, Manawatū, Distance, and Wellington (limited courses available).

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Other:

• The program is offered in both full-time and part-time modes.

Massey University of New Zealand - Te Kunenga ki Pūrehuroa

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Overview:

Massey University is a research-led university in New Zealand, known for its excellence in innovation and the creation of new knowledge. It offers a wide range of academic programs and support services to students.

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Services Offered:

Massey University provides a variety of support services to students, including: *

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Academic support:

Guidance and resources for academic success. *

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Student life services:

Support for personal well-being, career development, and social engagement. *

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Māori @ Massey:

Dedicated services and resources for Māori students. *

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Pacific Massey:

Support and resources for Pacific students.

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Key Reasons to Study There:

Research-led institution:

Massey University is known for its strong research focus and commitment to innovation.

Diverse student body:

The university welcomes students from various backgrounds and cultures.

Supportive environment:

Massey provides a range of services and resources to help students succeed.

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Other:

Distance and online study:

Massey offers a wide range of distance and online study options.

Alumni network:

The university has a strong alumni network that provides support and connections for graduates.