Program Overview

New Zealand Certificate in Fashion

Overview

The New Zealand Certificate in Fashion is a great pathway towards working in the fashion industry or undertaking further study. This certificate introduces students to a range of textiles and the basic skills of fashion design, and provides entry-level skills in patternmaking and garment construction.

What will I study

• Design and Textile Concepts (CFDT400, 15 credits)
• Fashion Industry Practice (CFIP400, 15 credits)
• Technical Skills - Garment/Product Construction (CFTG400, 15 credits)
• Technical Skills - Pattern Making (CFTP400, 15 credits)

Pathway

This certificate is a stepping stone to further study in the dynamic fashion industry. Graduates may wish to advance to the Bachelor of Design (Fashion Technology and Design) to become a production manager, stylist, fashion retailer, or independent fashion designer.

Details

• Type: Certificate
• Code: NZ2630
• Next Starts: February 2026
• May be available for Study Visa?: Yes
• International application close date: Please enquire
• Credits: 60
• Level: 4
• Additional Equipment/Fees: Advised on enrolment
• May be eligible for Studylink?: Yes
• May be eligible for Fees Free?: Yes
• Reference: NZ2630-STRU

Fees for 2025

• Domestic Fee: $4,045 - $4,500 per year
• International Fee: $13,000 per year
• Valid To: December 31, 2025

Academic Requirements

• 40 credits NCEA Level 1, including 10 literacy credits and 10 numeracy credits
• If you have undertaken examinations other than NCEA (e.g. International Baccalaureate, Cambridge Examination), Ara will assess your qualification for academic entry equivalency.

Alternative Requirements

• If you show that you have equivalent skills for tertiary study gained through study, work and/or life experience, you may be able to gain alternative entry.

English Requirements

• Overall IELTS 5.5 Academic
  • 5.0 Listening
  • 5.0 Reading
  • 5.0 Writing
  • 5.0 Speaking
• If English is not your first language, we want to make sure that you will be successful in your chosen programme of study.
• Please provide a result from a test or qualification on the acceptable alternatives English Proficiency Outcomes Chart.
• If you are a New Zealand Citizen or Permanent Resident, complete an Admission and Enrolment form and Ara will contact you regarding a free assessment.
• If you are not a New Zealand Citizen or Permanent resident, book an IELTS or other test through the Ara Examination Centre or in your home country.
• IELTS scores used must be taken from a single IELTS Test Report Form and are valid for two years from the date of the test.

Selection Criteria

• A selection process will occur based on application information.
• Where applications exceed places available, you may be waitlisted. The waitlist order will be based on the selection criteria above.

Funding assistance

• If you face unexpected financial hardship during your studies, we have several funds that you can apply for. These are designed to enable you to continue your current course of study.
• We also have a wide range of scholarships and awards that can provide financial assistance.

Career opportunities

• Our programme will set you up for fashion industry jobs such as an assistant patternmaker, garment technician, assistant machinist, cutter's assistant, retail merchandising, assistant or production assistant.

Study pathways

• As a graduate of this certificate you'll have great basic technical skills. If you want to progress further down the path to becoming a production manager, a stylist, a fashion retailer, or an independent fashion designer, you may wish to advance to our degree programme, the Bachelor of Design (Fashion Technology and Design). If you have good results in the certificate, you can apply by submitting a portfolio workbook and written statement along with your degree application. Staff will advise you on how to put together a strong application.

Credit Recognition

• If you have prior relevant experience or previous related study credits, you may be eligible for credit recognition towards this qualification.