Program Overview

New Zealand Certificate in Study and Employment (Level 4) Open Pathway

Overview

This six-month programme is designed to build your skills for long-term academic and career success by ensuring the essential layers of learning are in place. It covers a variety of subjects aimed at preparing you for the following programmes:

• New Zealand Diploma in Architectural Technology
• Bachelor of Architectural Studies
• Bachelor of Applied Management
• Bachelor of Broadcasting Communications
• Bachelor of Social Work
• Bachelor of Sustainability and Outdoor Education

Available part-time up to 2 years.

Fees for 2025

• Domestic Fee: $2,846 - $3,200 per year
• International Fee: $13,000 per year
• Indicative Student Services Fee: $370.50 per year

Academic Requirements

• 40 credits NCEA Level 2, including 10 Level 1 Literacy credits and 10 Level 1 Mathematic credits (with a strength in Algebra for the Engineering and Construction and ICT Pathways and Numeracy for other pathways)
• Please note that statistics and probability do not count towards this mathematics credits requirement.
• OR New Zealand Certificate in Study and Employment (Level 3)

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

Still want to study but don't meet the Academic 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

What if English is not my first Language?

• 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.

Overall IELTS 5.5 Academic

• 5.5 Listening
• 5.0 Reading
• 5.5 Writing
• 5.0 Speaking

Selection Criteria

Applicants who meet the entry requirements will be accepted into the programme in the order that completed applications are received.

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.

Core Courses

• Adventure Leadership (COAE400) - 15 credits
• Kaitiakitanga and Environmental Education (COAE404) - 15 credits
• Developing Rangatiratanga (CSEP400) - 15 credits
• Mastering Calculations (CSEP411) - 15 credits
• Cell Biology and Chemistry (CSEP420) - 15 credits
• Human Body and Microbial Science (CSEP421) - 15 credits
• Literacy Skills for Study and Employment (CSEP431) - 15 credits
• Technical Skills (CSEP440) - 15 credits
• Creative Digital Skills (DGMD411) - 15 credits
• Contemporary Issues in Health and Wellbeing (HWCI400) - 15 credits
• Te Ao Hauora Māori (HWTM400) - 15 credits
• Nutrition and Lifestyle (SPOR4003) - 15 credits

Programme Details

• Type: Certificate
• Code: NZ2860
• Next Starts: February 2026
• May be available for Study Visa: Yes
• Credits: 60
• Level: 4
• May be eligible for Studylink: Yes
• Available Part-time: Yes
• Reference: NZ2860-OPC

Programme Structure

• FULL-TIME: 19 Weeks (Part-time options available)

Credit Recognition

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