Program Overview

Tertiary Foundation Certificate

The Tertiary Foundation Certificate (TFC) is a one-year programme designed to equip students with the skills and confidence necessary to succeed at university. It offers pathways into undergraduate degrees in various fields, including Arts, Business, Education, Engineering, Medical and Health Sciences, Law, and Sciences.

Programme Overview

He Ara Takat - Tertiary Foundation Certificate (TFC) is a one-year programme that prepares students for undergraduate studies and gives them the chance to meet degree entry requirements. The programme is especially designed to support students from groups under-represented in tertiary education.

Programme Structure

To complete TFC, students must pass eight papers, including core courses in Literacy and Maths, as well as a range of elective subjects in Arts, Business, Education, and Sciences. If students gain a GPA of 7 or above in their first semester of full-time study, they will be eligible to take an approved Stage I undergraduate course in their next semester.

Sample Programme Structure

The programme structure includes two semesters, with a range of compulsory and elective courses. For example, the Science pathway includes courses such as:

• Academic Literacy I
• Foundation Mathematics I
• Foundation Biology I
• Foundation Chemistry I

In the second semester, students can take courses such as:

• Data Analytics
• Foundation Mathematics II
• Foundation Biology II
• Foundation Chemistry II

Entry Requirements

To be eligible to apply for TFC, students must:

• Be a New Zealand citizen or permanent resident
• Have completed Year 13 or been out of school for at least one calendar year after Year 12 (if under 20 years old)

Fees and Scholarships

The 2026 fees for domestic students are NZ$0. Fees are inclusive of 15% GST but do not include course books, travel, and health insurance, or living costs.

Key Dates

• Application closing dates:
  • Semester One 2026: 6 February 2026
  • Semester Two 2026: 3 July 2026
• Start dates:
  • Semester One 2026: 2 March 2026
  • Semester Two 2026: 20 July 2026

Further Study Options

When students successfully complete TFC, they will have a nationally recognised University Entrance qualification. Depending on their subjects and grades, TFC offers guaranteed pathways to all direct entry undergraduate degrees, including:

• Bachelor of Arts
• Bachelor of Commerce
• Bachelor of Engineering (Honours)
• Bachelor of Health Sciences
• Bachelor of Science

Career Planning

The University's Career Development and Employability Services can help students plan and develop their careers.