Institute of Technology or Polytechnic
Ara Institute of CanterburyNew Zealand Certificate in Study and Employment Pathways (Level 3) Cons, Arch and ICT Pathway
This course is available
On-Campus
Level of Study
Certificate
Duration
19 weeks
Next start date
Expected Feb 2027
Campus
Christchurch - City Campus
Summary
Zero fees for new applications starting 25 May 2026. Limited time only. *
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 Certificate in Study & Employment (Level 4) Construction & ICT Pathway
- New Zealand Certificate in Information Technology Essentials (Level 4)
If you match with academic requirements, then you can also go into following programmes:
- New Zealand Diploma in Architectural Technology
- New Zealand Diploma in Construction (Construction Management)
- New Zealand Diploma in Construction (Quantity Surveying)
- New Zealand Diploma in information Technology Technical Support
Available part-time up to 2 years.
*Disclaimer: Ara’s Zero Fees promotion applies only to selected eligible Semester 2 (2026) certificate programmes for domestic students. The promotion applies to new applications received from 25 May 2026 and is subject to applicants meeting programme entry requirements. The offer does not apply retrospectively to students who enrolled prior to this date. This promotion is an Ara initiative and is separate from the Government Fees Free scheme. Additional programme-related costs may still apply (if any).
Entry criteria
Academic RequirementsThis programme has open entry. English language requirements apply.
English RequirementsOverall IELTS 5.0 Academic
- 5.0 Listening
- 5.0 Reading
- 5.0 Writing
- 5.0 Speaking
What if English is not my first Language?
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, please book a PTE Academic test through the Ara Examination Centre or complete an NZQA-approved English language test 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.
- What if I have achieved NCEA Level 3 University Entrance?
- You do not need to provide additional evidence of English Language skills.
Applicants who meet the entry requirements will be accepted into the programme in the order that completed applications are received.
Disclaimer