Institute of Technology or Polytechnic
Ara Institute of CanterburyNew Zealand Certificate in Study and Employment (Level 4) Engineering 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 programme covers skills for academic study, engineering maths and engineering physics. It’s designed to prepare you for the following programmes:
- New Zealand Diploma in Engineering (Civil)
- New Zealand Diploma in Engineering (Electrical)
- New Zealand Diploma in Engineering (Mechanical)
- New Zealand Diploma in Engineering (Electronic)
and then on to the
- Bachelor of Engineering (Civil)
- Bachelor of Engineering (Electrical)
- Bachelor of Engineering (Mechanical)
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 Requirements40 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 RequirementsStill 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.
Note: The number of courses you have to complete for this qualification may be reduced where you have relevant credits from previous study, or evidence of similar learning or experience in the workplace.
English RequirementsOverall IELTS 5.5 Academic
- 5.5 Listening
- 5.0 Reading
- 5.5 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.
- While entry to this programme requires an IELTS level of 5.5 Academic, entry to some of the Ara degrees requires a score of 6.5 or 7.0 Academic.
Applicants who meet the entry requirements will be accepted into the programme in the order that completed applications are received.
Disclaimer