New Zealand Certificate in Automotive Engineering

Summary

Build your foundational knowledge, learn how to service general automotive systems and work within commercial work environments.

As a graduate of this programme you will be able to:

• Comply with workplace policies, procedures, and relevant regulations to work safely and effectively in an automotive workshop
• Select and use tools and equipment for the completion of basic workshop engineering tasks
• Apply fundamental knowledge of automotive engineering systems to the maintenance of engine and driveline systems
• Assess the operation and perform minor repairs on vehicle electrical and electronic control systems
• Apply fundamental knowledge of automotive engineering systems to the maintenance of steering, suspension, and braking systems.

Highlights

• Flexible study options are available. We have full-time (Evening full-time study options available from 3.30 PM to 8.30 PM) and on the job (work-based) study options available.
• Practice while you learn in our purpose-built trades facility. This includes multiple workshop spaces, and the Giltrap (Volkswagen) sponsored automotive lab with the latest emulation and simulation technologies.
• Work with advanced automotive technical training equipment
• Work on natural systems, including engines, transmissions, and live vehicles
• Hands-on working environment – the workshop IS the classroom
• Learn how to service a range of automotive electrical, electronic, and mechanical systems

About Work based study

Our work based option is designed for students who wish to gain this qualification while working in the automotive industry. If you have any queries about this option and want to know more about the course timetable, please contact;

• Duncan Wales, Automotive Lecturer, dwales@unitec.ac.nz, 0274 361 223
• Prabhat Chand, Academic Leader, pchand@unitec.ac.nz, (09) 892 8118

Funding your study

Find out how to fund your study, including which loans and allowances are available, the fees-free tertiary study policy, grants, and hardship. More about funding your study.

Qualification pathway

Graduates of this programme can take a pathway into becoming a trainee or start your automotive apprenticeship in a light automotive or automotive electrical programme, or even enroll in our Bachelor of Applied Technology – Automotive Engineering programme

Career Options

• Automotive Dismantlers
• Automotive Electrical Technician
• Automotive Parts Consultant
• Automotive Service Advisor
• Automotive Technician
• EV Technician

Annual Tuition Fees

Domestic/NZ students

$8,100

(Approximate fees only - includes GST but excludes the Compulsory Student Services Fee (CSSF) levy. Your final study costs depends on a number of factors including the courses you select to study. View options for funding your study and fees-free eligibility)

International students

$26,415 (NZD) (approximate fees for 120 credits) Save upto $2,000 (NZD) with Unitec International Study Grant 2026.Terms and conditions apply.

Semester Dates

Sem 1 2026: 23 Feb – 28 Jun

Sem 2 2026: 20 Jul – 22 Nov

For course and class timings, refer to the specific course webpage.

For StudyLink purposes, please ensure your application states your earliest course start date.

Downloads and resources

Programme regulations - New Zealand Certificate in Automotive Engineering NZCAE- TOOLS AND SAFETY EQUIPMENT 2021 Order a personalised brochure [Scholarships and awards](https://www.unitec.ac.nz/application-and-funding/scholarships...