New Zealand Certificate in Study and Employment Pathways (Level 3) Cons, Arch and ICT Pathway
Course details
| NZQF Level | 3 |
|---|
About the course
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 requirements
Overall 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.
About the provider
Ara Institute of Canterbury is recognised as one of New Zealand’s leading tertiary institutes. Specialising in applied, vocational and professional training, it offers more than 150 courses from foundation to postgraduate level.
Ara caters to a diverse range of learners; from school leavers and career changers to professionals wanting to upskill and individuals seeking to re-enter the workforce.
All Ara students benefit from the Ara Advantage: relevant courses, taught by inspirational mentors in real-life learning environments. Almost every Ara programme includes work-integrated learning. Work placements, apprenticeships, industry-based projects and internships ensure students are work-ready when they graduate.
Across its six campuses, Ara’s dedicated tutors and non-academic staff support students throughout their study journey. A comprehensive range of student services - such as financial assistance, learning support, health and wellbeing services, accommodation, childcare and student events – contributes to the success of every student.
It also has six additional small community hubs which deliver free digital upskilling and personal development courses.