About the course

Start your journey into higher education or employment with the New Zealand Certificate in Study and Employment Pathways (Level 3). This programme equips you with practical skills, confidence, and knowledge to pursue further studies or step into the workforce.

While it’s not equivalent to NCEA Level 3, successful completion will open doors to higher-level programs. Please see ‘Pathways to Further Study’ below to see where the New Zealand Certificate in Study and Employment Pathways (Level 3), could take you.

Highlights

Supportive Environment: Learn in a welcoming setting with supportive, knowledgeable lecturers.
Skills for Success: Gain study skills, foundational knowledge, and confidence for further study and the workplace.
Engaging Learning Methods: Experience group and individual work, seminars, debates, whānau hui, and self-directed learning.
Pathway to Higher-Level Programs: Successfully complete this certificate and apply for higher-level programs.

To complete this programme you need to pass four courses, totalling 60 credits. Each course is worth 15 credits.

Please note: International students who graduate will NOT be eligible for a post-study work visa upon completion of this programme.

Pathways

The New Zealand Certificate in Study and Employment Pathways (Level 3) offers six pathways designed to equip you with the skills you need to progress into your choice of higher-level programmes.

Engineering & Construction

The courses in this pathway are appropriate for Engineering, Construction Management, Land Surveying, Quantity Surveying or similar.

Course selection will be discussed after the Skills Review, will include:

Academic Study Skills (Engineering & Construction)
Physics
Developing Mathematical Thinking
Understanding Algebra

General – Mount Albert

Includes Art & Design, Architecture, Business, Computing, Early Childhood Education, Social Work, Trades and Science.

Students interested in these or similar pathways, or who are not sure of their career pathway, will be offered the following:

Academic Study Skills (General)
Foundation Maths
Numeracy Skills
Developing Mathematical Thinking
Projects in Creative Arts
Understanding Algebra
Bioscience
Introduction to Business
Psychology
Art and Design
Introduction to Computing Skills

General – Waitākere

Includes Science and Health.

Students interested in these or similar pathways, will be offered the following:

Academic Study Skills (General)
Bioscience
Psychology
Foundation Maths
Nursing Maths

Pathways to Further Study

Upon completing the New Zealand Certificate in Study and Employment Pathways (Level 3), you’ll have a pathway to study in fields such as:

Architecture and architectural technology
Art and Design
Business
Computing
Construction management and quantity surveying
Early childhood education
Engineering (electrical and civil)
Environmental and animal sciences
Land surveying
Nursing and medical imaging
Screen arts, acting, and technical production
Social work and community development
Sport, exercise and recreation
Trades (automotive, mechanical, carpentry, plumbing, gasfitting, and drainlaying)

Skills Review Session

To ensure you’re enrolled in the right courses, we conduct a skills review session, including online quizzes to assess reading, writing, and math skills. Our team will work with you to identify the best courses, setting you up for success.

Youth Guarantee Scheme

If you are between 16 and 19 years old and did not achieve NCEA Level 2 at high school, you may be eligible to study for free for one year under the Youth Guarantee Scheme. We have up to 60 places available. To see if you qualify, take a look at the scholarship page here: Youth Guarantee Scheme.

Career Options

Entry into further study at certificate or diploma level.

Annual Tuition Fees

Domestic/NZ students

$3,365

(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

$13,207 (NZD) (approximate fees for 60 credits) Save up to $1,000 (NZD) with the 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 Study and Employment Pathways (Level 3) Order a personalised brochure Scholarships and awards Student Life For Māori students For Pacific students For International students

Entry requirements

To apply for this programme, you must meet the following criteria

General, special, or discretionary admission requirements; plus
English language requirements; and
You will need to complete a pre-entry Skills Review session.

General Admission

You’ve completed at least 3 years of secondary school, and
You’ll be 16 years old or older when the programme starts.

If you’re under 16, you’ll need to complete an Early Release Exemption form.

About the provider

Unitec is New Zealand’s largest institute of technology offering a wide range of work-oriented programmes and short courses. We offer leading employment-focused education at our two campuses in Mt. Albert, and Waitākere. At Unitec we think the traditional view of spending hours in a lecture theatre is out-dated. And that's why we approach learning differently. With our unique combination of world-class theory and hands-on experience, you'll get the skills to meet the changing needs of employers. And because our tutors are industry-based, they know what it takes to make it in the real world. We offer a friendly and diverse learning environment with flexible study programmes, lots of support, and hands-on experience to build the skills you need for your career and your future.

Video

External links

Provider's course page

Course details