New Zealand Certificate in Agriculture (Level 3) with strands in Dairy Farming and Meat and or Fibre
Course details
| NZQF Level | 3 |
|---|
About the course
Gain the practical skills employers are looking for. Learn the fundamentals of livestock farming, animal health, pasture management, and farm operations, with specialised pathways in Dairy Farming or Meat and Fibre production.
The purpose of this qualification is to provide pastoral livestock farming sectors with individuals who have the skills and knowledge to carry out a range of core tasks relevant to either dairy or meat and/or fibre farming.
This qualification is stranded to recognise the specific skills and knowledge required by the pastoral livestock farming sectors. The livestock farming industry will benefit by having staff that are able to carry out tasks in a safe, appropriate and effective manner.
This qualification is targeted at people who either have some experience, or who have a desire to work, in the pastoral farming industry, who want to develop their skills and knowledge in dairy farming meat farming and/or fibre farming. Graduates will be capable of working under limited supervision with responsibility for work outcomes.
Entry requirements
Applicants Under 20 Years
Applicants under 20 years of age must:
- Have achieved NCEA Level 1 in English, or an equivalent qualification.
- Hold a driver's licence, with a minimum of a Restricted Class 1 (car) licence.
- Have suitable physical capability to complete manual tasks.
- Be employed in the farming industry or be willing to undertake industry experience on a farm.
Applicants Over 20 Years
Applicants aged 20 years or over at the time of enrolment may be considered if they can demonstrate their ability to succeed in the programme.
Evidence may include:
- successful completion of a programme of study at Level 2 or above in a related discipline; and/or\
- at least one year of employment in a related sector.
Applicants aged 20 years or over must also:
- hold a driver's licence, with a minimum of a Restricted Class 1 (car) licence; and
- have suitable physical capability to complete manual tasks.
Admission may be subject to programme regulations approved by the Head of Faculty in consultation with the Programme Manager, as appropriate. Personal commitment and belief in your ability to succeed will also be considered during the selection process.
English Language Requirements
Applicants whose first language is not English, or who come from a country where English is not the language of instruction in schools, must provide evidence of one of the following:
- NCEA Level 3 with University Entrance; or
- an International Baccalaureate Diploma or Cambridge A Level qualification where teaching and assessment were conducted in English; or
- a Cambridge Certificate in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (CELTA) or Trinity College London Certificate in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (CertTESOL); or
- successful completion of all primary education (equivalent to New Zealand primary school Years 1 to 8) and at least three years of secondary education (equivalent to three years of New Zealand secondary school Years 9 to 13) at schools in New Zealand, Australia, Canada, the Republic of Ireland, South Africa, the United Kingdom or the United States, where English was the language of instruction; or
- successful completion of at least five years of secondary education (equivalent to New Zealand secondary school Years 9 to 13) at schools in New Zealand, Australia, Canada, the Republic of Ireland, South Africa, the United Kingdom or the United States, where English was the language of instruction; or
- successful completion of a Bachelor's Degree, Graduate Certificate, Graduate Diploma, Bachelor Honours Degree, Postgraduate Certificate, Postgraduate Diploma, Master's Degree or Doctoral Degree taught in English by a tertiary education provider in New Zealand, Australia, Canada, the Republic of Ireland, South Africa, the United Kingdom or the United States; or
- successful completion of one of the internationally recognised English proficiency tests below at the required level. All scores must be achieved in a single test taken within the two years preceding the proposed date of enrolment.
Certificate at Level 3: Recognised English Proficiency Tests
- IELTS (General or Academic): Overall score of 5.0, with no band score lower than 5.0.
- TOEFL Paper-based Test (pBT): Score of 500, with an essay score of 4 TWE.
- TOEFL Internet-based Test (iBT): Score of 35, with a writing score of 14.
- Cambridge English Examination: B2 First or B2 First for Schools with a score of 154, with no less than 154 in each skill.
- OET: Minimum Grade C or 200 in all sub-tests.
- NZCEL: Level 3 (General) or (Workplace).
- Pearson Test of English (Academic): PTE Academic score of 36, with no band score lower than 36.
- LanguageCert: B1 Achiever IESOL (LRWS) with PASS, with no less than PASS in each skill.
- Trinity ISE: ISE I, with no less than Distinction in any band.
*This course is not available to international students.
About the provider
Join one of New Zealand's top agricultural training providers and get hands-on experience that sets you up for success in the industry.
At Telford, we offer a hands-on learning experience like no other, preparing you for the challenges and rewards of the agricultural sector. Whether you’re interested in farming, equine, or land-based trades, our industry-leading courses provide you with the skills and real-world experience to stand out. With 2026 enrolments now open, take the first step toward a rewarding career by joining one of New Zealand’s top agricultural training providers. Apply today and start shaping your future!
- 856 hectares of active farmland
- Hands-on Practical Training & Learning
- Blended Delivery and On-Campus Courses