New Zealand Certificate in Fashion

Deliver on your design aspirations and learn the conceptual and construction skills needed to meet fashion industry expectations.

This certificate is a great pathway to working in the fashion industry or to further study.

You will gain entry-level skills in pattern-making and garment construction. By working alongside our local industry we'll show you how the industry works and what goes on in a range of workplaces. We'll also introduce you to a range of textiles and the basic skills of fashion design.

At the end of the course you should be able to apply these skills in a garment production workshop, under the direction of a designer or production manager. You'll be ready to work in fashion retail, with an understanding of how garments are made and marketed, and you'll be able to make a range of basic garment types.

40 credits NCEA Level 1, including 10 literacy credits and 10 numeracy credits.

If you have undertaken examinations other than NCEA (e.g. International Baccalaureate, Cambridge Examination), Ara will assess your qualification for academic entry equivalency.

Still 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.

You are required to supply a 300 word statement expressing your interest in working within the Fashion Industry. You may also be required to attend an interview.

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 .

OR

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.

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.