Our foundation programmes are the stepping stones to further study or to a new career. They can provide entry level qualifications for more advanced study or can help you to learn something new - just because you want to.
You might take a foundation course if:
- You don't meet the entry criteria for a particular programme of study;
- You are returning to study after a period of time away from formal education;
- You are seeking a change in career or study direction; and/or
- You are an international student and/or permanent resident for whom English is a second language and you do not meet the English entry criteria for a programme of study.
About foundation programmes
We have assessed programmes and non-assessed courses:
- Upon successful completion of an assessed foundation programme you are awarded a qualification. This will enable you to meet the Academic entry requirements for most diplomas and degrees at Ara.
- Non-assessed courses help you to develop skills in subjects like computing, reading, writing and maths. You can learn for personal development and enjoyment or to help you decide what you would like to do next. You are not awarded a qualification at the end of non-assessed courses and there is no testing.
Please note: Completing a foundation programme does not guarantee you automatic entry into other programmes, as places may be limited, or other criteria may apply.
Where to start
Visit us at the City Campus in the Rakaia centre. Here, we can help you:
- Find out where to start your study
- Find out what support is available
- Get help putting together a programme or courses that suits you
- Find out what skills and knowledge is required before you start
- Get advice and answers to your study questions
Cross-crediting
At Ara the skills, knowledge and understanding you have gained through previous study and experience can be credited towards your chosen qualification. Instead of enrolling, you will be able to have your prior learning assessed through our Centre for Assessment of Prior Learning (CAPL).
Programmes
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New Zealand Certificate in Study and Career Preparation (Applied Science Pathway)
Programme code: Prepare for higher level study in health and science |
level4 | ProgrammeIsOfTypeCertificate | sortOrder1050 | |
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New Zealand Certificate in Study and Career Preparation (Construction and Architectural Studies Pathway)
Programme code: Prepare for higher-level study in construction and architectural studies |
level4 | ProgrammeIsOfTypeCertificate | sortOrder1050 | Construction_management |
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New Zealand Certificate in Study and Career Preparation (Business and ICT pathway)
Programme code: Prepare for higher-level studies in business or IT. |
level4 | ProgrammeIsOfTypeCertificate | sortOrder1050 | Business |
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New Zealand Certificate in Study and Career Preparation (Medical Imaging Pathway)
Programme code: Prepare for higher level study in health and science |
level4 | ProgrammeIsOfTypeCertificate | sortOrder1050 | Health |
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New Zealand Certificate in Study and Career Preparation (Level 4) (Bachelor of Engineering Pathway)
Programme code: Prepare for higher level study in engineering |
level4 | ProgrammeIsOfTypeCertificate | sortOrder1050 | Engineering_technology |
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New Zealand Certificate in Study and Career Preparation (Pre Health Pathway)
Programme code: Prepare for higher level study in health and science |
level4 | ProgrammeIsOfTypeCertificate | sortOrder1050 | Health,Nursing and Human Services |
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New Zealand Certificate in Study and Career Preparation (Level 4) (New Zealand Diploma in Engineering Pathway)
Programme code: Prepare for higher level study in engineering |
level4 | ProgrammeIsOfTypeCertificate | sortOrder1050 | Engineering_technology |
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New Zealand Certificate in Computing (Advanced User)
Programme code: Enhance your employment opportunities with advanced computing skills. |
level4 | ProgrammeIsOfTypeCertificate | sortOrder1050 | ICT |
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New Zealand Certificate in Study and Career Preparation (Level 3) (Construction Pathway)
Programme code: Gain the academic skills required for higher-level study in construction |
level3 | ProgrammeIsOfTypeCertificate | sortOrder1050 | |
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Certificate in Japanese (Foundation)
Programme code: Learn to read, write and speak basic Japanese for employment, travel or further study. |
level3 | ProgrammeIsOfTypeCertificate | sortOrder1050 | Languages |
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New Zealand Certificate in Study and Career Preparation (Level 3) (TOA Sports Pathway)
Programme code: Challenge yourself physically and mentally, condition your body and mind, and explore sporting ethics based on cultural values |
level3 | ProgrammeIsOfTypeCertificate | sortOrder1050 | Maori_and_Pasifika,Sport_and_outdoors |
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New Zealand Certificate in Study and Career Preparation (Health Pathway)
Programme code: Gain the academic skills required for higher-level study in health |
level3 | ProgrammeIsOfTypeCertificate | sortOrder1050 | |
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New Zealand Certificate in Study and Career Preparation (Level 3) (Animal Care/Vet Nursing Pathway)
Programme code: Gain the academic skills required for higher-level study in animal science |
level3 | ProgrammeIsOfTypeCertificate | sortOrder1050 | |
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New Zealand Certificate in Study and Career Preparation (Level 3) (Support Work and Social Work Pathway)
Programme code: This certificate is designed to equip you with the academic skills and entry requirements for a range of certificates and diplomas. It will also give you the confidence you need to take your studies to the next level. |
level3 | ProgrammeIsOfTypeCertificate | sortOrder1050 | Health,Nursing and Human Services |
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New Zealand Certificate in Study and Career Preparation (Level 3) (Architectural Studies Pathway)
Programme code: Gain the academic skills required for higher-level study in architectural studies |
level3 | ProgrammeIsOfTypeCertificate | sortOrder1050 | Architectural_studies |
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New Zealand Certificate in Computing (Intermediate User)
Programme code: Gain computing skills for a wide range of employment opportunities. |
level3 | ProgrammeIsOfTypeCertificate | sortOrder1050 | ICT |
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New Zealand Certificate in Study and Career Preparation (Sports, Nutrition and Health Promotion Pathway)
Programme code: Gain the academic skills required for higher-level study in sport science, nutrition or health promotion |
level3 | ProgrammeIsOfTypeCertificate | sortOrder1050 | |
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New Zealand Certificate in Study and Career Preparation (Level 3) (Engineering Pre-Pathway)
Programme code: Gain the academic skills required for higher-level study in engineering |
level3 | ProgrammeIsOfTypeCertificate | sortOrder1050 | Engineering_technology |
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Automotive Engineering Level 2 (Youth Guarantee)
Programme code: Take the first steps towards a career in the automotive industry or engineering trades. |
level2 | ProgrammeIsOfTypeCertificate | sortOrder1050 | Motor_industry_trades |
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New Zealand Certificate in Foundation Skills (Level 2) (Career and Education)
Programme code: Prepare for employment or further study with confidence and direction |
level2 | ProgrammeIsOfTypeCertificate | sortOrder1050 | Community_studies |
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New Zealand Certificate in Skills for Living for Supported Learners (Level 1)
Programme code: Gain skills to assist you to be a productive citizen of Aotearoa. |
level1 | ProgrammeIsOfTypeCertificate | sortOrder1050 | Community_studies |
New Zealand Certificate in Study and Career Preparation (Level 4) (Applied Science Pathway)

Programme Code: NZ2860 Level: 4 Credits: 60 Starts: February, July
New Zealand Certificate in Study and Career Preparation (Level 4) (Construction and Architectural Studies Pathway)

Programme Code: NZ2860 Level: 4 Credits: 60 Starts: February, July
New Zealand Certificate in Study and Career Preparation (Level 4) (Business & ICT Pathway)

Programme Code: NZ2860 Level: 4 Credits: 60 Starts: February, July
New Zealand Certificate in Study and Career Preparation (Level 4) (Medical Imaging Pathway)

Programme Code: NZ2860 Level: 4 Credits: 60 Starts: February, July
New Zealand Certificate in Study and Career Preparation (Level 4) (Bachelor of Engineering Pathway)

Programme Code: NZ2860 Level: 4 Credits: 60 Starts: February, July
New Zealand Certificate in Study and Career Preparation (Level 4) (Pre Health Pathway)

Programme Code: NZ2860 Level: 4 Credits: 60 Starts: February, July
New Zealand Certificate in Study and Career Preparation (Level 4) (New Zealand Diploma in Engineering Pathway)

Programme Code: NZ2860 Level: 4 Credits: 60 Starts: February, July
New Zealand Certificate in Computing (Advanced User)

Programme Code: NZ2593 Level: 4 Credits: 60 Starts: Throughout the year
New Zealand Certificate in Study and Career Preparation (Level 3) (Construction)

Programme Code: NZ2863 Level: 3 Credits: 60 Starts: February, July
New Zealand Certificate in Study and Career Preparation (Level 3) (Toa Sports Pathway)

Programme Code: NZ2863 Level: 3 Credits: 60 Starts: February, July
New Zealand Certificate in Study and Career Preparation (Level 3) (Health)

Programme Code: NZ2863 Level: 3 Credits: 60 Starts: February, July
New Zealand Certificate in Study and Career Preparation (Level 3) (Animal Science/Veterinary Nursing)

Programme Code: NZ2863 Level: 3 Credits: 60 Starts: February, July
New Zealand Certificate in Study and Career Preparation (Level 3) (Support Work and Social Work)

Programme Code: NZ2863 Level: 3 Credits: 60 Starts: February
New Zealand Certificate in Study and Career Preparation (Level 3) (Architectural Studies)

Programme Code: NZ2863 Level: 3 Credits: 60 Starts: February, July
New Zealand Certificate in Computing (Intermediate User)

Programme Code: NZ2592 Level: 3 Credits: 60 Starts: Throughout the year
New Zealand Certificate in Study and Career Preparation (Level 3) (Sports, Nutrition and Health Promotion)

Programme Code: NZ2863 Level: 3 Credits: 60 Starts: February, July
New Zealand Certificate in Study and Career Preparation (Level 3) (Engineering Pre-Pathway)

Programme Code: NZ2863 Level: 3 Credits: 60 Starts: February, July
New Zealand Certificate in Foundation Skills - Introduction to Automotive and Engineering

Programme Code: NZ2862 Level: 2 Credits: 60 Starts: February, July
New Zealand Certificate in Foundation Skills (Level 2) (Career and Education)

Programme Code: NZ2862 Level: 2 Credits: 60 Starts: February, July
New Zealand Certificate in Skills for Living for Supported Learners (Level 1)

Programme Code: NZ2853 Level: 1 Credits: 75 Starts: February