Foundation studies

A-Z study guide

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

New Zealand Certificate in Study and Career Preparation (Level 4) (Performing Arts Pathway) Programme code: NZ2860 Level: 4 Credits: 60 Starts: February Prepare for higher level study in the performing arts Find out more	level4	ProgrammeIsOfTypeCertificate	sortOrder1050	Performing_arts
New Zealand Certificate in Computing (Advanced User) Programme code: NZ2593 Level: 4 Credits: 60 Starts: Throughout the year Enhance your employment opportunities with advanced computing skills. Find out more	level4	ProgrammeIsOfTypeCertificate	sortOrder1050	ICT
New Zealand Certificate in Study and Career Preparation (Pre Health Pathway) Programme code: NZ2860 Level: 4 Credits: 60 Starts: February, July Prepare for higher level study in health and science Find out more	level4	ProgrammeIsOfTypeCertificate	sortOrder1050	Health,Nursing and Human Services
New Zealand Certificate in Study and Career Preparation (Applied Management Pathway) Programme code: NZ2860 Level: 4 Credits: 60 Starts: February, July Prepare for higher-level studies in business or IT. Find out more	level4	ProgrammeIsOfTypeCertificate	sortOrder1050	Business
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 Prepare for higher level study in engineering Find out more	level4	ProgrammeIsOfTypeCertificate	sortOrder1050	Engineering_technology
New Zealand Certificate in Study and Career Preparation (Engineering Pathway) Programme code: NZ2860 Level: 4 Credits: 60 Starts: February, July Prepare for higher level study in engineering Find out more	level4	ProgrammeIsOfTypeCertificate	sortOrder1050	Engineering_technology
New Zealand Certificate in Study and Career Preparation (Construction and Architectural Studies Pathway) Programme code: NZ2860 Level: 4 Credits: 60 Starts: February, July Prepare for higher-level study in construction and architectural studies Find out more	level4	ProgrammeIsOfTypeCertificate	sortOrder1050	Construction_management
New Zealand Certificate in Study and Career Preparation (Applied Science Pathway) Programme code: NZ2860 Level: 4 Credits: 60 Starts: February, July Prepare for higher level study in health and science Find out more	level4	ProgrammeIsOfTypeCertificate	sortOrder1050
New Zealand Certificate in Study and Career Preparation (Medical Imaging Pathway) Programme code: NZ2860 Level: 4 Credits: 60 Starts: February, July Prepare for higher level study in health and science Find out more	level4	ProgrammeIsOfTypeCertificate	sortOrder1050	Health
New Zealand Certificate in Study and Career Preparation (Sports, Nutrition and Health Promotion) Programme code: NZ2863 Level: 3 Credits: 60 Starts: February, July Gain the academic skills required for higher-level study in sport science, nutrition or health promotion Find out more	level3	ProgrammeIsOfTypeCertificate	sortOrder1050
New Zealand Certificate in Study and Career Preparation (Level 3) (Performing Arts) Programme code: NZ2863 Level: 3 Credits: 60 Starts: February Gain the academic skills required for higher-level study in the performing arts. Find out more	level3	ProgrammeIsOfTypeCertificate	sortOrder1050	Performing_arts
New Zealand Certificate in Study and Career Preparation (Animal Care/Veterinary Nursing) Programme code: NZ2863 Level: 3 Credits: 60 Starts: February, July Gain the academic skills required for higher-level study in animal science Find out more	level3	ProgrammeIsOfTypeCertificate	sortOrder1050
New Zealand Certificate in Computing (Intermediate User) Programme code: NZ2592 Level: 3 Credits: 60 Starts: Throughout the year Gain computing skills for a wide range of employment opportunities. Find out more	level3	ProgrammeIsOfTypeCertificate	sortOrder1050	ICT
New Zealand Certificate in Study and Career Preparation (Health) Programme code: NZ2863 Level: 3 Credits: 60 Starts: February, July Gain the academic skills required for higher-level study in health Find out more	level3	ProgrammeIsOfTypeCertificate	sortOrder1050
New Zealand Certificate in Study and Career Preparation (Level 3) (Engineering Pathway) Programme code: NZ2863 Level: 3 Credits: 60 Starts: February, July Gain the academic skills required for higher-level study in engineering Find out more	level3	ProgrammeIsOfTypeCertificate	sortOrder1050	Engineering_technology
New Zealand Certificate in Study and Career Preparation Level 3 - TOA Sports Pathway Programme code: NZ2863 Level: 3 Credits: 60 Starts: February, July Challenge yourself physically and mentally, condition your body and mind, and explore sporting ethics based on cultural values Find out more	level3	ProgrammeIsOfTypeCertificate	sortOrder1050	Maori_and_Pasifika,Sport_and_outdoors
New Zealand Certificate in Study and Career Preparation (Level 3) (Architectural Studies) Programme code: NZ2863 Level: 3 Credits: 60 Starts: February, July Gain the academic skills required for higher-level study in architectural studies Find out more	level3	ProgrammeIsOfTypeCertificate	sortOrder1050	Architectural_studies
Certificate in Japanese (Foundation) Programme code: CH3906 Level: 3 Credits: 60 Starts: February Learn to read, write and speak basic Japanese for employment, travel or further study. Find out more	level3	ProgrammeIsOfTypeCertificate	sortOrder1050	Languages
New Zealand Certificate in Foundation Skills (Level 2) (Career and Education) Programme code: NZ2862 Level: 2 Credits: 60 Starts: February, July Prepare for employment or further study with confidence and direction Find out more	level2	ProgrammeIsOfTypeCertificate	sortOrder1050	Community_studies
Introduction to Automotive and Engineering (Level 2) Foundation Programme code: NZ2862 Level: 2 Credits: 60 Starts: February, July Take the first steps towards a career in the automotive industry or engineering trades. Find out more	level2	ProgrammeIsOfTypeCertificate	sortOrder1050	Motor_industry_trades
New Zealand Certificate in Skills for Living for Supported Learners (Level 1) Programme code: NZ2853 Level: 1 Credits: 55 Starts: February Gain confidence and skills for the workplace. Find out more	level1	ProgrammeIsOfTypeCertificate	sortOrder1050	Community_studies

Foundation studies

Connect with us

About foundation programmes

Where to start

Cross-crediting

Programmes