Foundation studies

Study options

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 (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	Industrial_science
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 Prepare for higher-level study in construction. Find out more	level4	ProgrammeIsOfTypeCertificate	sortOrder1050	Construction_management
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 (Level 4) (Business Pathway) Programme code: NZ2860 Level: 4 Credits: 60 Starts: February, July This programme is a pathway for the Bachelor of Applied Management and Bachelor of Information and Communication Technologies. Find out more	level4	ProgrammeIsOfTypeCertificate	sortOrder1050	Business
New Zealand Certificate in Study and Career Preparation (Pre Health Pathway) Programme code: NZ2860 Level: 4 Credits: 60 Starts: February, July, September 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 (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 (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
Certificate of Proficiency (Foundation) L1-5 Programme code: CHCOP3 Level: 4 Credits: 60 Starts: February, July Advance with this programme and develop the knowledge you need for further tertiary study with specific courses to gain the academic requirements for most CPIT diplomas and degrees. Find out more	level4	ProgrammeIsOfTypeCertificate	sortOrder1050
Certificate in Pasifika Foundation Studies Programme code: CH3960 Level: 3 Credits: 60 Starts: February In our supportive fanau community you will learn about the rich diversity of traditions and creative arts that are at the heart of all Pacific Island cultures. Find out more	level3	ProgrammeIsOfTypeCertificate	sortOrder1050	Maori_and_Pasifika
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
Certificate in Japanese (Foundation) Programme code: CH3906 Level: 3 Credits: 60 Starts: February Take the first exciting step on your journey towards communicating in Japanese with this intensive 17-week programme designed to kick-start your language skills. Find out more	level3	ProgrammeIsOfTypeCertificate	sortOrder1050	Languages
Certificate in Sports Training and Indigenous Culture - TOA Sports Programme code: CH4014 Level: 3 Credits: 120 Starts: February If you are interested in sport and fitness you will have the opportunity to gain further physical, health and mental conditioning while gaining an understanding of Māori and Pasifika language and cultures. Find out more	level3	ProgrammeIsOfTypeCertificate	sortOrder1050	Sport_and_outdoors,Maori_and_Pasifika
Certificate in Māori Foundation Studies - Te Haeata Programme code: CH3960 Level: 3 Credits: 60 Starts: February Take your first steps toward learning the essence of Māori culture, language and tradition within our supportive whānau environment. Find out more	level3	ProgrammeIsOfTypeCertificate	sortOrder1050	Maori_and_Pasifika
New Zealand Certificate in Foundation Skills (Level 2) Programme code: NZ2862 Level: 2 Credits: 60 Starts: February, July This programme of study focuses on the knowledge and skills needed to prepare to progress your learning in a chosen study pathway or career. Find out more	level2	ProgrammeIsOfTypeCertificate	sortOrder1050	Community_studies
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
Certificate in Foundation Studies L1-5 Programme code: CH3841 Level: 0 Credits: 120 Starts: February, July We can create a programme of study, focused on the knowledge and skills needed to meet the entry requirements for your area of interest and chosen career path. Find out more	level0	ProgrammeIsOfTypeCertificate	sortOrder1050	Community_studies

Foundation studies

Connect with us

About foundation programmes

Where to start

Cross-crediting

Programmes