Timaru campus
The Timaru campus is located just a short stroll from the city’s CBD and features modern facilities and a range of services for students.
Courses available in Timaru
New Zealand Diploma in Arts and Design
Enhance your skills to establish yourself as a creative professional.
New Zealand Certificate in Digital Media and Design
Gain foundational digital experience for employment or further studies in the creative industries.
New Zealand Certificate in Creativity
Gain foundational hands-on experience for employment or further studies in the creative industries.
New Zealand Diploma in Early Childhood Education and Care (Level 5)
Extend your skills to become a knowledgeable and confident early childhood educator.
Certificate in Early Childhood Education and Care (Level 4)
Build on your knowledge and skills for the early childhood education sector.
Certificate in Early Childhood Education and Care (Level 3)
Take the first step towards a rewarding career working with children.
Certificate in English Language (Level 5)
Develop your English skills for further tertiary study.
Certificate in English Language (Academic) (Level 4)
Learn how to communicate confidently and effectively in academic situations.
Certificate in English Language (General) (Level 4)
Improve your language skills for work and everyday situations.
Certificate in English Language (Applied) (Level 3) Academic
Improve your language skills for further academic study.
Certificate in English Language (Level 2)
Learn English for familiar situations and general topics.
New Zealand Diploma in Cookery (Advanced) (Level 5) with a strand in Cookery
Learn how to produce advanced dishes and take a leading role in commercial kitchen environments.
Training for the Licence Controller Qualification (LCQ)
Did you know all licensed premises are required to have a written Host Responsibility Plan (HRP)?
Cookery & Restaurant Service Skills Level 3 (Dual Enrolment)
Take your first step towards a career in the hospitality industry.
Hospitality, Cookery & Beverage Level 2
Prepare for a career in Cookery or Hospitality Industries by gaining essential basic skills in both.
New Zealand Certificate in Study and Employment (Level 4) Pre Health Pathway
Prepare for higher-level, health-related study
New Zealand Certificate in Study and Employment (Level 4) Construction & ICT Pathway
Prepare for higher-level study in construction and ICT studies
New Zealand Certificate in Study and Employment (Level 4) Engineering Pathway
Prepare to study a diploma in engineering
New Zealand Certificate in Study and Employment Pathways (Level 3) Health and Science Pathway
Gain the academic skills required for higher-level, health-related study
New Zealand Certificate in Study and Employment Pathways (Level 3) Cons, Arch and ICT Pathway
Gain the academic skills required for higher-level study in construction, architecture or ICT
New Zealand Certificate in Study and Employment Pathways (Level 3) Engineering Pathway
Gain the academic skills required for higher-level study in engineering
New Zealand Certificate in Study and Employment Pathways (Level 3) Open Pathway
Gain the skills and entry requirements needed for Level 4 study at Ara
Certificate in Foundation Skills - Career and Education
Prepare for further study or employment with confidence and direction.
New Zealand Certificate in Beauty Therapy
Acquire the skills and knowledge needed to work as a beautician, in New Zealand or overseas.
New Zealand Certificate in Hairdressing (Salon Support)
Gain the foundation skills needed to start a career in hairdressing.
Beauty Therapy and Hairdressing Level 3 (Dual Enrolment)
Discover if a career in beauty or hair is for you.
Introduction to Barbering (Dual Enrolment)
Gain a foundation of essential skills for a barbering career.
Introduction to Beauty Therapy Level 2 (Dual Enrolment)
Gain essential foundation skills in beauty therapy.
Bachelor of Nursing
Learn from experts in specialist facilities and help meet the increasing need for qualified registered nurses.
New Zealand Certificate in Study and Employment (Level 4) Pre Health Pathway
Prepare for higher-level, health-related study
New Zealand Certificate in Study and Employment Pathways (Level 3) Health and Science Pathway
Gain the academic skills required for higher-level, health-related study
Certificate in Health and Wellbeing (Level 4) - Community Facilitation
Gain the skills to support change, growth and wellbeing at a community level.
Certificate in Health and Wellbeing (Level 4) - Mental Health and Addiction Support
Help individuals in mental health and addiction settings to recover, foster hope and build resilience.
Certificate in Health and Wellbeing (Level 4) - Social Services
Help individuals and families to reduce vulnerability and build resilience.
Certificate in Construction Trade Skills – Carpentry
Learn in-demand carpentry skills and gain experience on real construction projects
Certificate in Mechanical Engineering Level 3
Get hands-on skills for a career in mechanical engineering.
New Zealand Certificate in Automotive Engineering (Level 3)
Get your career in automotive engineering off to the best start.
New Zealand Certificate in Electrical Pre-Trade (Level 3)
Gain the knowledge and skills to start an apprenticeship in the electrical industry.
Trades Primer
Sample a range of trades and find your future career path.
Student services
The Timaru campus features modern facilities and student services including:
- Library
- Learning services
- Student support advisors
- Disability support
- Counsellor
- Gym and recreation centre
- On-campus food and beverage options (including a cafe and restaurant operated by our food and hospitality students)
- Free weekday shuttle between Ashburton and Oamaru for students coming to the Timaru campus
Location information
Timaru is an attractive small city on the east coast of New Zealand’s South Island, about two hours' drive from Christchurch. It has a population of around 30,000 people and a relaxed vibe. The countryside around the city offers a wide range of leisure, cultural, sporting and adventure opportunities.
Ara’s campus is within walking distance of the city’s main shopping street, supermarkets, cafes, a movie theatre and public library.
How to apply online
- Go to the page for the programme you wish to study
- Click the ‘View Dates & Apply’ button in the top right hand of the page
- Select the course with the soonest start date
- Follow the online instructions
Campus Information
Location: 32 Arthur Street, Timaru
Monday to Thursday: 8am - 5pm
Friday: 8am - 4:30pm