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 Early Childhood Education and Care (Level 5)
Extend your skills to become a knowledgeable and confident early childhood educator.
New Zealand Certificate in Early Childhood Education and Care (Level 4)
Build on your knowledge and skills for the early childhood education sector.
New Zealand Certificate in Early Childhood Education and Care (Introductory Skills) (Level 3)
Take the first step towards a rewarding career working with children.
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.
English Language Training (for international students)
Improve your fluency, accuracy and vocabulary through speaking, listening, reading and writing.
Certificate in English Language (Applied) (Level 3) Academic
Improve your language skills for further academic study.
Certificate in English Language (Applied) (Level 3) Community
Improve your language skills for work and everyday situations.
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)?
New Zealand Certificate in Cookery (Level 4)
Become competent and confident cooking complex dishes in fast-paced commercial kitchen environments.
Cookery & Restaurant Service Skills Level 3 (Dual Enrolment)
Take your first step towards a career in the hospitality industry.
Barista Essentials
This course will give you the technical skills required to operate a commercial espresso machine and produce espresso and espresso-based beverages.
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
New Zealand Certificate in Foundation Skills (Level 2)
Prepare for further study or employment with confidence and direction.
Trades Primer
Sample a range of trades and find your future career path.
Certificate in Skills for Living for Supported Learners
Gain skills to assist you to be a productive citizen of Aotearoa.
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.
Salon Skills Level 2 (Youth Guarantee)
Prepare for further training or employment in hairdressing or beauty therapy.
Postgraduate Certificate in Professional Supervision
Gain the expertise needed to facilitate effective supervision with others in professional contexts.
Bachelor of Midwifery
Learn how to confidently nurture pregnant women through one of life’s most meaningful events.
Integrated Short Course – Physiological Childbirth
Meet Midwifery Council requirements to return to practice or update your theoretical knowledge of physiological birth.
Bachelor of Nursing (Puahou Tapuhi o Aotearoa)
Learn from experts in specialist facilities and help meet the increasing need for qualified registered nurses.
Graduate Certificate in Nursing
Develop your nursing practice with flexible professional development.
New Zealand Diploma in Enrolled Nursing (Level 5)
Become a confident, competent nurse with enhanced autonomy and clinical responsibility
Professional Development for Enrolled Nurses
Develop your nursing practice with flexible professional development.
New Zealand Certificate in Health and Wellbeing (Whānau, Community and Social Services) (Level 4)
Support individuals, whānau and communities to thrive.
New Zealand Certificate in Health and Wellbeing (Mental Health and Addiction Support) (Level 4)
Help individuals in mental health and addiction settings to recover, foster hope and build resilience.
Advanced-Elementary Te Reo Māori - Te Kaupae 4
Take your te reo journey to the next level.
Elementary Te Reo Maori - Te Kaupae 3
Gain beginner Te Reo skills for everyday life and work.
Beginners Te Reo Maori - Te Kaupae 2
Start your te reo journey of discovery.
Certificate in Joinery
Extend your joinery expertise to suit your employment circumstances.
New Zealand Certificate in Mechanical Engineering (Apprenticeship) Maintenance Engineering
Gain the technical and problem solving skills needed to work in mechanical engineering environments.
Certificate in Engineering Fabrication - Steel Construction
Increase your skills in engineering fabrication.
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.
Introduction to Welding and Thermal Cutting
Gain a foundation of basic welding skills
Introduction to Agriculture Engineering Level 2 (Dual Enrolment)
Learn the basics of maintaining and repairing farm machinery.
Introduction to Automotive One Day (Dual Enrolment)
Experience automotive trades and gain hands-on skills.
Introduction to Construction Trades One Day Level 2 (Dual Enrolment)
Sample a range of trades experiences with this hands-on introduction to the construction industry.
Master of Sustainable Practice
Become a leader in sustainable practice.
Postgraduate Certificate in Sustainable Practice
Gain foundational knowledge and specialist skills in sustainable practice.
Postgraduate Diploma in Sustainable Practice
Acquire the knowledge and skills needed to be a change-maker in sustainability.
Quality Assurance
Become a driver of continuous improvement.
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