New Zealand Certificate in Study and Employment (Level 4) Construction & ICT Pathway
Prepare for higher-level study in construction and ICT studies
Zero fees for new applications starting 25 May 2026. Limited time only. *
This programme covers a variety of subjects including measurement and algebra, documentation and skills for academic study. It’s designed to prepare you for the following programmes:
- New Zealand Diploma in Architectural Technology
- New Zealand Diploma in Construction (Construction Management)
- New Zealand Diploma in Construction (Quantity Surveying)
- New Zealand Diploma in information Technology Technical Support
If you match with academic requirements, then you can also go into following programmes:
- Bachelor of Construction (Quantity Surveying)
- Bachelor of Construction (Construction Management)
- Bachelor of Information Technology (General)
- Bachelor of Information Technology (Data Engineering)
- Bachelor of Information Technology (Software Engineering)
- Bachelor of Information Technology (Network Engineering)
Available part-time up to 2 years.
Disclaimer: Ara’s Zero Fees promotion applies only to selected eligible Semester 2 (2026) certificate programmes for domestic students. The promotion applies to new applications received from 25 May 2026 and is subject to applicants meeting programme entry requirements. The offer does not apply retrospectively to students who enrolled prior to this date. This promotion is an Ara initiative and is separate from the Government Fees Free scheme. Additional programme-related costs may still apply (if any).
Fees for 2026
40 credits NCEA Level 2, including 10 Level 1 Literacy credits and 10 Level 1 Mathematic credits (with a strength in Algebra for the Engineering and Construction and ICT Pathways and Numeracy for other pathways)
- Please note that statistics and probability do not count towards this mathematics credits requirement.
OR New Zealand Certificate in Study and Career Preparation (Level 3)
OR New Zealand Certificate in Study and Employment (Level 3)
If you have undertaken examinations other than NCEA (e.g. International Baccalaureate, Cambridge Examination), Ara will assess your qualification for academic entry equivalency.
Still want to study but don't meet the Academic Requirements?
If you show that you have equivalent skills for tertiary study gained through study, work and/or life experience, you may be able to gain alternative entry.
Note: The number of courses you have to complete for this qualification may be reduced where you have relevant credits from previous study, or evidence of similar learning or experience in the workplace.
What if English is not my first Language?
If English is not your first language, we want to make sure that you will be successful in your chosen programme of study.
- Please provide a result from a test or qualification on the acceptable alternatives
- If you are a New Zealand Citizen or Permanent Resident, complete an Admission and Enrolment form and Ara will contact you regarding a free assessment.
- If you are not a New Zealand Citizen or Permanent resident, please book a PTE Academic test through the Ara Examination Centre or complete an NZQA-approved English language test in your home country.
- IELTS scores used must be taken from a single IELTS Test Report Form and are valid for two years from the date of the test.
- What if I have achieved NCEA Level 3 University Entrance?
- You do not need to provide additional evidence of English Language skills.
- While entry to this programme requires an IELTS level of 5.5 Academic, entry to some of the Ara degrees requires a score of 6.5 or 7.0 Academic.
Overall IELTS 5.5 Academic
- 5.5 Listening
- 5.0 Reading
- 5.5 Writing
- 5.0 Speaking
Applicants who meet the entry requirements will be accepted into the programme in the order that completed applications are received.
Funding assistance
If you face unexpected financial hardship during your studies, we have several funds that you can apply for. These are designed to enable you to continue your current course of study. We also have a wide range of scholarships and awards that can provide financial assistance.
Find out moreStudy pathways
This programme covers a variety of subjects including measurement and algebra, documentation and skills for academic study. It’s designed to prepare you for the following programmes:
- New Zealand Diploma in Construction (Construction Management)
- New Zealand Diploma in Construction (Quantity Surveying)
- New Zealand Diploma in information Technology Technical Support
If you match with academic requirements, then you can also go into following programmes:
New Zealand Certificate in Study and Employment (Level 4) Construction & ICT Pathway
Prepare for higher-level study in construction and ICT studies
| Information | |
|---|---|
| Type | Certificate |
| Code | NZ2860 |
| Next starts | July 2026 |
| May be available for Study Visa? | Yes |
| Credits | 60 |
| Level | 4 |
| May be eligible for Studylink? | Yes |
| Available Part time | Yes |
| Reference | NZ2860-CPC |
Fees for 2026
Credit Recognition
Translate your knowledge from previous study into credits towards a new qualification.
Apply for credit recognitionDocuments
- Admission & Enrolment Form PDF, 425 KB
- International Application Form PDF, 357 KB
- Study and Employment Pathways PDF, 423 KB
Area of Interest
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