New Zealand Certificate in Information Technology Essentials (Level 4)

• There are no academic entry criteria.
• It is preferred that learners hold the New Zealand Certificate in Computing (Intermediate User) (Level 3), appropriate assessment standards in Digital Technologies Level 2, or equivalent knowledge, skills and experience.
• International students will be individually assessed to ensure you are ready for this study.  
• If English is not your first language, you must provide:
  • New Zealand University Entrance OR
  • Overall Academic IELTS 5.5 with no individual band score lower than 5.0 (achieved in one test completed in the last two years), OR
  • Acceptable alternative evidence of the required IELTS (see here for NZQA proficiency table and here for list of recognised proficiency tests).

If you need to improve your English Language skills, we offer a wide range of English programmes. 

All applicants who meet the entry requirements will be accepted unless the number of applications exceeds the available places. In this case, a waitlist will be used.

• New Zealand Certificate in Computing (Intermediate User) (Level 3) 
• Bridging to Business certificate 
• Bridging to engineering certificate  
• Computing is an excellent background qualification for entry into this programme.

You must supply certified copies of proof of identify, academic records and proof of residency (where appropriate).

There are no additional costs associated with this programme.

When you finish this certificate and graduate, you’ll have guaranteed entry into our Bachelor of Information Technology which will help you build your skills, knowledge and career options! 

Receive an introduction to computing and software that can lead to further training in industry or education. Courses include practical experience in web development, hardware, programming, operating systems and the internet. In addition to technical topics, you will learn industry skills and will explore online tools such as blogs and wikis. 

This programme is delivered through 18 hours of classes per week for 17 weeks. You will be in small classes of around 20 students with excellent equipment and great staff. In addition, you will need to spend up to 12 hours per week in self-directed study (assignments and review work).

TTAF

The Government’s Targeted Training and Apprenticeship Fund (TTAF) is currently running but will end in December 2022. That means only your 2022 study will be covered. You may be able to get some financial help for your remaining study if you're learning part-time through the Fees Free scheme if you’re eligible (see info below).

Whilst this programme is free for you to study during 2022, the TTAF fund only covers tuition fees and compulsory costs such as student levies. It does not cover any additional costs or living costs. 

Full-time learners

You can pay for additional and living costs by yourself if that is possible or by applying for a loan or allowance through Studylink (which is only available for domestic learners).      

It is important to apply for your student loan/allowance at the same time as you apply for this programme, due to the length of time Studylink take to process. Loan/allowance applications can be cancelled at any time if you decide to withdraw your programme application or if it is unsuccessful. 

For information about student loans and allowances please visit the Studylink website. 

Part-time learners

You can pay for additional and living costs yourself if this is possible.

As a part-time learner, you're generally not eligible for student loans and allowances through Studylink but some help may be possible depending on your circumstances (for domestic students). Check the Studylink website for more information.  

Fees Free

The Government is also running a funding scheme called Fees Free for domestic learners. This scheme normally pays for your first year of study if you’ve never been enrolled in tertiary study over 60 credits at Level 3 or higher in New Zealand. They have confirmed that TTAF does not impact on a learner’s entitlement to also access the Fees Free scheme. 

So, you’ll be covered by TTAF for your 2022 study and, if you would have originally been eligible for Fees Free, you’ll be able to access that to cover some of your remaining part-time study. 

You can check your Fees Free eligibility here > 

Fees Free only covers your tuition fees. You would still need to pay for things like accommodation, living costs and placement transport costs. And the same full-time learner/part-time learner information would apply to Studylink financial support as was mentioned above.

If you have any questions about student loans and allowances, please email our Studylink Advisor: Amanda.McAra@op.ac.nz 

If you have extensive knowledge and skills due to practical experience in this area, enquire about our recognition of prior learning process at Capable NZ. You may have already gained credits towards this qualification.