Why Study / Key Benefits

The New Zealand Certificate in Automotive Engineering at UCOL is designed for students who want to develop practical automotive engineering skills and begin a career in the automotive servicing and repair industry.

Key benefits include:

• Practical automotive training: Students develop hands-on skills in servicing and maintaining general automotive systems.

• Industry-relevant learning: The programme covers essential automotive technologies, including petrol and diesel engines, driveline systems, electrical systems and electronic controls.

• Workshop experience: Students gain practical experience using automotive tools, equipment and workshop machinery.

• Technical knowledge: Students learn engine operation, vehicle components, fault identification and basic repair techniques.

• Modern automotive technologies: The programme introduces electronic controls, high-voltage systems and heating, ventilation and air-conditioning (HVAC).

• Safety training: Students develop knowledge of workplace safety policies, procedures and relevant automotive workshop regulations.

• Career preparation: The qualification provides foundational knowledge and practical skills for entry-level employment in automotive engineering.

• Further study opportunities: Students can use the qualification as a foundation for exploring higher-level automotive training and related technical education.

Programme Structure and Subjects / Topics

The programme comprises 120 credits and covers the following subjects.

1. Automotive Workshop Safety – 10 credits

Students learn to:

• Identify automotive workshop safety requirements.

• Follow workplace policies and procedures.

• Apply relevant safety regulations.

• Maintain safe and effective workshop practices.

2. Basic Repair and Modification of Automotive Components – 15 credits

Students develop practical skills in:

• Material types and properties.

• International System of Units (SI) symbols.

• Basic fabrication techniques.

• Specialist automotive tools.

• Hand tools, including hacksaws, files and threading tools.

• Power tools and drilling machinery.

• Electric and gas welding equipment.

• Heating, cutting, welding, threading and fastening techniques.

3. Engines – 15 credits

Students learn:

• Engine components and their functions.

• Engine dismantling and reassembly.

• Engine measurement procedures.

• Engine starting and operation.

• Four-stroke spark ignition engines.

• Compression ignition engines.

• Basic engine tuning.

4. Engine Systems – 10 credits

Topics include:

• Engine intake systems.

• Cooling systems.

• Engine management systems.

• Exhaust systems.

• Petrol and diesel fuel systems.

• Lubrication systems.

• Lubricants and sealants.

5. Driveline Systems – 10 credits

Students learn:

• Functions of driveline systems.

• Identification and location of driveline components.

• Basic driveline servicing procedures.

6. Electrical and Electronics – 15 credits

Topics include:

• Automotive electrical principles.

• Automotive electronic systems.

• Wiring systems.

• Vehicle lighting systems.

• Basic electrical checks and repairs.

7. Starting and Charging Systems – 10 credits

Students study:

• Vehicle starting systems.

• Charging systems.

• Ignition systems.

• Relevant tools and equipment.

• Basic servicing and checking procedures.

8. Electronic Controls, High Voltage Systems and HVAC – 10 credits

Topics include:

• Electronic vehicle control systems.

• Electronic control system testing.

• High-voltage automotive systems.

• High-voltage safety procedures.

• Heating, ventilation and air-conditioning (HVAC).

9. Brake Systems – 10 credits

Students learn:

• Brake system components.

• Functions and locations of braking components.

• Brake servicing procedures.

• Appropriate tools and equipment.

10. Steering and Suspension Systems – 15 credits

Topics include:

• Steering system components.

• Suspension system components.

• Functions and locations of components.

• Steering and suspension servicing procedures.

Disciplines / Specialisations

The programme focuses on general automotive engineering rather than separately named specialisations.

Its main subject areas include:

• Automotive mechanical engineering.

• Engine servicing and maintenance.

• Petrol and diesel engine systems.

• Driveline systems.

• Automotive electrical and electronics.

• Starting and charging systems.

• Vehicle electronic control systems.

• High-voltage automotive technology.

• HVAC systems.

• Brake systems.

• Steering and suspension systems.

• Automotive workshop engineering and fabrication.

Programme Highlights

The major highlights of the programme include:

• NZQF Level 3 vocational qualification.

• 120-credit programme.

• One-year standard study duration.

• Practical automotive workshop training.

• Fully equipped automotive workshop facilities.

• Digital learning resources.

• Training in petrol and diesel engines.

• Exposure to automotive electrical and electronic systems.

• Introduction to high-voltage vehicle technology.

• Learning about modern vehicle control systems.

• Practical training in braking, steering and suspension systems.

• Automotive workshop safety and engineering equipment training.

• Qualification approved by NZQA and delivered by an accredited provider.

Career Outcomes

Graduates develop foundational theoretical knowledge and practical skills that can support entry-level employment in the automotive industry.

Potential employment areas include:

• Entry-level automotive workshop technician.

• Automotive service assistant.

• Vehicle maintenance assistant.

• Automotive mechanical servicing roles.

• Junior automotive engineering workshop roles.

• Vehicle electrical systems servicing support.

• Automotive workshop support technician.

Skills gained by graduates include:

• Working safely in automotive workshops.

• Using automotive tools and workshop equipment.

• Completing basic workshop engineering tasks.

• Servicing engine and driveline systems.

• Conducting basic electrical checks and minor repairs.

• Servicing steering and suspension systems.

• Servicing vehicle braking systems.

Latest Updates / Special Requirements

Latest programme information:

• UCOL has published February 2027 commencement dates for all three programme locations.

• The qualification is listed as Level 3 and comprises 120 credits.

• The programme replaces the previous Certificate in Automotive Engineering (Level 3), which is no longer offered.

• The qualification is approved by NZQA, and UCOL is accredited to deliver it.

Additional programme requirements and recommendations:

1. Driver's licence:

• A full Class 1 driver's licence is recommended.

• Students working towards obtaining one may also be considered.

2. Physical requirements:

• Automotive engineering involves practical workshop activities.

• Students should be aware of the physical demands of the programme.

3. Workshop safety:

• Students undertaking UCOL-directed work experience must complete the Automotive Workshop Safety course beforehand.

4. Digital learning:

• Students should have access to an internet-capable device for independent study and learning resources.

• Computers are available on UCOL campuses outside scheduled classes.

5. Additional equipment:

• Students should budget for appropriate protective clothing, safety equipment and basic tools.

6. Recognition of Prior Learning:

• Applications for credit transfer, cross-credit and assessment of prior learning may be considered.

• Applications are assessed individually under UCOL's academic policies.

International Student Visa Requirements

International students intending to study this programme in New Zealand generally need to apply for a Fee Paying Student Visa through Immigration New Zealand.

Main visa requirements:

1. Offer of Place

Applicants must receive an Offer of Place from an approved education provider.

Students should first complete UCOL's admission process and receive their offer.

2. Tuition fee payment

Applicants must demonstrate that they:

• Have paid the required tuition fees; or

• Have sufficient funds to pay the tuition fees; or

• Have an approved scholarship or other acceptable funding arrangement.

UCOL permits offshore applicants to pay their tuition fees either before or after receiving Approval in Principle (AIP), following the instructions in their Offer of Place.

3. Living expenses

Immigration New Zealand requires tertiary students studying for less than one year to demonstrate access to:

- NZD $1,667 per month of study.

For studies lasting one year or longer, the requirement is NZD $20,000 per year.

The applicant must also demonstrate that the money comes from a genuine and acceptable source.

4. Medical and travel insurance

International students must have acceptable medical and travel insurance covering the required period.

UCOL automatically enrols international students in its preferred Studentsafe insurance arrangement.

The insurance cost is included in the Offer of Place letter.

Students choosing their own insurance must demonstrate that it meets UCOL's requirements.

5. Health requirements

Applicants must meet New Zealand's health requirements.

Depending on their circumstances, Immigration New Zealand may request:

• Medical examination.

• Chest X-ray.

• Additional health documentation.

6. Character requirements

Applicants must meet immigration character requirements.

Police certificates may be required depending on the applicant's age and total intended stay in New Zealand.

7. Genuine student intentions

Applicants must demonstrate genuine intentions to study and comply with their visa conditions.

8. Return or onward travel

Students must provide evidence of a return or onward ticket, or sufficient funds to purchase one.

9. Passport and supporting documents

Applicants generally need:

• Valid passport.

• Passport photograph.

• UCOL Offer of Place.

• Academic documents.

• Tuition fee payment or funding evidence.

• Proof of living expenses.

• Medical and travel insurance arrangements.

• Health and character documents, if required.

Visa fees and processing:

According to the current Immigration New Zealand Fee Paying Student Visa information:

• Application fee: From NZD $850.

• Processing time: 80% of applications within 7 weeks.

• Maximum visa duration: Up to 4 years, depending on eligibility and study arrangements.

These figures are subject to change and may vary depending on the applicant's circumstances and application location.

10. Work rights

Eligible Fee Paying Student Visa holders may be permitted to:

• Work up to 25 hours per week during study.

• Work full-time during scheduled holidays, subject to visa conditions.

Work rights are not automatic for every student. Applicants must check the actual conditions printed on their visa.

11. Application timing

Immigration New Zealand recommends applying for a student visa at least three months before the intended travel date.

Special financial consideration for applicants from India:

Immigration New Zealand provides a Funds Transfer Scheme (FTS) option for eligible applicants from India and certain other countries.