The NZ Certificate in Foundation Skills (Level 3) – General Pathway at NZSE is designed as a foundation programme for learners who want to strengthen their academic, communication, digital, numeracy and problem-solving abilities before progressing to higher-level study or entering employment. NZSE describes it as a pathway that helps learners build confidence, recognise their strengths and develop practical skills for further education and work.

Key benefits include:

• Development of communication and interpersonal skills.
• Greater understanding of different cultures and values in Aotearoa New Zealand.
• Personal goal-setting and study-planning skills.
• Basic programming and digital-literacy skills.
• Problem-solving and decision-making skills.
• Foundational probability, statistics and numeracy.
• Practical, project-based learning.
• Preparation for further study at higher levels.
• Potential progression towards employment and vocational training.
• Live classes and learning from industry-connected tutors.

Programme Structure and Subjects / Topics

Students complete four courses during one academic semester, totalling 60 credits.

CSEP3001 – Culture and Communication

This course develops understanding of the learner's own culture and values and those of other people, and examines how cultural perspectives can affect communication in Aotearoa New Zealand. Students also work on a design project.

CSEP3002 – Manage Self and Studies

Students develop personal goal-setting and study-planning skills and evaluate their individual qualities, skills and strengths, including the concept of rangatiratanga.

CSEP3003 – Programming Project

This course introduces basic programming concepts and techniques and develops digital skills through a programming project.

CSEP3004 – Problem Solving and Decision Making

Students learn techniques for identifying problems, developing and communicating solutions, and applying probability and statistics to support decision-making.

Disciplines / Specialisations

There are no separate specialisations within the General Pathway.

The main learning areas are:

• Culture and communication
• Personal development and study skills
• Digital literacy
• Basic programming
• Problem solving
• Decision making
• Probability
• Statistics
• Numeracy
• Career and study planning
• Rangatiratanga and personal strengths.

Programme Highlights

Key programme features include:

• Level 3 foundation qualification.
• 60 credits.
• 16 weeks of study plus a 2-week study break.
• Auckland CBD on-campus option.
• Offshore online option.
• Four courses.
• Project-based learning.
• Basic programming.
• Communication and cultural awareness.
• Numeracy, probability and statistics.
• Personal goal-setting.
• Problem-solving and decision-making.
• Preparation for further study.
• Preparation for entry-level employment.
• NZQA-certified programme.

Career Outcomes

This is primarily a foundation and pathway qualification rather than a specialist professional qualification.

Graduates develop transferable skills that can support entry-level employment and further vocational or tertiary education. NZSE identifies outcomes including:

• Effective communication.
• Teamwork and interaction with people from diverse backgrounds.
• Digital literacy.
• Basic programming.
• Problem-solving.
• Numeracy and statistics.
• Personal study and career planning. 

Latest Updates / Special Requirements

The programme is currently listed by NZSE as available to both domestic and international learners.

For international learners studying onshore in New Zealand, NZSE's programme material states that a valid visa and appropriate insurance are required. Offshore international learners studying online do not require a New Zealand student visa for the online study undertaken outside New Zealand.

The current programme page does not publish a fixed intake date; it currently states TBC.

Another important point is the difference between NZSE's current programme title and NZQA's current national qualification naming. NZQA currently lists the Level 3 national qualification as New Zealand Certificate in Study and Employment Pathways (Level 3), reference 2863.

Students should confirm the exact qualification title and NZQA reference that will appear on their enrolment documents.

International Student Visa Requirements

For an international student who will physically study the programme in New Zealand, an appropriate New Zealand student visa is generally required.

For a Fee Paying Student Visa, Immigration New Zealand currently requires, among other things:

• An offer of place from an approved education provider.
• Evidence that tuition fees can be paid.
• Sufficient funds for living expenses or an acceptable sponsor.
• Acceptable medical and travel insurance.
• Good health and character where applicable.
• Genuine intention to study.
• Evidence of onward travel or sufficient funds to purchase a ticket out of New Zealand.