Why Study / Key Benefits

• Provides an academic foundation for students planning to pursue further education in health sciences and related fields.

• Develops essential communication, learning and study-management skills.

• Introduces bioscience concepts relevant to health science.

• Strengthens numeracy skills required for further study in health-related subjects.

• Helps students prepare for higher-level tertiary education.

• Provides a pathway towards selected Level 4 health and medical imaging programmes.

• Combines classroom teaching, online learning and practical laboratory activities.

• Provides access to UCOL's science laboratories, library, computer facilities and learning hubs.

• Suitable for students who need additional academic preparation before progressing to a health-related qualification.

Programme Structure and Subjects/Topics

The programme comprises four courses, each worth 15 credits, making a total of 60 credits.

The main subjects are:

1. Career and Study Planning (Level 3) – 15 credits

• Developing an individual study and career plan.

• Identifying future education and employment opportunities.

• Understanding personal learning goals.

• Planning progression into higher-level education.

2. Communication and Learning (Level 3) – 15 credits

• Effective communication using different methods and media.

• Developing academic communication skills.

• Managing independent learning.

• Developing research and study techniques.

• Improving written and verbal communication.

3. Bioscience for Health Science (Level 3) – 15 credits

• Developing foundational health science knowledge.

• Understanding basic biological concepts.

• Applying bioscience knowledge to relevant tasks and problems.

• Developing independent learning skills in health science.

4. Numeracy for Health Science (Level 3) – 15 credits

• Developing mathematical and numerical skills.

• Applying numeracy to health-related situations.

• Developing the mathematical knowledge needed for further health science study.

• Solving context-related numerical problems.

Disciplines / Specialisations

The qualification focuses on foundational learning in the following areas:

• Health Science.

• Bioscience.

• Biological Science.

• Health-related Numeracy.

• Academic Communication.

• Career and Study Planning.

• Tertiary Education Preparation.

Potential further-study interests include:

• Nursing.

• Applied Science.

• Laboratory Technician studies.

• Health Sciences.

• Medical Imaging.

Programme Highlights

• NZQA-approved Level 3 qualification.

• 60-credit programme.

• 19-week full-time study option.

• Two published 2027 intakes.

• Blended learning delivery.

• Combines health science, bioscience, numeracy and academic communication.

• Practical access to fully resourced science laboratories.

• Access to UCOL learning hubs, libraries, computer laboratories and study spaces.

• Prepares students for higher-level health-related education.

• Offers a part-time study option.

• Designed for students who need additional academic preparation before entering further health studies.

Laboratory facilities include equipment and resources for:

• Biology.

• Microbiology.

• Chemistry.

• Molecular biology.

Career Outcomes

This qualification is primarily an academic preparation programme and is not designed as a direct professional employment qualification.

Potential future study and career directions include:

• Nursing.

• Health Sciences.

• Applied Science.

• Medical Imaging.

• Laboratory Technician studies.

• Health and Wellbeing.

• Other health-related tertiary qualifications.

UCOL identifies the following progression qualifications:

• New Zealand Certificate in Study and Employment Pathways (Level 4) (Medical Imaging Field).

• New Zealand Certificate in Study and Employment Pathways (Level 4) (Health Science Field).

• New Zealand Certificate in Health and Wellbeing (Social and Community Services) (Level 4).

Latest Updates / Special Requirements

Latest published information as of 2 November 2026:

• UCOL has published two 2027 intakes: February and July.

• The programme is listed at Manawat? Campus, Palmerston North.

• The programme is 19 weeks full-time.

• The qualification carries 60 credits.

• International tuition is listed at NZD $13,991 for one semester.

• Part-time study is available.

• The programme uses blended learning.

International Student Visa Requirements

International students from India generally need a Fee Paying Student Visa from Immigration New Zealand to study this full-time qualification.

1. Offer of Place

• Obtain an Offer of Place from UCOL.

• The offer must confirm the programme, duration, study mode and enrolment details.

• UCOL must confirm that the applicant meets the academic and English-language requirements.

2. Tuition fee payment

• Provide evidence of payment of tuition fees or sufficient funds to pay them.

• Offshore applicants may apply for a visa before paying tuition fees and provide payment evidence after Approval in Principle (AIP), subject to Immigration New Zealand's process.

3. Financial requirements

For tertiary study shorter than one year, Immigration New Zealand currently requires:

• NZD $1,667 per month for living expenses.

• Evidence of funds must cover the applicable period of intended stay.

• Prepaid accommodation may be deducted where accepted.

• Students must also demonstrate sufficient funds for outward travel or provide an acceptable outward travel arrangement.

Acceptable financial evidence may include:

• Personal or family bank statements.

• Education loan sanction letters.

• Fixed-term deposits.

• Scholarship award letters.

• Acceptable sponsorship or financial undertaking documents.

For Indian applicants applying from South Asia, sponsorship and financial undertaking arrangements are subject to Immigration New Zealand's specific rules. Immediate family members are generally required for these arrangements.

4. Medical and travel insurance

• Full medical and travel insurance is compulsory throughout the student's stay.

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

• Insurance costs are included in the Offer of Place.

• Students arranging their own insurance must obtain UCOL's approval and satisfy the applicable insurance requirements.

5. Health requirements

• Applicants must meet Immigration New Zealand's health requirements.

• Medical examinations or chest X-rays may be required depending on individual circumstances.

• For a stay shorter than six months, a chest X-ray is not normally required.

• For a stay shorter than 12 months, a medical certificate is not normally required, although Immigration New Zealand may request additional evidence.

6. Character requirements

• Applicants must satisfy New Zealand's character requirements.

• Police certificates may be required for applicants aged 17 or older whose total intended stay in New Zealand is 24 months or longer, subject to applicable exemptions.

• Additional character documents may be requested.

7. Genuine student requirements

Applicants should demonstrate:

• Genuine intention to study.

• A clear reason for choosing this health-related foundation programme.

• Academic progression plans.

• Sufficient financial resources.

• Intention to comply with visa conditions.

• Ability to leave New Zealand at the end of their authorised stay unless another visa is granted.

8. Work rights

• Eligible student visa holders may receive permission to work up to 25 hours per week during their studies.

• Work rights depend on the conditions printed on the individual visa.

• Full-time work during scheduled holidays is subject to separate eligibility requirements.

• This programme carries 60 credits, so students should not assume that it qualifies for full-time work rights during scheduled holidays under the 120-credit requirement.

• Students should check their eVisa before accepting employment.

9. Visa duration and application

• The Fee Paying Student Visa can allow a stay of up to four years, although the actual visa is normally issued according to the paid study period and other applicable conditions.

• Immigration New Zealand recommends applying at least three months before intended travel.

• Published visa application cost starts from NZD $850, subject to change and individual circumstances.

• Visa approval is at the discretion of Immigration New Zealand.

10. Pathway Student Visa

• UCOL is an approved provider for the Pathway Student Visa pilot.

• Eligible students may undertake up to three consecutive programmes of study on one visa.

• The Pathway Student Visa can be valid for up to five years.

• Eligibility and the approved study pathway must be confirmed before applying.