Why Study / Key Benefits

• Provides a pathway for students who want to pursue higher-level studies in nursing, laboratory science and other health-related disciplines but do not yet meet the required academic entry criteria.

• Develops essential academic and study skills required for tertiary-level education.

• Strengthens written and oral communication skills.

• Develops mathematical and numeracy skills relevant to health sciences.

• Introduces students to human biology, microbiology, chemistry and cell biology.

• Helps students returning to education refresh their scientific and health-related knowledge before commencing further study.

• Provides preparation for progression into UCOL's Bachelor of Nursing, Laboratory Science and Veterinary Nursing programmes, subject to the individual entry requirements of those programmes.

• Offers blended learning through classroom teaching, laboratory activities, computer-based classes and online learning.

• Available across three UCOL locations: Palmerston North, Whanganui and Masterton.

Programme Structure and Subjects / Topics

The programme consists of four compulsory courses, each carrying 15 credits, for a total of 60 credits.

1. Career Planning and Academic Study Skills – Level 4 (15 credits)

• Academic study techniques.

• Career planning and development.

• Research and information-gathering skills.

• Assignment preparation and academic writing.

• Skills required for further study and employment.

2. Mathematics for Health Science – Level 3 (15 credits)

• Mathematics relevant to health sciences.

• Numeracy skills.

• Basic mathematical calculations.

• Applying mathematical concepts to health-related situations.

• Numerical skills needed for further education and employment.

3. Human Body and Health – Level 4 (15 credits)

• Structure of the human body.

• Functions of major body systems.

• Human biology.

• Basic health science concepts.

• Understanding the relationship between the human body and health.

4. Chemistry and Cell Biology – Level 4 (15 credits)

• Fundamental chemistry concepts.

• Cell biology.

• Biological processes at cellular level.

• Application of chemistry to health science.

• Scientific knowledge relevant to further study in nursing and laboratory science.

Disciplines / Specialisations

The programme focuses on foundational knowledge across the following disciplines:

• Health Science.

• Human Biology.

• Human Anatomy and Physiology.

• Chemistry.

• Cell Biology.

• Health-related Mathematics.

• Academic and Research Skills.

• Nursing Study Preparation.

• Laboratory Science Preparation.

Programme Highlights

• NZQA-approved Level 4 qualification.

• 60-credit certificate.

• 19-week full-time study programme.

• Four compulsory courses covering academic preparation and foundational health science.

• Blended delivery combining classroom, laboratory, computer-based and online learning.

• Available at three UCOL campuses.

• Suitable for students who want to progress into nursing and laboratory science but require additional academic preparation.

• Provides foundational understanding of human biology, chemistry and mathematics.

• Designed for students returning to education as well as those progressing from previous qualifications.

• Successful completion demonstrates the academic skills and capabilities needed to commence higher-level study.

• Provides a potential progression route to UCOL's Bachelor of Nursing, Laboratory Science and Veterinary Nursing programmes.

Career Outcomes

This is primarily a tertiary study preparation qualification rather than a direct professional or occupational qualification.

Its main purpose is to prepare students for further academic study in health-related disciplines.

Potential progression opportunities include:

1. Bachelor of Nursing

• Further study towards a professional nursing career.

• Students must meet the separate Bachelor of Nursing admission and English-language requirements.

2. Laboratory Science

• Further study towards laboratory science qualifications.

• Potential future pathways into laboratory-related employment, subject to completion of the relevant qualification.

3. Veterinary Nursing

• Further study towards veterinary nursing.

• Separate programme admission requirements apply.

Other potential academic directions:

• Health Sciences.

• Nursing-related studies.

• Biological Sciences.

• Laboratory and Applied Science.

Important clarification:

Completion of this certificate alone does not qualify graduates as registered nurses, laboratory technicians or veterinary nurses. Further study and any required professional registration are necessary.

Latest Updates / Special Requirements

Latest published programme information:

• The programme is listed for 2027.

• February and July 2027 intakes are available at Palmerston North and Whanganui.

• Masterton currently lists the July 2027 intake.

• The programme duration remains 19 weeks.

• The published international fee is NZD $13,991 for one semester.

• The programme comprises 60 credits.

Additional costs and equipment:

UCOL lists the following estimated additional costs:

• Laboratory-related protective clothing/covered-shoe requirement: NZD $150.

• Scientific calculator: Approximately NZD $35.

• Course workbook printing: Approximately NZD $50.

• General stationery: Approximately NZD $50.

• Headphones with microphone: Approximately NZD $30.

Total estimated additional costs: NZD $315.

Additional requirements:

• Students must wear covered shoes during laboratory classes.

• UCOL supplies protective labcoats.

• Students should have an internet-capable device for online study and independent learning.

• Headphones with a microphone are advisable for digital learning.

• Students must complete classroom, laboratory and independent study activities.

• Students should provide verified academic documents and evidence of meeting entry requirements.

• Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL), credit transfer and cross-credit applications may be considered individually.

Important progression update:

UCOL specifically states that completion of this qualification allows graduates to be considered for further study, including the Bachelor of Nursing, Laboratory Science and Veterinary Nursing.

International Student Visa Requirements

International students from India intending to study this 19-week Level 4 certificate in New Zealand will generally need a Fee Paying Student Visa from Immigration New Zealand, provided the programme and provider meet the applicable visa requirements.

1. Offer of Place

• Students must receive an Offer of Place from UCOL.

• The offer must be from an approved education provider.

• Applicants must satisfy UCOL's academic and English-language requirements.

• The education provider must be satisfied that the student has the English-language ability and academic capability to complete the programme.

2. Tuition Fee Payment

• Students must demonstrate that they can pay the required tuition fees.

• Evidence of tuition fee payment or the ability to pay must be provided.

• For this programme, the published indicative international tuition fee is NZD $13,991.

• Students applying from outside New Zealand may request Approval in Principle before paying tuition fees, subject to Immigration New Zealand's process.

3. Financial Requirements / Living Expenses

For tertiary-level study lasting less than one year, Immigration New Zealand requires:

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

Since this programme runs for 19 weeks, applicants must demonstrate sufficient funds for the applicable period of stay.

Accepted financial evidence may include:

• Recent bank statements.

• Eligible fixed-term deposits.

• Education loan sanction letters.

• Scholarship confirmation letters.

• Acceptable sponsorship or financial undertaking documents.

For applicants applying from India, sponsorship and financial undertaking arrangements must comply with Immigration New Zealand's South Asia requirements. Only eligible immediate family members can generally sponsor or provide a financial undertaking when applying from South Asia.

Students must also demonstrate that they can purchase an outward travel ticket or have sufficient additional funds to do so.

4. Medical and Travel Insurance

• International students must have acceptable medical and travel insurance.

• Insurance must cover the required period of stay.

• The insurance must meet UCOL's requirements and the applicable international learner protection standards.

• Students should confirm the insurance arrangements and costs with UCOL before enrolment.

5. Health and Character Requirements

Depending on individual circumstances, applicants may need to provide:

• Valid passport.

• Medical examination documents.

• Chest X-ray certificate.

• Police clearance certificate.

• Other supporting documents requested by Immigration New Zealand.

The exact medical and character requirements depend on the applicant's circumstances, nationality, immigration history and intended stay.

6. Visa Conditions and Work Rights

Under a Fee Paying Student Visa:

• Students must study the approved programme.

• Students must maintain satisfactory attendance and academic progress.

• Students may work up to 25 hours per week if their individual visa conditions permit it.

• Eligible students may work full-time during scheduled holidays, subject to visa conditions.

• Students must maintain acceptable medical and travel insurance.

• Students must comply with all visa conditions.

• Students must leave New Zealand before their visa expires unless they obtain another valid visa.

Important: Work rights are not automatic for every student visa. Students must check their individual eVisa or visa approval letter.

7. Visa Application Fees and Processing

According to Immigration New Zealand's currently published visa information:

• Fee Paying Student Visa application cost: From NZD $850.

• Processing: 80% of applications within 7 weeks, as currently published.

• Recommended application timing: Apply at least three months before intended travel.

Visa charges and processing times can change, so applicants should check the official website immediately before applying.

8. Visa Application Documents

Common supporting documents include:

• Passport and photograph.

• UCOL Offer of Place.

• Academic certificates and transcripts.

• English-language test results.

• Tuition fee payment evidence or acceptable proof of ability to pay.

• Evidence of sufficient living funds.

• Sponsorship or financial undertaking documents, if applicable.

• Medical and character documents, if requested.

• Medical and travel insurance arrangements.

• Evidence of outward travel arrangements or sufficient funds to purchase a ticket.