Why Study / Key Benefits

• Develop practical, industry-relevant mechanical engineering skills for entry-level employment.

• Gain hands-on experience in machining, fabrication, welding and mechanical engineering workshop practices.

• Learn workplace health and safety, engineering calculations, technical drawings and professional communication.

• Develop the ability to perform defined engineering tasks under limited supervision.

• Suitable for students interested in mechanical engineering, manufacturing, construction, fabrication and related trade careers.

• Provides a pathway towards further certificate-level study in mechanical engineering, engineering fabrication and mechanical building services.

• The qualification is described by UCOL as equivalent to the first year of an apprenticeship.

Programme Structure and Subjects / Topics

The qualification consists of eight compulsory subject areas totalling 120 credits.

1. Engineering Health & Safety – Level 3 (10 credits)

• Relevant health and safety legislation.

• Workplace safety practices.

• Safe procedures in engineering environments.

2. Engineering Calculations and Drawings – Level 3 (15 credits)

• Basic engineering mathematics.

• Trade-related numeracy and literacy.

• Technical drawings and graphic visualisation.

3. Mechanical Engineering Workshop Skills – Level 3 (15 credits)

• Basic workshop operations.

• Measurement techniques.

• Handling and moving materials and loads.

• Knowledge of common engineering materials.

4. Engineering Machining – Level 3 (20 credits)

• Basic machining techniques.

• Workshop practices.

• Use of measuring equipment.

• Mechanical machining operations.

5. Engineering Fabrication – Level 3 (20 credits)

• Basic fabrication techniques.

• Engineering power tools.

• Fabrication workshop practices.

• Safe working methods.

6. Welding – Level 3 (20 credits)

• Basic welding principles.

• Practical welding skills.

• Welding materials and processes.

• Health and safety during welding operations.

7. Mechanical Engineering Processes & Quality – Level 3 (10 credits)

• Effective engineering processes.

• Quality-related working practices.

• Efficient completion of engineering tasks.

• Responsibility for the quality of individual work.

8. Mechanical Engineering Communication – Level 3 (10 credits)

• Workplace communication.

• Teamwork in engineering workshops.

• Communication techniques in professional environments.

Disciplines / Specialisations

The qualification develops foundational skills across several mechanical engineering disciplines:

• Mechanical engineering.

• Engineering machining.

• Engineering fabrication.

• Welding.

• Engineering workshop operations.

• Manufacturing processes.

• Mechanical engineering quality and safety.

Programme Highlights

• NZQA-approved Level 3 qualification.

• 120-credit programme designed around practical mechanical engineering skills.

• Practical workshop training in machining, fabrication and welding.

• Combines classroom teaching, online learning and independent study.

• Covers engineering calculations, drawings, workplace safety and communication.

• Suitable for students planning to enter mechanical engineering and related trades.

• Provides a foundation for further engineering qualifications.

• Equivalent to the first year of an apprenticeship, as described by UCOL.

• No compulsory practicum or work experience hours are required.

Career Outcomes

Graduates may pursue entry-level employment in mechanical engineering, manufacturing, construction, fabrication and mechanical building services.

Potential job roles include:

• CNC Machine Operator.

• Mould and Core Maker.

• Machine Operator.

• Specialist Production Welder.

• Metal Worker / Fabricator.

• Ducting Fabricator.

• Pipe Fitter / Welder.

• Metal Polisher.

• Pattern Maker Trade Assistant.

Career progression:

• Graduates may progress towards further certificate-level study in mechanical engineering.

• Opportunities may be available to pursue engineering fabrication qualifications.

• Students may use this qualification as a foundation for an apprenticeship pathway.

• Further workplace experience and industry training may be required for advanced technical positions.

Latest Updates / Special Requirements

Latest programme information for 2027:

• February and August 2027 intakes are currently published.

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

• The international tuition fee currently displayed on the programme page is NZD $27,982.

• The qualification remains listed as a Level 3 programme comprising 120 credits.

Additional requirements and considerations:

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

• UCOL recommends having a personal laptop or other suitable device.

• A scientific calculator is required or recommended for programme activities; the listed additional cost is NZD $30.

• Drawing equipment, including a 150 mm compass set and 300 mm rules, is listed at NZD $15.

• There are no compulsory practicum or work experience hours.

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

• Students must provide evidence of their academic qualifications and satisfy the applicable English-language requirements.

• International applicants should check whether the programme is available to them for their intended intake.

International Student Visa Requirements

International students from India planning to study this programme in New Zealand generally need a Fee Paying Student Visa from Immigration New Zealand.

1. Offer of Place

• Students must receive an Offer of Place from UCOL.

• Applicants must meet the programme's academic and English-language admission requirements.

• UCOL may issue a conditional or unconditional offer depending on the applicant's documents and eligibility.

• A signed Offer of Place is required for the next application steps.

2. Tuition Fee Payment

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

• Immigration New Zealand generally requires evidence of payment for one year of study or the entire programme, whichever is shorter.

• Students applying from outside New Zealand may be able to request Approval in Principle (AIP) before paying tuition fees.

• Following AIP, the required tuition payment evidence must be provided before visa approval.

3. Living Expenses / Financial Requirements

For tertiary-level international students, Immigration New Zealand currently requires:

• NZD $20,000 for each year of study; OR

• NZD $1,667 per month for courses lasting less than one year.

For this one-year programme, students should budget for NZD $20,000 in living expenses, in addition to tuition fees.

Acceptable financial evidence may include:

• Recent bank statements.

• Eligible fixed-term deposits.

• Education loan documentation.

• Scholarship award letters.

• Acceptable sponsorship or financial undertaking documents.

Students must also demonstrate access to sufficient funds for outward travel, or provide evidence of a paid ticket out of New Zealand.

4. Medical and Travel Insurance

• Medical and travel insurance is compulsory for international students at UCOL.

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

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

• Students choosing their own insurance must demonstrate that it meets UCOL's requirements and the applicable international learner protection standards.

5. Health and Character Requirements

Applicants may need to provide:

• Medical examination documents, if required.

• Chest X-ray certificates, if required.

• Police clearance certificates, if required.

• Valid passport and identification documents.

Immigration New Zealand determines the applicable requirements based on the applicant's circumstances and immigration history.

6. Visa Conditions and Work Rights

Under the Fee Paying Student Visa:

• Students must study the approved full-time programme.

• Students must maintain satisfactory attendance and academic progress.

• Students must comply with all conditions stated on their visa.

• Eligible students may work up to 25 hours per week during study periods, depending on their visa conditions.

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

• Students must maintain acceptable medical and travel insurance.

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

The Fee Paying Student Visa may be issued for up to four years, depending on the approved period of study and other immigration requirements.

7. Application Process at UCOL

UCOL's international application process generally involves:

• Submit an application with academic and English-language documents.

• Receive and review the Offer of Place.

• Accept the offer and complete the required enrolment steps.

• Arrange tuition fee payment.

• Apply for the appropriate student visa through Immigration New Zealand.

• Arrange compulsory medical and travel insurance.

• Complete enrolment and prepare for travel to New Zealand.