New Zealand Certificate in Agriculture (Farming Systems) (Level 3) and New Zealand Certificate in Primary Industry Operational Skills (Infrastructure) (Level 3)
As the only farming programme in New Zealand with a high-country focus, this programme has a hands-on approach to learning to fully prepare you for a career in high-country farming. Covering a wide range of skills, you also have the added benefit of on-farm practical assessments, as well as work placements on local high-country stations. As a graduate, you could be employed in pastoral farming/rural-based workplaces under limited supervision.
Domestic
July
About the programme
Do you want to gain work-ready farming skills?
Farming careers are fun and rewarding and there is strong demand nationally for passionate people who want to work with livestock in the farming industry. This Central Otago-based qualification is the only farming training programme in New Zealand with a high-country flavour.
- You'll thrive in this programme if you:
- Enjoy of working outdoors
- Are physically fit
- Possess a talent for planning and organisation
- Are a good communicator
- Have a desire to work with livestock and farm machinery.
What will this course give me?
With an emphasis on the ‘hands on’ approach to learning, this outdoors-based programme will prepare you for a career in agriculture. Covering a wide range of skills, you also have the added benefit of on-farm practical assessments, as well as work placements on local high country stations.
Graduates will be able to be employed in pastoral farming/rural-based workplaces under limited supervision.
Successful graduates of this programme will gain the New Zealand Certificate in Agriculture (Farming Systems) (Level 3) AND the New Zealand Certificate in Primary Industry Operational Skills (Level 3) (Infrastructure).
International
July
About the programme
Do you want to gain work-ready farming skills?
Farming careers are fun and rewarding and there is strong demand nationally for passionate people who want to work with livestock in the farming industry. This Central Otago-based qualification is the only farming training programme in New Zealand with a high country flavour.
With an emphasis on the ‘hands on’ approach to learning, this outdoors-based programme will prepare you for a career in agriculture. Covering a wide range of skills, you also have the added benefit of on-farm practical assessments, as well as work placements on local high country stations.
Graduates will be able to be employed in pastoral farming/rural-based workplaces under limited supervision.
Successful graduates of this programme will gain the New Zealand Certificate in Agriculture (Farming Systems) (Level 3) AND the New Zealand Certificate in Primary Industry Operational Skills (Level 3) (Infrastructure).
What You Study
Courses
| Course name | Description | Level | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Health and Safety in Agriculture |
Gain knowledge of Health and Safety procedures to minimise injury and risk to yourself and others, livestock and equipment. Indicative content
|
3 | 15 |
|
Animal Handling - Sheep |
Learn how to move and handle sheep in a way that minimises stress to animals, yourself and facilities. Indicative content
|
3 | 15 |
|
Animal Health |
Discover how to identify and assist with the health needs of livestock. Indicative content
|
3 | 15 |
|
Pastures and Soils |
Learn how to identify pastures and explain methods and practices for pasture management. Indicative content
|
3 | 15 |
|
Vehicles and Machinery in Agriculture |
Gain the skills to be able to carry out the safe operation of vehicles and machinery in a rural workplace. Indicative content
|
3 | 15 |
|
Animal Handling - Cattle |
Learn how to move and handle cattle in a way that minimises stress to animals, yourself and facilities. Indicative content
|
3 | 15 |
|
Farm Infrastructure |
Discover how to carry out maintenance tasks on farm infrastructure. Indicative content
|
3 | 15 |
|
Sustainable Practice in Agriculture |
Explain sustainable farm practices and the impact weather has on farming operations and the environment. Indicative content
|
3 | 15 |
|
Food and Fibre Production |
Understand and be able to explain farm food and fibre production processes. Indicative content
|
3 | 15 |
Work experience
In Term Four, those who are ready are able to participate in a farm-based, work placement experience to apply their skills in a real-world environment. This also provides an opportunity for gaining valuable contacts in the farming industry. To be eligible for work experience, you must be competent in core areas such as health and safety and basic stock handling. You must have also demonstrated a passionate attitude towards working in the agriculture industry.
Further study options
After successful completion of this programme, you can continue studying farming at Level 4 or diploma-level whilst working on the job.
Entry
Entry requirements
- There are no academic entry criteria for this programme.
- If English is not your first language, you must provide:
- New Zealand University Entrance OR
- Overall Academic IELTS 5.0 with no individual band score lower than 5.0 (achieved in one test completed in the last two years), OR
- Acceptable alternative evidence of the required IELTS (see here for NZQA proficiency table and here for list of recognised proficiency tests).
If you need to improve your English Language skills, we offer a wide range of English programmes.
Selection process
Applications will be processed as they are received. If the number of applications exceeds the number of places available, applicants will be placed on the waiting list in the order they applied.
Want your existing skills recognised?
If you have extensive knowledge and skills due to practical experience in this area, please ask us about our recognition of prior learning process. You may have already gained credits towards this qualification and could achieve it in a shorter timeframe. Please email central@op.ac.nz or call 0800 762 786.
Fees
Domestic fees
International fees
Additional costs
You will be expected to bring outdoor clothing suitable for a high country environment. Please ask us if you would like a list of required clothing. Email central@op.ac.nz
Tuition fees
The tuition fees shown above are approximate only. There may be a slight fee increase per year once Tertiary Education Commission (TEC) rules and guidelines are applied. These fees also don’t include additional costs or living costs.
Studylink
Domestic full-time students can apply for a student loan through Studylink.
Some support may be available for domestic part-time students if this programme offers a part-time study option.
Apply at the same time as you apply for your course (you can withdraw your application anytime).
Student Services Fee
For most students, your tuition fee shown above includes a Student Services Fee – also known as the Student Levy. This compulsory fee covers your access to the student services we offer. This cost is tailored depending on how you're studying.
The international tuition fee does not include your Student Levy. This will be calculated when you enrol with us.
Click below to find out more about the Student Levy costs and services provided.
Fees Free
The Government has announced that Fees Free for the first year of study or training will finish at the end of 2024. A final-year Fees Free policy will replace it, starting from 1 January 2025.
If you are a first-time tertiary learner in 2025, you may be able to get Fees Free for your final year of study or training. If you are eligible, you will need to apply for your entitlement through IRD from 2026 onwards.
For more information about the transition from first-year Fees Free or the final-year Fees Free policy, visit FeesFree.govt.nz.
Study Grants for international students
We have a range of Study Grants to support our international students.
