New Zealand Certificate in Computing (Intermediate User) (Level 3)
Gain a firm grasp of IT foundation skills and begin your journey towards becoming an IT professional. This programme can be a great pathway to further learning or give you essential skills for employment.
Domestic
Not available in 2025
Unfortunately, this programme is not available in 2025.
Please get in touch to discuss your options as you may be eligible to study the New Zealand Certificate in Information Technology Essentials (Level 4) instead. Email Principal IT Lecturer, Hamish.Smith@op.ac.nz to have a chat about your study situation.
About the programme
Want to gain a firm grasp of IT foundation skills?
This programme will enable you to learn about a variety of topics within the computer field, acquire essential skills towards becoming an IT professional and take the opportunity to explore and establish an understanding of a range of computer concepts.
Computing skills are now fundamental life skills and there are currently far more IT-related jobs than there are graduates. Employers are desperate for individuals with a good awareness of the industry and a willingness to continue developing new skills. IT is a global industry and the right qualification will create a whole world of opportunities for you. With further study, career possibilities are diverse and include business computing, network administration, technical support, hardware, software, database, web development and much more.
You can study this programme at our Dunedin Campus or online via Open Polytechnic | Te Pūkenga.
Studying part-time
We know full-time study isn't always possible. We also offer this programme part-time over one year.
International
Not available in 2025
Unfortunately, this programme is not available in 2025.
Please get in touch to discuss your options as you may be eligible to study the New Zealand Certificate in Information Technology Essentials (Level 4) instead. Email Principal IT Lecturer, Hamish.Smith@op.ac.nz to have a chat about your study situation.
Not offered in 2023
Unfortunately, this programme will not be offered in 2023. Email ebshss@op.ac.nz to express your interest for 2024. If you're happy to learn fully online, you could check out the programme offered through Open Polytechnic | Te Pūkenga.
About the programme
Want to gain a firm grasp of IT foundation skills?
The IT industry may be constantly evolving, but one thing is certain - it is definitely here to stay - and this programme will enable you to gain knowledge of the industry.
Learn about a variety of topics within the computer field, acquire essential skills towards becoming an IT professional and take the opportunity to explore and establish an understanding of a range of computer concepts.
Computing skills are now fundamental life skills and there are currently far more IT-related jobs than there are graduates. Employers are desperate for individuals with a good awareness of the industry and a willingness to continue developing new skills. IT is a global industry and the right qualification will create a whole world of opportunities for you. With further study, career possibilities are diverse and include business computing, network administration, technical support, hardware, software, database, web development and much more.
Studying part-time
We know full-time study isn't always possible. We also offer this programme part-time over one year.
What You Study
Courses
Consisting of four compulsory courses, this programme is designed to enhance readiness for further study in computing and related fields. There is a philosophy of "applied learning" throughout the Certificate and you will undertake tasks that are based on what actually happens in the IT industry; this enables you to fully understand the task that you are completing and to comprehend how your learning is relevant to your success within the industry.
| Course name | Course description | Level | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Industry skills | Communicate professionally and demonstrate capability to meet specified outcomes in an IT professional context. | 3 | 15 |
| Software skills | Produce professional documents, using appropriate software applications, for specified purposes within an IT industry context. | 3 | 15 |
| Device essentials | Use and maintain digital devices effectively in order to meet specified outcomes in an IT professional context. | 3 | 15 |
| Applied tools | Use appropriate software tools to function effectively within an IT industry context. | 3 | 15 |
| Total | 60 |
Further study options
Advance your skills and expand your employment potential with the New Zealand Certificate in Information Technology Essentials (Level 4) and the Bachelor of Information Technology. We offer the Level 4 Certificate on campus in Dunedin or online via eCampus.
Workload
Your workload
This programme is delivered through 16 hours of classes per week for 17 weeks. You will be in small classes of around 15 students with excellent equipment and great staff. In addition, you will need to spend up to 12 hours per week in self-directed study (assignments and review work).
Entry
Entry requirements
- There are no academic entry criteria.
- It is preferred that learners hold the New Zealand Certificate in Computing (User Fundamentals) (Level 2), or equivalent knowledge, skills and experience.
- International students will be individually assessed to ensure you are ready for this study.
- 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
All applicants who meet the entry requirements will be accepted unless the number of applications exceeds the available places. In this case, a waitlist will be used.
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 info@op.ac.nz or call 0800 762 786.
Fees
Domestic fees
International fees
Additional costs
There are no additional costs associated with this programme.
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.
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.
