New Zealand Certificate in Horticulture (General) (Level 3)
This fully supported online qualification gives you a well-rounded education on the fundamentals of growing plants. The four courses that make up this qualification include plant soil and science, plant identification and selection, plant health and sustainable growing.
Domestic
July
About the programme
Take your green fingers online!
Whether you enjoy gardening, want to grow food for the family or are already working in the horticulture industry and need to understand the horticultural science which underpins the growing of horticultural crops, this fully-supported online programme is perfect for you.
It provides a great pathway into further study and careers in the horticulture industry such as orchards, vineyards, plant nurseries and garden centres.
Graduates of this programme will receive the New Zealand Certificate in Horticulture (General) (Level 3).
Studying part-time
We know full-time study isn't always possible. We also offer this programme part-time, studied over one year with an intake in February. Our July intake is only available full-time.
What You Study
Courses
| Courses | Credits |
|---|---|
| Plant Soil and Science Understand and apply knowledge of plant and soil structure and processes in horticulture
|
15 |
| Plant Identification and Selection Identify, describe, select and name plants in horticulture
|
15 |
| Plant Health Identify and control a range of common pests, diseases, disorders and weeds in horticulture
|
15 |
| Sustainable Growing Understand and apply the principles and practices of sustainable growing systems
|
15 |
Further study options
Our Level 3 and 4 Nursery and Fruit Production programme would be the perfect next step.
Workload
Your workload
You should expect to spend a minimum of 35 hours a week on this programme for full-time study and approximately 17.5 hours a week for the part-time option (Part-time enrolment only available for February intake)
Entry
Entry requirements
- Open entry.
- This programme is not available to international students.
- If English is not your first language, you must provide:
- New Zealand University Entrance OR
- Overall Academic IELTS score of 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.
Please note: This programme is not available to international students.
Fees
Domestic fees
Fees Free
If you’re a domestic student and this is your first time doing tertiary study in New Zealand (over 60 credits at Level 3 or higher), you may be able to get free tuition fees for this programme.
All the details and criteria are on the Fees Free website and you can check whether you’re going to be able to access funding by entering your National Student Number.
If you can access it, we’ll organise your fees with the Tertiary Education Commission when you’re enrolled to study with us. This funding doesn’t include additional costs or living costs.
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.
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.
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).
Application
A change for 2023 enrolments
When you apply to study with Otago Polytechnic in 2023, you will be enrolled with Te Pūkenga, the new national network of vocational and applied education in Aotearoa New Zealand. You will learn in the same way, in the same place, and with the same people. The great news is that this enables us to share skills and knowledge across a network of passionate education providers, to better help you succeed. Enrolling in programmes that start in 2023, means that you will graduate with a Te Pūkenga qualification.
Disclaimer
While every effort is made to ensure that this sheet is accurate, Otago Polytechnic reserves the right to amend, alter or withdraw any of the contained information. The fees shown in this document are indicative only. Both domestic and international fees are subject to change and are dependent on the development and implementation of Government policies. Please note that additional fees may from time to time be required for external examination, NZQA fees and/or additional material fees.
