New Zealand Certificate in Mechanical Engineering (Level 3)

NMIT is part of Te Pūkenga

This means that you will now graduate with a Te Pūkenga qualification. Read more
Locations and dates

Nelson:

16 February 2026

Places are limited
Study options

Full time
Length

34 teaching weeks plus 6 weeks of study break
Total credits

120
Fees

2025: $9,160 plus $260 Student Services Levy

A Compulsory Student Services Levy applies (2025; $2.17 per credit).

Fees listed are for each year of the programme, indicative only and may vary with course selection.

View course details for individual fees.
National qualification code

NZ2715

Jump-start your career in Mechanical Engineering. The subjects studied in this one year programme are equivalent to the first year of your apprenticeship.

This hands-on, one-year programme will give you a strong head start in the industry. You'll gain essential skills, making you a valuable candidate for an engineering apprenticeship.

This programme is equivalent to the first year of an apprenticeship and is a recognised entry for apprenticeships in the mechanical engineering trades. You will gain general knowledge of engineering tools, machinery and equipment, and worksite processes and principles. You will also gain skills and expertise in health and safety, numeracy, communication and teamwork.

Your learning will take place in the on-campus workshop, the classroom, and as work experience. You may even get out and about on field trips, gaining valuable industry insight and skills.

To complement your learning on campus, work experience with an employer in the engineering industry is recommended. Tutors can support your search for suitable work opportunities.

Career opportunities

Entry requirements

Academic Entry

NCEA Level 1 with 10 credits in Numeracy (algebra, trigonometry, measurement recommended) and 10 credits in Literacy, OR -
Be able to demonstrate equivalent knowledge and skills.

English language requirement

International applicants for whom English is not their first language will be required to show evidence of language competency, issued within the last two years, before being eligible to enrol in any non-English programme. The level of competency required is outlined in Rule 18 and Appendix 2 of the NZQF Programme and Accreditation Rules 2013 and below under the title English Competency.
IELTS General or Academic score of 5 with no band score lower than 5 or completed NZ Certificate in English Language L3 with an endorsement of either General, Workplace or Academic, or meets a relevant English Proficiency Outcome as outlined in Rule 18 and Appendix 2 of the NZQF Programme and Accreditation Rules 2013.

For domestic applicants for whom English is not their first language evidence of language competency may be required.

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