New Zealand Certificate in Aeronautical Engineering (Level 4)

NMIT is part of Te Pūkenga

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

Nelson:

9 March 2026

Places are limited

27 July 2026

Places are limited
Length

1 year full time
Total credits

120
Fees

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

NZ2900

Ready for the next stage in your aviation career? This programme builds on your Level 3 qualification, preparing you for further study or industry training towards your AMEL licence.

This hands-on programme is designed to introduce you to the core skills and knowledge required to work safely and effectively in an aeronautical engineering environment.

Whether you're aiming to begin an apprenticeship, continue your studies, or gain practical experience in aviation maintenance, this qualification provides a strong foundation for your next step. Plus, if you’re already working in the industry, you can upskill through our flexible block courses designed to fit around your job.

Why choose this programme?

Industry-relevant skills: Learn practical engineering techniques, workshop processes, and aviation safety standards.

Workplace readiness: Gain experience in real-world aeronautical engineering environments with a focus on quality, compliance, and teamwork.

Pathway to further study: This programme prepares you for higher-level aeronautical engineering qualifications and apprenticeships.

Strong career prospects: The aviation industry requires skilled engineers to maintain safety and efficiency in aircraft operations.

Flexible learning for industry staff: Already working in aviation? Join our block courses to upskill while staying on the job.

Contact us for more information

Programme outcomes

By completing this programme, you will:

Develop essential engineering skills, including the use of tools, materials, and technical drawings.
Understand workplace health and safety regulations specific to aviation.
Learn the principles of aeronautical engineering, including mechanical and electrical fundamentals.
Gain confidence in calculations, measurements, and problem-solving.
Build teamwork, communication, and digital literacy skills for a high-tech, safety-focused industry.

This qualification sets you on the right path for a career in aeronautical engineering or further study in the field.

Entry requirements

Academic requirements

New Zealand Certificate in Aeronautical Engineering (Pre-Employment Skills) (Level 3)(external link) OR Equivalent knowledge and experience in aeronautical engineering or associated industries.

Alternative requirements

Applicants who are unable to demonstrate that they meet the Academic Entry Requirements but who can demonstrate acquired skills for tertiary study gained through study, work, and/or life experience may be approved for alternative entry by the Curriculum Area Manager (or delegate).

English Language requirements

If English is not the applicant’s first language, applicants will need to provide a result from a test or qualification on the acceptable alternatives English Proficiency Outcomes Table(external link):

IELTS General or Academic score of 5.5 (not less than 5.0 in each band)

Note: Applicants who do not have evidence of English language skills and are a New Zealand citizen or permanent resident may contact NMIT for an assessment.

Applicants who have achieved NCEA Level 3 University Entrance requirements are not required to provide evidence of English language skills.

IELTS scores used must be taken from a single IELTS Test Report Form and are valid for two years from the date of the test.

Other requirements | Nelson Campus

None.

Other requirements | Woodbourne Campus

To gain access to any programme that is delivered at RNZAF Base Woodbourne, all applicants must:

Complete the New Zealand Police Vetting System documentation, or in some cases, country of origin Police Vetting documentation

Domestic applicants must

Be at least 17.5 years of age

International applicants must

Be at least 18 years of age
Have resided in New Zealand for a minimum of six consecutive months to enable access to the Woodbourne campus as mandated by the New Zealand Defence Force.

RNZAF regulations require that the New Zealand Police clear all applicants. For more information on the police vetting process, please refer to the NZ Police Vetting Service(external link).

To ensure security is maintained at RNZAF Base Woodbourne, applicants may be required to undergo further police security checks, such as drug testing and referee reports.

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