New Zealand Certificate in Foundation Skills (Level 1)

NMIT is part of Te Pūkenga

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

Marlborough:

16 February 2026

20 July 2026

Nelson:

16 February 2026

20 July 2026
Length

17 teaching weeks plus 2 weeks of study break
Total credits

60
Fees

Zero 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

NZ2861

Feeling a bit lost? Join us! You'll feel supported to identify and reach your goals and have a blast with fun activities to build your skills and confidence for the future.

This programme is eligible for fees-free funding through either the Youth Guarantee(external link), First Year Fees Free, or an internal NMIT scholarship. Our staff will automatically review each application to ensure the appropriate fees-free funding is applied, student levy will be included.

This is an approved Youth Guarantee programme.

Medium 2 Column 1470x980px 1 Youth Guarantee — Click the image to find out more information about Youth Guarantee fees-free study.

Foundation Skills is designed to empower you to find out what it is you’re great at in life.

This is not like school. You won’t be stuck at your desk in endless classes, writing essay after essay. Here, you get to do the fun stuff. Rewrite your education experience and learn through a bunch of hands-on, practical, fun activities.

In Foundation Skills, you will be welcomed into a diverse community. You will be celebrated for who you are and supported to succeed. Our awesome tutors are here for you. They want to see you reach your goals and have fun while doing it.

We will help you discover your strengths, identify your support system, build up your skills and develop a plan for your next steps. Our ultimate goal is for you to walk away with the confidence in yourself to succeed in further study, work, or other life ambitions.

"I recommend it to anyone who is thinking of leaving school or someone who is a bit stuck with not finding a job. Because I was in that position and did not know what to do and the course really helped me a lot and helped me get a job."

Lily, New Zealand Certificate in Foundation Skills alumni

Our values

This programme offers

What will I learn?

Personal organisation skills
Maintaining wellbeing (mental, physical, spiritual, and family health)
Recognising cultural differences
Positive communication skills
Exploring self and identity
Smart goal setting
Decision making
Financial management
Problem solving skills
Work ready strategies
Time management skills
Industry and study exploration
Your future career – Set goals, write your CV and master interviews
Study skills

Study pathways

Re-engage with learning through Foundation Skills. This programme provides young people with the skills and confidence for further study at Te Pūkenga NMIT at level 3+ or into entry-level employment.

On completion of the Level 1 programme, you may choose to enrol in the Level 2 NZ Certificate in Foundation Skills, (external link)which gives you a chance to build on the skills you have learnt already and complete work independently.

Entry requirements

Academic requirements

There are no minimum academic requirements

Note: if you have previously achieved a level 2 qualification, you may not be eligible to participate in this programme. Please contact NMIT to discuss, or consider the Study and Career Preparation programme(external link), designed to support learners of any age get back into study.

Other requirements

Applicants must be at least 16 years of age (special entry may be granted for 15-year-olds holding a Ministry of Education early leaving exemption)
Applicants are required to attend an informal interview

Information for applicants

The informal interview is designed to learn more about the applicant’s background, experience, motivation, and ability to participate in, and successfully complete the programme.

Applicants may be eligible for the Youth Guarantee which is open to 16-24-year-olds (or 15-year-olds who hold an early leaving exemption from school).

Structure and timetable - Nelson

Structure and Timetable - Marlborough

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