Start your journey this year and get set for success
Looking for more stability, better job options or to switch career direction? Our wide range of study entry points and pathways, plus flexible learning options, can help you move towards a better future.
Check out the courses below and apply now or contact us to discuss your options.
Christchurch options
Open entry
Certificates
Construction Management
- Diploma in Construction - Construction Management
- Bachelor of Construction (Construction Management)
- Graduate Diploma in Construction Management
Quantity Surveying
- Diploma in Construction (Quantity Surveying)
- Bachelor of Construction (Quantity Surveying)
- Graduate Diploma in Quantity Surveying
Architecture
Open Entry
Certificates and Diplomas
- Certificate in Admin & Technology (Level 4)
- Diploma in Business (Accounting)
- Diploma in Business (Project Management)
- Diploma in Business (Leadership and Management)
- Diploma in Business (Marketing and Sales)
- Diploma in Business (Human Resource Management)
- Diploma in Business (Admin and Technology)
- Diploma in Hospitality Management
Degrees
Graduate Diplomas
- Graduate Diploma in Accounting
- Graduate Diploma in Business Information Systems
- Graduate Diploma in Business Transformation and Change
- Graduate Diploma in Human Resource Management
- Graduate Diploma in Marketing and Sales
- Graduate Diploma in Operations and Production Management
- Graduate Diploma in Project Management
- Graduate Diploma in Strategic Management
- Graduate Diploma in Supply Chain & Logistics Management
- Graduate Diploma in Applied Management
Postgraduate
Open entry
Certificates
Civil
Electrical
Mechanical
Certificates
Open entry
- Certificate in English Language (Level 2)
- Certificate in English Language (General) (Level 3)
- Certificate in English Language (Applied) (Level 3)
- Certificate in English Language (General) (Level 4)
- Certificate in English Language (Academic) (Level 4)
- Certificate in English Language (Academic) (Level 5)
Certificates
Open entry
Certificates
- Certificate in Exercise
- Certificate in Health and Wellbeing (Mental Health and Addiction Support)
- Certificate in Health and Wellbeing (Whānau, Community and Social Services)
- Certificate in Study and Employment Pathways – Pre Health
Degrees
- Bachelor of Applied Science (Health Promotion)
- Bachelor of Applied Science (Human Nutrition)
- Bachelor of Applied Science (Sport and Exercise Science)
Short courses
Open entry
Certificates
Diplomas
Short courses
Open entry
Certificates
Short courses
Open entry Pre-Apprenticeship
- Certificate in Automotive Engineering
- Certificate in Automotive Collision Repair
- Certificate in Construction Trade Skills - Carpentry
- Certificate in Construction Trade Skills - Joinery
- Certificate in Mechanical Engineering
- Certificate in Electrical Pre-Trade
Trades Apprenticeships
- Certificate in Engineering Fabrication – Steel Construction
- Certificate in Engineering Fabrication – Heavy Fabrication
- Certificate in Engineering Fabrication – Light Fabrication
- Certificate in Carpentry
- Certificate in Joinery
- Certificate in Joinery - Cabinetry
- Certificate in Joinery - Stairs
- Certificate in Joinery - Timber Door and Window
- Mechanical Engineering – Maintenance Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering – General Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering – Machining
- Mechanical Engineering – Toolmaking
- Mechanical Engineering – Fitting and Machining
Short courses
- Electrical Theory Revision
- EWRB Electrical Appliance Serviceperson
- EWRB Electrical Service Technician (2 Weeks)
- EWRB Electrical Service Technician (20 Weeks)
- Intermediate Welding - TIG
- EWRB Electrical Practical Assessment
- EWRB Competence Programme for Electrical Workers
- EWRB Exam Revision Regulations
- EWRB Safety Training
- Electrical Appliance Servicing
- Hobby Furniture Making
- EWRB Competence Programme for Electrical Workers - CPR
- EWRB Electrical Inspectors Registration
- Weekend Panelbeating - Beginners
- Weekend Panelbeating - Intermediate
- Intermediate Welding - Arc, Mig and Flux-cored
- Introduction to Welding and Thermal Cutting
- EWRB Electrician Practical Assessment Stage 1, 2 and 3
Timaru options
Trades Apprenticeships
- Certificate in Engineering Fabrication – Steel Construction
- Certificate in Engineering Fabrication – Heavy Fabrication
- Certificate in Engineering Fabrication – Light Fabrication
- Certificate in Carpentry
- Certificate in Joinery
- Certificate in Joinery - Cabinetry
- Certificate in Joinery - Stairs
- Certificate in Joinery - Timber Door and Window
- Mechanical Engineering – Maintenance Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering – General Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering – Machining
- Mechanical Engineering – Toolmaking
- Mechanical Engineering – Fitting and Machining
What do graduates think about Ara?

I had friends doing their degrees elsewhere at the same time, so I had the chance to compare stories. Ara was simply just more hands-on – more real life.
Savannah Kemp
New Zealand Certificate in Business (Administration and Technology)
Diploma in Business
Bachelor of Applied Management

I love to learn and Ara made it easy for me to do so…Some of my best moments in life were spent in the classrooms at Ara.
Tim Crawford
New Zealand Certificate in Carpentry (Level 4)

Ara welcomes people from all walks of life…and we are encouraged to bring our full, authentic selves into our study.
Lani Pitcher
Bachelor or Applied Science (Human Nutrition)
Frequently asked questions
If you already know which programme you want to study, head to the programme’s web page and look for the ‘View Dates & Apply’ button. You’ll see a list of upcoming start dates — just choose the one that suits you.
Click ‘Apply’ to start your online application. You’ll be able to create a profile and even save your progress so you can come back to it later if needed.
If there’s no apply button on the page, don’t worry — just get in touch with our team, and we’ll help you take the next step.
Yes! We run Information Evenings where you can explore your options and get help with your application.
We also hold free Information Sessions on a wide range of study options available at Ara. These sessions are a great way to learn about our programmes, what’s involved in studying them, and how to apply.
Get in touch or book a tour to find out more and explore all the options on offer.
Scholarships and financial assistance
Need some help picking the right course for you?
Get in touch or book a tour to find out more and explore all the options on offer
Contact us