| Course Title | Level 3 - Foundation | Level 4 – Advanced | Level 4 (Complex) – Combined Foundation & Advanced |
|---|---|---|---|
| NZQA Level | Level 3 | Level 4 | Level 4 |
| Course Duration | 20 weeks | 20 weeks | 40 weeks + holidays |
| Tuition Fees | NZ$13,250 | NZ$14,750 | NZ$28,000 |
| Visa Requirements | Student Visa required for Level 3 only | Separate Student Visa required for Level 4 | Single Student Visa covers entire 40-week course |
| Work Rights During Study | Not permitted | Up to 25 hours per week (subject to visa conditions) | Up to 25 hours per week + full-time work during scheduled breaks (subject to visa conditions) |
| Payment Structure | Pay only for Level 3 course | Pay only upon Level 4 visa application | Full payment required for combined course |
| Entry Requirements | No prior welding experience required, English language proficiency (e.g., IELTS, PTE) | Successful completion of Level 3 course, English language proficiency (e.g., IELTS, PTE) | No prior welding experience required, English language proficiency (e.g., IELTS, PTE) |
| Medical and Travel Insurance Requirements | Yes Insurance required for your entire stay in New Zealand | Yes Insurance required for your entire stay in New Zealand | Yes Insurance required for your entire stay in New Zealand |
How do I Apply to Enrol?To start the Enrolment process, Click Here and fill in your details to receive and Application to Enrol Form.
Check entry requirements
Apply to study at the Welding Academy
Apply yourself
Submit your application at least THREE Months before the start of your Course to allow time for your Student Visa application process.
Apply via an Immigration Agent
Confirmation of application and offer
Apply for your Student Visa
Step 1: Organise your Student Visa and immigration requirements
Applying for a Student Visa
If you wish to study in New Zealand you must have a valid student visa. The Government of New Zealand issues student visas for full time study on the understanding that you have sufficient funds for study and living expenses for the duration of your stay in New Zealand. There are regulations that must be met before a student visa can be issued and these vary from country to country. Information about how to apply for your student visa can be obtained from your Immigration Agent. Student visas can take significant time to issue, please ensure that you leave sufficient time to obtain your visa.
All student visa applications are assessed by the New Zealand Government according to:
Keeping and Understanding a Student Visa
All International students must comply with current visa conditions and regulations determined by Immigration New Zealand. For more detailed information on current visa conditions and regulations visit the Immigration New Zealand website – immigration.govt.nz/ migrant/stream/study.
Finances
You must maintain enough money to pay for tuition and living expenses for the duration of your stay in New Zealand.
Student Visa Conditions
Student visas are granted subject to a number of mandatory and discretionary conditions. International students are required to comply with these conditions while studying in New Zealand.
Academic Progress
Students must complete their Level 3 course with in the 20 week time allocation for the course, before embarking on the Level 4 course. The Level 4 course must be completed within the 20 week time allocation for the course. If Taking the 40 Week course both qualifications must be completed within this time frame to pass. Failure to achieve this will lead to students being “at risk” of not completing the programme within the expected duration as stated in your offer letter and the Confirmation of Enrolment.
Attendance
International students must attend at least 90% of all scheduled classes. If illness or personal problems prevent you from maintaining 90% attendance at classes during the semester you must seek advice from your Tutor as soon as possible.
Providing your contact details in New Zealand
Students must advise the Welding Academy of your home address and phone number in New Zealand within seven (7) days of arriving in New Zealand. Also, if you change your address or phone number during your stay in New Zealand, you must advise the Welding Academy within seven days.
Video guide to the Student Visa Process
Useful Links
Immigration New Zealand – https://www.immigration.govt.nz/new-zealand-visas/options/study
New Zealand Immigration Advisers Authority – https://www.iaa.govt.nz/
Recommended Immigration Advisors – Click Here
Video guide to the Student Visa Process – Click Here
Application Criteria for this programme (International Students):
Health and travel insurance while studying in NZ is important to avoid unwanted, high costs relating to medical care and life events.
The Welding Academy requires all enrolled international students to have approved health and travel insurance for the duration of their enrolment (regardless of their visa type). This is a requirement under the NZQA Code of Pastoral Care of Domestic Tertiary and International Learners 2021.
The Welding Academy recommends getting insurance with Orbit Protect Insurance.
Test
Level 3 Course
Level 4 Course
IELTS
General or Academic score of 5 with no band score lower than 5
General or Academic score of 5.5 with no band score lower than 5
TOEFL (pBT)
Score of 500 (with an essay score of 4 TWE)
Score of 530 (with an essay score of 4.5 TWE)
TOEFL Internet-based test (iBT)
(see note 2)
Score of 35 (with a writing score of 14)
Score of 46 (with a writing score of 14)
Pearson Test of English (Academic)
(see note 2)
PTE (Academic) score of 36 with no band lower than 36
PTE (Academic) score of 42 with no band lower than 36
Cambridge English Qualifications
(see note 2)
B2 First or B2 First for Schools with a score of 154. No less than 154 in each skill
B2 First or B2 First for schools with a score of 162. No less than 154 in each skill.
OET
(see note 2)
Minimum of Grade C or 200 in all sub-tests
Minimum of Grade C or 200 in all sub-tests
LanguageCert
(see note 2)
B1 Achiever International ESOL Written (LRW) PASS with no less than 25/50 in each skill and Spoken (S) PASS
B2 Communicator International ESOL Written (LRW) PASS with no less than 25/50 in each skill and Spoken (S) PASS
Trinity ISE
(see note 2)
ISE I with no less than distinction in any band
ISE II with no less than pass in any band
Note 1: The listed outcomes represent the minimum scores or grades for each test or qualification that qualify a student for enrolment at each programme level. Students with higher scores or grades than required for a particular programme level may still enrol at that level. Where the entry requirements for a programme are for a higher English proficiency outcome than is listed in the relevant row of the Table for the programme level in which the student is being enrolled, the student must meet that higher level.
Note 2: All test scores must be from a single report except:
Level 3 (20 Week Course)
Level 4 (20 Week Course)
Level 4 (40 Week Combined Course)
Fees and Payments
Medical and Travel Insurance:
Other expenses
Living Costs:
New Zealand Certificate In Welding (Level 3)
New Zealand Certificate In Welding (Level 4)
Or
New Zealand Certificate in Welding (Level 4) (Complex)
Or
Fees cover tuition, materials and PPE, but you may need to budget for additional costs like insurance, living costs etc.
No, our courses are either 20 or 40 weeks duration and are considered full-time courses.
Yes, students that successfully complete the NZQA approved NZ Certificate in Welding Level 4 Qualification are classified as an 322313: Welder (NZ) / Welder (First Class) (Aus).
As per Rule 22 of NZQA’s regulations unless you are from an exempt country, we require:
IELTS test
General or Academic score of 5 with no band score lower than 5.
General or Academic score of 5.5 with no band score lower than 5.
TOEFL Internet-based test (iBT)
Note: This does not include the Home Edition or Paper Edition (they are not acceptable).
Score of 35 (with a writing score of 14).
Score of 46 (with a writing score of 14).
Cambridge English Qualifications
B2 First or B2 First for Schools with a score of 154. No less than 154 in each skill.
B2 First or B2 First for schools with a score of 162. No less than 154 in each skill.
OET
Minimum of Grade C or 200 in all sub-tests.
Minimum of Grade C or 200 in all sub-tests.
NZCEL
Level 3 (General).
Level 3 (Applied).
Pearson Test of English (Academic)
PTE (Academic) score of 36 with no band score lower than 36.
PTE (Academic) score of 42 with no band score lower than 36.
LanguageCert
B1 Achiever International ESOL Written (LRW) PASS with no less than 25/50 in each skill and Spoken (S) PASS.
B2 Communicator International ESOL Written (LRW) PASS with no less than 25/50 in each skill and Spoken (S) PASS.
Trinity ISE
ISE I with no less than distinction in any band.
ISE II with no less than pass in any band.
You should apply at least 3 months before the next intake, this is to allow time to get your Student Visa processed.
Video guide to the Student Visa Process – Click Here
How do I Apply to Enrol?To start the Enrolment process, Click Here and fill in your details to receive and Application to Enrol Form.
Check entry requirements
Apply to study at the Welding Academy
Apply yourself
Submit your application at least THREE Months before the start of your Course to allow time for your Student Visa application process.
Apply via an Immigration Agent
Confirmation of application and offer
Apply for your Student Visa
Application Criteria for this programme (International Students):
We have two Level 4 programmes,
Or
Fees cover tuition, materials and PPE, but you may need to budget for additional costs like insurance, living costs etc.
International students usually lodge the visa application without paying fees yet.
This means the student does not send a large sum until INZ has indicated the visa will be granted.
What INZ actually requires
The student must show they have paid tuition for the whole programme.
Acceptable evidence includes:
Screenshots of bank transfers and receipts from education agents are not accepted.
No, our course fees are as follows:
Or
Fees cover tuition, materials and PPE, but you may need to budget for additional costs like insurance, living costs etc.
Your Fees are paid into the Public Trust
Fee Protection for Students
Safeguard your course & living costs: What students need to know
International Students may request a refund. However, please note that certain fees shall be deducted to cover admin costs and/or for the period the student has already attended.
Yes, you must obtain a Student Visa from Immigration New Zealand ( https://www.immigration.govt.nz/ ) or have the correct Visa conditions to allow full-time study (VoC).
We recommend you use a licensed immigration advisor to help with visa approval (https://www.iaa.govt.nz/ ). Processing times vary, so apply at least 3 months in advance of the course start date.
How long do Student Visas take?
Immigration NZ recommends you apply for your Visa at least 3 months before the start of your course.
Step 1: Organise your Student Visa and immigration requirements
Applying for a Student Visa
If you wish to study in New Zealand you must have a valid student visa. The Government of New Zealand issues student visas for full time study on the understanding that you have sufficient funds for study and living expenses for the duration of your stay in New Zealand. There are regulations that must be met before a student visa can be issued and these vary from country to country. Information about how to apply for your student visa can be obtained from your Immigration Agent. Student visas can take significant time to issue, please ensure that you leave sufficient time to obtain your visa.
All student visa applications are assessed by the New Zealand Government according to:
Keeping and Understanding a Student Visa
All International students must comply with current visa conditions and regulations determined by Immigration New Zealand. For more detailed information on current visa conditions and regulations visit the Immigration New Zealand website – immigration.govt.nz/ migrant/stream/study.
Finances
You must maintain enough money to pay for tuition and living expenses for the duration of your stay in New Zealand.
Student Visa Conditions
Student visas are granted subject to a number of mandatory and discretionary conditions. International students are required to comply with these conditions while studying in New Zealand.
Academic Progress
Students must complete their Level 3 course with in the 20 week time allocation for the course, before embarking on the Level 4 course. The Level 4 course must be completed within the 20 week time allocation for the course. If Taking the 40 Week course both qualifications must be completed within this time frame to pass. Failure to achieve this will lead to students being “at risk” of not completing the programme within the expected duration as stated in your offer letter and the Confirmation of Enrolment.
Attendance
International students must attend at least 90% of all scheduled classes. If illness or personal problems prevent you from maintaining 90% attendance at classes during the semester you must seek advice from your Tutor as soon as possible.
Providing your contact details in New Zealand
Students must advise the Welding Academy of your home address and phone number in New Zealand within seven (7) days of arriving in New Zealand. Also, if you change your address or phone number during your stay in New Zealand, you must advise the Welding Academy within seven days.
Video guide to the Student Visa Process
Accordion Content
Immigration NZ recommends applying for your student visa at least 3 months before the course start date.
Is accommodation provided?
The Welding Academy does not provide accommodation. Students must arrange their own accommodation in Christchurch (homestays, rentals, or student housing).
Expect living costs of about NZ$15,000 to 20,000 per year for rent, food and transport.
Yes, comprehensive travel and medical insurance is mandatory for your student Visa conditions and must cover the entire duration of your stay in New Zealand. The Welding Academy can arrange this through Orbit Protect.
For the most up to date information please contact us.
Yes, we can help with writing your CV’s/Resume and help you with Job hunting.
We have close relationships with business around New Zealand and we often get calls from them looking for newly qualified welders.
We will try our best to help you secure a job after the course is completed, you will find our alumni working all over New Zealand and Internationally.
If I successfully complete Level 4, am I an ANZSCO 322313 Welder?
Yes, students that successfully complete the NZQA approved NZ Certificate in Welding Level 4 Qualification are classified as an 322313: Welder (New Zealand) / Welder (First Class) (Australia).
Welding is in high demand in New Zealand, with graduates finding roles in industries like construction, manufacturing, marine, aviation, and oil/gas. Many employers offer visa sponsorship, with over 100 welder jobs listed recently, including sponsored positions. Welding occupations are on New Zealand immigration’s Green List, providing a pathway to residency for qualified international graduates.
Yes, If you secure a welding job with an accredited employer, you could transition to a work visa.
Welding is also on the New Zealand immigration’s Green List, providing a pathway to residency for qualified international graduates.
We cannot guarantee a job at the end of the course, however we will provide you with resources and assistance needed to give you the best chance of securing employment after the course is completed.
The demand for welders is high and we have found that most of our students get job placements after completing their course.
Welding has been on the Skills Shortage list for many years in New Zealand and is also on the Immigration Green List.