- Minimum age for entry for International Students is 18 years. (See FAQ below)
International Students
Level 3 and 4
Duration:
Fees:
Intakes:
Duration:
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With Welding now on the Immigration NZ Green List and having been on the skills shortage list for many years, New Zealand is looking for qualified Welders.
Click below to find out more about each course
Upon successful completion of this course you’ll gain the following NZQA Approved Qualification
Upon successful completion of this course you’ll gain the following NZQA Approved Qualification
Also:
Upon successful completion of this course you’ll gain the following NZQA Approved Qualification
To enroll on the NZ Certificate in Welding (Level 4) (Complex) programme, international applicants must meet the following requirements:
No Prior Welding Experience Required: The programme is designed for beginners, welcoming applicants with no previous welding background.
Physical Capability: Applicants must possess sufficient physical stamina to perform welding tasks for extended periods, typically several hours per day.
Mechanical Aptitude: Candidates should demonstrate the ability to execute the mechanical tasks necessary to meet the course unit standards.
Legal Study Status: Applicants must provide evidence of their legal eligibility to study in New Zealand, including a valid study visa.
Age Requirement: International applicants must be 18 years of age or older at the time of application.
English Language Proficiency: Applicants must achieve an IELTS overall band score of 5.5, with no individual band score below 5.0, or a PTE Academic score of 43–50.
Visa Requirements: A valid New Zealand study visa is mandatory for the duration of the programme.
Ensure all documentation is submitted accurately to support your application and embark on your journey to a rewarding career in welding.
New Zealand Certificate In Welding (Level 3)
New Zealand Certificate In Welding (Level 4)
Or
New Zealand Certificate in Welding (Level 4) (Complex)
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.
To enrol, complete the Application to Enrol form and Medical form available via the Contact page of the Welding Academy’s website, and submit required documents (e.g., passport, academic certificates). Once accepted, you’ll receive a Letter of offer needed for your student visa application. It’s recommended to apply early, as places fill quickly.
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
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.
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.
Job hunting is up to you, but we can help with your CV’s/Resume and point you in the right direction for job hunting. You will find our alumni working all over New Zealand and Internationally.
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.
While we provide you with resources and assistance, completing the course does not guarantee a job. However, the demand for welders is high and we have found that most of our students get job placements before even completing their course.
Welding has been on the Skills Shortage list for many years in New Zealand and is now on the Immigration Green List.
The Welding Academy does not provide accommodation, so you’ll need to arrange your own in Christchurch. Accommodation options include homestays, rentals, or student housing.
Expect living costs of NZ$15,000-20,000 per year for rent, food, and transport. https://www.naumainz.studywithnewzealand.govt.nz/studying-in-nz/before-your-arrival/cost-of-living
Yes, comprehensive travel and medical insurance is mandatory for your 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 current details contact us.
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.
International Students can 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.
No, our courses are either 20 or 40 weeks duration and are considered full-time courses.
This webpage is intended to provide general information only and is not an exhaustive treatment of the course. Accordingly, the information in this Website is not intended to constitute any legal, consultative or other professional advice, service or contract in any way. For full details of the course and application process must be obtained by email or phone from the Welding Academy directly.
Almost all of our graduates are now working in the welding industry across New Zealand, turning their training into thriving careers.
Whether it’s on major infrastructure projects or in high-tech fabrication workshops, our students are making their mark.