International Students

New Zealand Certificate in Welding

Level 3 and 4

Full-Time Welding Courses That Launch Careers

NZ Certificate in Welding (Level 3)

Foundation course

Duration:

  • 20 Weeks Full-time

Fees:

  • NZ$13,250.00

Intakes:

  • January 26th 2026 – Enrolling Now
  • July 20th 2026- Enrolling Now

NZ Certificate in Welding (Level 4)

Advanced course

Duration:

  • 20 Weeks Full-time

Fees:

  • NZ$14,750.00

Intakes:

  • January 26th 2026 – Enrolling Now
  • July 20th 2026- Enrolling Now

NZ Certificate
in Welding (Level 4) (Complex)

Combined course

Duration:

  • 40 Weeks Full-time

Fees:

  • NZ$28,000.00

Intakes:

  • January 26th 2026 – Enrolling Now
  • July 20th 2026- Enrolling Now

Course Overview

Enrolment Procedure - International Students

  1. Fill in the form on the “Contact” page
  2. We will send you an Enrolment pack.
  3. Read all the information thoroughly and complete Application to enroll form and the Medical form.
  4. Check that you have completed all parts of the form.
  5. Submit your Application to enroll form, Medical form and any additional information required eg copy of Passport and certificates (by email to us).
  1. If you are accepted you will Receive a Letter of offer.
  2. We recommend you engage an licensed Immigration Advisor to help with the Student Visa process (New Zealand Immigration Advisers Authority)
  3. Apply for your Student Visa at (Immigration NZ)
  4. Immigration recommend you submit your visa application at least THREE Months before the start of your Course
  5. Pay the Course fees to The Public Trust Office. We will send you a receipt which you will need to forward to Immigration NZ
  6. Once you receive your Student Visa, email a copy of your Visa to us immediately.
  1. It is a condition of Immigration NZ that you must have Travel and Medical Insurance for the duration of your study’s in New Zealand. We can arrange this for you through (Orbit Insurance) please tick the box on your Application to enroll form for us to arrange this for you.
  2. You will need to arrange your own accommodation in Christchurch.
  3. We will be in touch via email prior to the start of your course with information and any updates for your first day.
  4. Start attending class.

Frequently Asked Questions

Please click on a question below to get the answer

New Zealand Certificate In Welding (Level 3)
New Zealand Certificate In Welding (Level 4)
Or
New Zealand Certificate in Welding (Level 4) (Complex)

  • For Level 3, no prior welding experience is required, but you must be physically capable of workshop activities and at least 18 years old.
  • You must also have a current approved English test such as IELTS or PTE.
  • All applicants must meet New Zealand visa conditions and provide documentation like a passport copy and medical form.
  • Reasonable numeracy and literacy skills are also expected.
  • See above for full entry requirements

As per Rule 22 of NZQA’s regulations unless you are from an exempt country, we require:

IELTS test

  • Level 3

General or Academic score of 5 with no band score lower than 5.

  • Level 4

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).

  • Level 3

Score of 35 (with a writing score of 14).

  • Level 4

Score of 46 (with a writing score of 14).

Cambridge English Qualifications

  • Level 3

B2 First or B2 First for Schools with a score of 154. No less than 154 in each skill.

  • Level 4

B2 First or B2 First for schools with a score of 162. No less than 154 in each skill.

OET

  • Level 3

Minimum of Grade C or 200 in all sub-tests.

  • Level 4

Minimum of Grade C or 200 in all sub-tests.

NZCEL

  • Level 3

Level 3 (General).

  • Level 4

Level 3 (Applied).

Pearson Test of English (Academic)

  • Level 3

PTE (Academic) score of 36 with no band score lower than 36.

  • Level 4

PTE (Academic) score of 42 with no band score lower than 36.

LanguageCert

  • Level 3

B1 Achiever International ESOL Written (LRW) PASS with no less than 25/50 in each skill and Spoken (S) PASS.

  • Level 4

B2 Communicator International ESOL Written (LRW) PASS with no less than 25/50 in each skill and Spoken (S) PASS.

Trinity ISE

  • Level 3

ISE I with no less than distinction in any band.

  • Level 4

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.

  • New Zealand Certificate In Welding (Level 3)
    • 20 weeks full-time, NZ$13,250.00
  • New Zealand Certificate In Welding (Level 4)
    • 20 weeks full-time, NZ$14,750.00 (you must successfully  complete Level 3 before taking the 20 Week Level 4 course)

Or

  • New Zealand Certificate in Welding (Level 4) (Complex)
    • 40 weeks full-time, NZ$28,000.00

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

  • Fee Protect safeguards the money paid by you to your education provider, so that if they are unable to complete delivery of the course due to closure, insolvency, or other issues you can receive a full or partial refund of your fees. 

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. 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:

  • New Zealand Certificate In Welding (Level 3)
    • 20 weeks full-time, NZ$13,250.00
  • New Zealand Certificate In Welding (Level 4)
    • 20 weeks full-time, NZ$14,750.00 (you must successfully  complete Level 3 before taking the 20 Week Level 4 course)

Or

  • New Zealand Certificate in Welding (Level 4) (Complex)
    • 40 weeks full-time, NZ$28,000.00

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.

Qualification Pathways

  • With further work experience and/or qualifications:
    • Workshop Supervisor.
    • Welding Inspector.
    • Welding Supervisor.
    • Welding engineer.
    • Manufacturing engineer.
    • Mechanical Engineer.
    • Engineering Contractor.

Career Opportunities

  • Welding is used in:
    • Automotive i.e. Towbars (Mig, Arc and Tig).
    • Agricultural equipment i.e. Dairy – Silos, irrigation systems, installation. (Mig, Tig and Arc).
    • Construction i.e. earthquake strengthening and construction of modern high rise building (Mig and Arc).
    • Oil and Gas Industry – i.e. pipes or working in refineries (Mig, Arc and Tig).
    • Kitchen manufacturing Industry i.e. manufacturing stainless steel kitchenware (Tig).
    • Aviation Industry ie Tig welding (Tig).
    • Marine ie underwater welding and boat building and repairs (Mig, Arc and Tig).
    • Gas Cutting ie metal recycling.
    • Manufacturing in general.

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.

NZQA Logo

The Welding Academy is accredited by NZQA as a Category 1 provider.

NZQCF logo

The NZ Certificate in Welding Level 3 and 4

NTA-logo

Domestic student level 3 & 4  certificate courses are provided through the Welding Academy under contract to the National Trade Academy.

Welding-Fern-100pc

We are 100% Kiwi owned

HERA

The Welding Academy is an Affiliate member of HERA

ITENZ Logo

The Welding Academy is registered as a financial member of Independent Tertiary Education New Zealand