International Students

New Zealand Certificate in Welding

Level 4 – (Complex)

Domestic students click here

Description

Programme of Study

  • New Zealand Certificate in Welding (Level 4) (Complex)

NZQA Qualifications

completed as part of this programme:

Number

4605

4606

Qualification

New Zealand Certificate in Welding

New Zealand Certificate in Welding

Level

3

4

Credits

60

60

Intake Date

  • July 21st 2025
  • January 26th 2026

Duration

  • International students
    • Level 3 – 20 weeks
    • Level 4 – 20 weeks
  • 4 hours per day, 5 days per week

Location

  • Christchurch

Course Overview

This 40 week, full-time NZQA approved Level 4 programme of study is aimed at individuals who are interested in a career in welding and wish to enter the industry as professional welders.

This comprehensive program provides learners with a thorough understanding of welding theory and practical skills.

Become part of this in-demand industry whether you aspire to secure a job or want to add to your own skill set, the possibilities are endless to shape a promising future in the dynamic field.

student with hat

Course fees for international students

$28,000

NEW: Combined Level 3 & 4
Duration: 40 Weeks
2-Year Programme

No hidden extras, your fees include all course costs plus one full set of Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) which includes:

Welding Helmet

Safety Glasses

Steel Cap Boots

Overalls

Gloves

Ear Plugs

Dust Masks

Enrolment procedures

Course Outline

Graduates of the Level 3 qualification will be able to:

  • Identify and apply knowledge obtained from a variety of specialised sources relevant to their chosen field.
  • Manage own learning and work effectively as an individual and as a team member to achieve relevant goals.
  • Solve problems and communicate clearly using a range of appropriate media.
  • Evaluate opportunities and develop plans for study and career pathways relevant to their chosen field.
  • Only need to pay the fees for the Level 3 course. If you proceed to Level 4, you will pay the fees when applying for your Level 4 visa.

Graduates of the Level 4 qualification will be able to:

  • Locate, select and analyse relevant information from a variety of sources and apply it to context-relevant tasks and problems
  • Work independently and collaboratively on context-relevant academic tasks and problems
  • Construct a reasoned and researched argument, communicated using a range of appropriate media
  • Develop and critique a study and career plan that identifies specific long-term career goals. 

NEW: Graduates of the Level 4 (Complex) qualification will be able to:

  • Complete a 40-week course, progressing from beginner to advanced skill levels
  • Gain qualifications as a certified welder upon successful completion of the full programme
  • Apply for a single student visa for the entire duration of the programme
  • Achieve Level 3 and 4 Certificates after completing both levels of the course
 
The new Level 4 (Complex) program offers the same comprehensive training and qualifications as the current Level 3 and 4 courses, but with significant advantages. Instead of requiring two separate study visa applications—one for each level—students only need to apply once for the entire academic year.
 
What you will Learn
  • We will provide training leading to qualifications in each of the main processes of welding: Mig, Arc, Tig, Aluminium and Gas Cutting in mild steel, stainless steel and aluminium.
  • Safe use of engineering machinery and tools.
  • Workshop Health and Safety Procedures.
  • Gain a well balanced theoretical knowledge of welding, including creating and interpreting drawings and plans.
  • We will work with students through the interview process, writing CVs and portfolios giving you the confidence required to gain employment in the engineering industry.

Around 98% of last year’s students have gained employment in the welding industry around New Zealand.

Qualification

A successful candidate will gain the:

  • New Zealand Certificate in Welding (Level 3)
  • New Zealand Certificate in Welding (Level 4)

These are both Unit Standard based NZQA approved qualifications.

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, Trailers and Truck Chassis
    • Agricultural equipment i.e. Farm Equipment, Irrigation Systems, Repairs and Maintenance
    • Construction i.e. Structural Steelwork, Earthquake Strenghening and Ground Stabilisation.
    • Oil and Gas Industry – i.e. Tube and Pipework.
    • Food and Beverage: i.e. Stainless Tube, Tanks, Vats.
    • Aviation Industry i.e. Aluminium Repair and Fabrication.
    • Marine i.e. underwater welding and boat building and repairs.
    • Manufacturing in general.

Admission Information

Application Criteria (International Students):

  • No previous welding experience needed.
  • Applicants should have sufficient physical stamina to be able to weld for several hours per day.
  • Applicants must be able to perform the mechanical tasks required to complete the course unit standards.
  • All applicants must prove their legal status to allow them study in New Zealand.
  • International applicants must be 18 years or over.
  • Must have IELTS English test score of 5.5 band with no individual score lower than 5.0.
    or PTE (43 to 50).
  • Must have the correct visa to study in New Zealand.
Enrolment procedures
Terms & Conditions

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.