- Minimum age for entry for International Students is 18 years. (See FAQ below)
International Students
Level 3 and 4
Duration:
Fees:
Intakes:
Duration:
Fees:
Intakes:
Duration:
Fees:
Intakes:
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)
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 student visa application before paying the course fees.
This means you do not send a large sum of money 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.
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.