If you're looking to gain knowledge in an industry, area, or interest, then a short course in New Zealand could be perfect for you! With a variety of study options, from summer school to postgraduate study, you can learn new skills or take a refresher course in areas of professional development to make lifelong learning a reality!
Short Courses found:
Accounting Diploma
Once you qualify, your job prospects will soar. If you’re eager to enhance your accounting skills, and pursue a career in accounting, finance or business, then this course is a must. It’s an advanced qualification that builds on the practical accountin...

Accounts Administration & Payroll Certificate plus Xero and MYOB
Up your practical knowledge and stand out from the crowd with our intermediate online course. You’ll gain skills in accounting, GST, Xero, payroll, Microsoft Excel and much more....

Certificate in Business Administration
Get that job or promotion with this certificate which is supported by the Association of Administrative Professionals New Zealand (AAPNZ). This online course will help you gain practical skills to prepare you for an administration role. The course will...

Certificate in Bookkeeping
Learn to balance the books with our accredited course. You’ll be able to prepare GST returns, liaise with the Inland Revenue on behalf of a taxpayer and keep business accounts, as well as learning to analyse and interpret a profit and loss statem...

Psychology & Counselling Diploma
Understand the human mind and the counselling process with this internationally recognised qualification. You’ll learn the theory behind the skills and techniques used to successfully help people work through their problems and issues with counselling....

Certificate in Accounting
This is a course that ticks all the boxes. The Career Academy Certificate in Accounting will provide you with all the necessary skills to work in an accounting environment. There’s no prior experience needed to do the course. And once you finish, you’l...

Accounting Pathway Program
Become a Qualified Accounting Technician and member of AAT! Fast track your accounting career with The Career Academy. This Program is unique to The Career Academy and specifically designed for those working or who have worked in an entry through to in...

Diploma in Child & Youth Counselling
How to change people’s lives for the better. This is a course where you can make a world of difference for children and young people. It’s a fascinating and highly detailed course where you’ll learn about theories of childhood development that include...

Business Administration Diploma
Take the next step towards a management role! Whether you’re looking to hone your skills, or to progress to a more senior role, our accredited online course will teach you everything you need to know to advance your administration career. You’ll learn...

Bookkeeping Business Pathway
Launch your bookkeeping business with the option to freelance, subcontract or start your own bookkeeping business. Complete our Certificate in Bookkeeping and then our Start your Own Business Program....

Administration Pathway Program – Business Administration
Give your admin career a real boost. It’s one of the most highly awarded Administration courses that you could take. This program is for those working in or seeking a Business Administration role. You’ll complete the Certificate in Business Administrat...

Diploma in Management & Team Leadership
Show you’re management material. Get an accredited Diploma in Management to prove your competency! While many managers are promoted because of their excellent personal performance, this change in role requires the development of new skills to ach...

Event Management Certificate
Are you a super-organised multitasker with excellent attention to detail? Become a certified event manager! Event management is the perfect career choice for multitaskers with exceptional organisational skills, who can move at the speed of light and th...

Import and Export Advanced Certificate
The International Trade (Import – Export) course gives you skills that you can put to immediate use. Whether you are expanding your business into the international market, starting a business or simply looking at working for an international trade comp...

Life Coaching Certificate
This course provides an opportunity to interact with and learn from very successful, highly qualified and experienced professionals. It also allows you to enter a respected and fast growing professions dedicated to making difference in peoples’ lives....

Catering and Cooking Certificate
Become a caterer and learn essential cooking skills. This course provides an opportunity to interact with and learn from very successful, highly qualified and experienced professionals and master chefs. It also allows you to enter a profession which wi...

Nursing Assistant Certificate
The field of Nursing & Patient Care Assisting is a rewarding career for those who wish to work in a profession that gives back to those who need it most....

Dental Assistant Certificate
Become a Dental Assistant. The course provides an opportunity to interact with and learn from very successful, highly qualified and experienced professionals. It also assists you in pursuing a stable and secure career as a dental assistant....

Paralegal Secretarial Advanced Certificate
The ICI paralegal course has been designed in conjunction with government and industry representatives and helps you learn the skills you need to succeed within the field of law quickly and conveniently. Our program is designed for those who seek to en...

Mediation Certificate
The mediation and conflict resolution profession is an incredibly rewarding and fulfilling profession....

Online Short courses also available
If you’re looking to gain knowledge in an industry, area, or interest, then a short course in New Zealand could be perfect for you! With a variety of study options, from summer school to postgraduate study, you can learn new skills or take a refresher course in areas of professional development to make lifelong learning a reality!
What are Short Courses?
Short courses cover a range of qualifications through a range of institutions to teach and qualify you to undertake your hobbies, passions or careers more effectively. There are courses available in almost every area and industry, including:
- Information technology
- Health Sciences
- English Skills
- Project Management
- Barista and Hospitality Skills
- Social Media
- First Aid
- Maori Language
- Social Sciences
Depending on which qualification you complete, it may allow you to simply understand the basics of the industry, or become a specialist in your field.
Short courses can both complement or replace higher education, depending on which industry you’re interested in studying. Short courses tend to be taught as:
- Specialist short courses, such as flower arranging or other hobbies/specific skills
- Certificate I, II, III
- Certificate IV, which typically includes work experience or a traineeship
- Diploma
- Advanced Diploma or equivalent, which can only be completed after an undergraduate qualification
How to study:
If you’re a New Zealand citizen, pretty much all study options are open to you. That means that, provided you meet the entry requirements of the courses, you can study in Auckland, Christchurch, Wellington, or beyond!
International students from the United Kingdom, Australia and beyond should check with CRICOS for important information about IELTS and student visa requirements.
Many registered training organisations (RTO’s) offer full-time and part-time study options, as well as in-person and online student support. With a range of schools all over New Zealand, students can choose the school that most suits their needs, whether that be business school, TAFE or a small local organisation that offers language courses.
For more information about what to expect in your first year, tuition fees, main navigation help and more enquire about a specific course above! Read here for more information about how to use upskilling for a career change.