Sustainable Aquaculture (Level 3)

Locations and dates

Online:

16 February 2026
Study options

Part time only
Length

Part-time: One year online with workshop in October
Total credits

50
Fees

2026: $3,270 plus $146 Student Services Fee

A Student Service Fee applies (2025; $2.17 per credit).

Fees listed are for each year of the programme, indicative only and may vary with course selection.

View course details for individual fees.

N.B. The 2026 SSF final fee is currently subject to consultation with learners.
National qualification code

NZ3135

Start your aquaculture journey from anywhere in Aotearoa with NMIT’s flexible online qualification designed to prepare you for work or further study in this fast-growing industry.

Aquaculture is the breeding, rearing, and harvesting of fish, shellfish, plants, algae and other organisms in all types of water environments. It is the world’s fastest-growing primary sector, which means there’s high demand for skilled workers.

If you’re interested in an innovative industry that helps feed the world and supports healthier water ecosystems, this introductory qualification is a great place to begin.

This course will cover the fundamentals of sustainable aquaculture systems, hatchery management, and fish farming. As a graduate, you will be prepared to continue into further study, leading to a range of exciting jobs at aquaculture farms, vessels, hatcheries, or within research organisations.

Although the study is primarily online, you’ll come together with tutors and peers for a two-week practical workshop in Nelson. During this workshop, you will:

Gain hands-on experience operating NMIT’s Recirculating Aquaculture System (RAS)
Carry out water quality testing
Take part in field trips to local aquaculture sites
Spend time onsite with industry professionals
Have the opportunity to work at NMIT’s saltwater facility at the Cawthron Aquaculture Park

Because the programme is online, you can study from anywhere in New Zealand, fitting learning around work, whānau, or life commitments - while still accessing NMIT’s industry connections and practical learning opportunities.

Study online with practical workshops in Nelson

Online study

Study entirely online from anywhere in New Zealand, with flexible learning that fits around your work or other commitments. You’ll complete the course within a year and attend a two-week practical workshop in Nelson in October, where you’ll gain hands-on experience in real aquaculture environments.

Expect to spend around 12 hours a week on your studies.

Workplace delivery

We also offer flexible workplace-based training for aquaculture businesses that want to upskill their teams. These options are designed to minimise disruption to daily operations while supporting staff to build essential aquaculture knowledge and capabilities.

See the Aquaculture Hub for more information, or contact Leila McComb-Kennedy directly to discuss on-the-job training options.

Graduate outcomes

As a graduate of the Level 3 Certificate in Sustainable Aquaculture, you will be able to:

Apply introductory knowledge of sustainable aquaculture systems.
Understand the fundamentals of hatchery management and fish farming.
Use basic concepts and practices learned through online study and the two-week practical workshop.
Take your next step toward higher-level study in aquaculture, such as the Level 4 Certificate.(external link)

Career pathways

This course aims to give you a pathway into the aquaculture industry. This may mean working on an oyster, salmon, or mussel farm. Or may involve work as a technician in a scientific research organisation.

If the boating part of the course is for you, it may open doors to more boating qualifications and maritime work.

If you have enjoyed the study, especially the science side, you may want to continue into the Bachelor of Aquaculture and Marine Conservation.(external link)

Opportunity Grows Here(external link) is a great website if you want to know more about the Aquaculture industry. Check it out today, you might be surprised at what types of jobs this qualification opens you up to!

Entry Requirements

Academic requirements

No minimum academic requirements

English language requirements

If English is not the applicant’s first language they will need to provide a result from a test or qualification on the acceptable alternatives English Proficiency Outcomes Chart.(external link)

Applicants who do not have evidence of English language skills and are a New Zealand citizen or permanent resident may contact NMIT for an assessment.

IELTS 5.0 Academic (no lower than 5.0 in any subtest)

Note: Applicants who have achieved NCEA Level 3 University Entrance requirements are not required to provide evidence of English language skills.

Information for Applicants

The programme has aspects that require a certain level of agility, physical strength and fitness. Applicants must be physically capable of completing all aspects of the programme and may be asked to provide evidence.
The programme involves working in and around water – it is highly recommended that learners are able to swim.
NMIT and industry require drug and alcohol-free training and work environment. Learners will be required to adhere to the workplace policies of any organization that they work for on their placements.
Learners will be required to sign a declaration on entry to the programme stating any medical issues that NMIT needs to be aware of. This adheres to the Health and Safety in at Work Act 2015.

Selection

All enrolments on the programmes are at the discretion of the Curriculum Manager or delegate. Applicants need to be physically fit to complete aquaculture work, be able to swim and be able to pass drug and alcohol screening prior to Semester 2 work placement.

All applicants who fulfil the entry requirements will be accepted onto the programme until maximum learner numbers are reached.

Applicants may be required to complete an interview/hui which provides an opportunity for applicants to discuss their previous experience.

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