Sustainable Aquaculture (Level 3)

NMIT is part of Te Pūkenga

This means that you will now graduate with a Te Pūkenga qualification. Read more
Locations and dates

Nelson:

17 February 2025

Full-time

Online:

Online with Nelson workshops
Study options

Full time (February intake only) and part time (online intakes only)
Length

16 weeks full-time including two weeks of study breaks. One-year part-time Online with workshop in October
Total credits

50
Fees

2025: $3,086 plus $110 Student Services Levy

A Compulsory Student Services Levy applies (2024; $2.05 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.
National qualification code

NZ3135

A career in the aquaculture industry starts here with NMIT’s introductory qualification that prepares you for work or further study.

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 want to work in an innovative industry that’s helping to feed the world and protect ocean and freshwater ecosystems, a career in aquaculture is for you.

This course will cover the fundamentals of sustainable aquaculture systems, hatchery management, and fish farming.

As a graduate, you will be prepared to undertake further study, leading to a range of exciting jobs at aquaculture farms, on boats, or in scientific research organisations.

You’ll get a practical, hands-on education at NMIT with a blend of classroom lessons, field trips, and time spent on-site with industry.

Nelson is where most of New Zealand’s aquaculture production and research takes place, making it a great place to study.

This programme is also delivered online for learners nationwide and can be delivered directly in workplaces across Te Tauihu. See below for more information.

Scholarships

NZ King Salmon(external link) | Aquaculture or Business Scholarship 1

Amount

Up to $2,500 towards course fees.

Eligible programmes for this scholarship

Certificate in Aquaculture
Bachelor’s degree in Aquaculture (first or second year)
Business Studies programme

Important dates

Applications close at 4 pm on 28 February 2025.

View Terms of Reference [PDF, 136 KB]

Apply Now(external link)

View More Scholarships →(external link)

Study online, on-campus or on-the-job

Online with Nelson workshops

Study online from home around work or other commitments. You’ll complete the course within a year and only have to be on campus at NMIT for a two-week block of practical work in October.

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

Full-time on-campus study

Study on-site at NMIT face-to-face with a tutor in our aquaculture classrooms. You’ll complete the course within half a year and be well-placed to continue with the Level 4 Certificate during the rest of the year.

Workplace delivery

Our tailor-made courses enable businesses to regularly upskill their team knowledge without compromising the daily activities associated with running a business through our blended delivery options.

See the Aquaculture Hub for more information, or contact Hannah Emms-Healey directly to discuss on-the-job training options.

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 Marine Conservation and Aquaculture degree.

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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