Study in New Zealand: a certificate or a degree

Earn a health certificate at NZSE or a bachelor’s degree at the University of Waikato.

Applications open
Check if I qualify Compare the levels
Certificate or degree?
Certificate or degree?
Next intake
1 Mar 2027 Waikato. NZSE: 15 Mar 2027
Certificate
40 weeks NZSE, Level 4
Degree
1 to 4 years University of Waikato
English
IELTS 5.5 to 6.0 Depends on the course

New Zealand’s qualification levels

New Zealand gives every qualification a level, from certificates to degrees.

  1. Level 3 Certificate

  2. Level 4 Certificate · NZSE

    NZSE health certificate

  3. Levels 5 and 6 Diploma

  4. Level 7 Bachelor’s degree · Waikato

    Waikato degrees

Where you would study

Two programs. Each card shows the length and the English you need.

Auckland city centre and Sky Tower seen across the Waitematā Harbour, New Zealand
Applications open

New Zealand Skills and Education College programs

via New Zealand Skills and Education College (NZSE) · New Lynn (Auckland) and Hamilton, New Zealand
Duration
40 weeks for the Level 4 certificate; other programs differ
Language
IELTS 5.5 (no band below 5.0) for the Level 4 certificate
NZ level
Level 4 certificate

Health and wellbeing qualifications at a New Zealand private training establishment. The NZ Certificate in Health and Wellbeing (Level 4) takes 40 weeks and includes more than 200 hours of supervised practical placement.

Requirements
  • At least a high school graduate
  • Valid Philippine passport
  • IELTS 5.5 with no band below 5.0, or equivalent, for the Level 4 certificate
  • Proof of funds for tuition and living costs, for the student visa

Ideal for: Students interested in a health and wellbeing qualification

Level 4 certificate. 40 weeks, with more than 200 hours of practical placement.

Check if I qualify Details
Covered walkway and lawn of the village green on the University of Waikato campus in Hamilton, New Zealand
Applications open

University of Waikato programs

via University of Waikato · Hamilton and Tauranga, New Zealand
Duration
1 to 4 years depending on the program
Language
IELTS 6.0 (no band below 5.5)
NZ level
Level 7 degrees

Degree study at the University of Waikato. Programs take 1 to 4 years, depending on the degree.

Requirements
  • At least some college
  • Valid Philippine passport
  • Meeting the university's entry requirements for your degree
  • Academic IELTS 6.0 with no band below 5.5, or equivalent
  • Proof of funds for tuition and living costs, for the student visa

Ideal for: Degree-seeking students in health, business, computing, engineering, teaching, law and the social sciences

Level 7 degrees, including Health, Business, Computer Science, Engineering, Teaching and Law.

Check if I qualify Details

Before you apply

What the schools and the student visa ask for.

  • A Philippine passport.
  • Education. A high school diploma for NZSE’s certificate. For a Waikato degree, the university’s own entry requirements.
  • English. IELTS 5.5 (no band below 5.0) for the certificate; Academic IELTS 6.0 (no band below 5.5) for a degree; or an equivalent test.
  • Proof of funds. The student visa asks for proof that you can pay your tuition and living costs.
  • Full-time study. The student visa asks for it.

Questions about New Zealand

For NZSE’s Level 4 certificate, IELTS 5.5 with no band below 5.0. For a Waikato degree, Academic IELTS 6.0 with no band below 5.5. Both schools accept some other tests at the same level.

A certificate is shorter. A degree takes longer and goes deeper into one subject. The eligibility check shows which one you qualify for.

See which path fits you

Answer five quick questions, then save them with a free account. You’ll see which New Zealand programs you qualify for, and what’s missing for the rest.

Check if I qualify

Questions first? Send us a message or email hello@studyeverywhere.ph.