New Zealand Certificate in Fashion

This certificate is a great pathway towards working in the fashion industry or undertaking further study. We’ll introduce you to a range of textiles and the basic skills of fashion design, and you’ll gain entry-level skills in patternmaking and garment construction. We’ll also show you how the industry works and what goes on in a range of workplaces.

At the end of the course, you'll be able to make a range of basic garments and apply these skills in a garment production workshop, under the direction of a designer or production manager.

40 credits NCEA Level 1, including 10 literacy credits and 10 numeracy credits.

If you have undertaken examinations other than NCEA (e.g. International Baccalaureate, Cambridge Examination), Ara will assess your qualification for academic entry equivalency.

Alternative requirements

If you show that you have equivalent skills for tertiary study gained through study, work and/or life experience, you may be able to gain alternative entry.

Additional requirements

You are required to supply a 300 word statement expressing your interest in working within the Fashion Industry. You may also be required to attend an interview.

English requirements:

IELTS test - Academic score of 5.5 with no band score lower than 5

SPEAKING - 5.0
READING - 5.0
WRITING - 5.0
LISTENING - 5.0

TOEFL Paper-based test (pBT) - Score of 530 (with an essay score of 4.5 TWE)

TOEFL Internet-based test (iBT) - Score of 46 (with a writing score of 14)

Cambridge English Qualifications - B2 First or B2 First for schools with a score of 162. No less than 154 in each skill

Pearson Test of English (Academic) - PTE (Academic) score of 42 with no band score lower than 36