New Zealand Certificate in Agriculture (Dairy Farming) (Level 3 & 4) (Offshore International Students Only)

Graduates will be able to:

• apply theoretical knowledge of key farming inputs to pastoral farming systems.
• assist with key livestock production tasks in a pastoral farming context.
• use appropriate technology within a pastoral farming system.
• assess and minimise risk to self, others and equipment.
• apply knowledge of sustainable practices to pastoral farming systems.
• coordinate agribusiness activities using appropriate technology and a range of effective communication and interpersonal skills
• benchmark a farm’s physical performance against data from industry high performers to identify strategies for improving farm physical and financial performance
• produce routine management reports to inform decision making for a farm production system
• take responsibility for routine maintenance of vehicles, plant, machinery, and equipment
• implement and monitor a farm environmental plan

Graduates of the Dairy Farming strand will also be able to implement and monitor:

• milk harvesting and milk quality plans
• a dairy livestock health plan
• a dairy livestock breeding plan
• a dairy livestock feeding plan

Entry Requirements

This pathways programme is open to international students that must be able to provide evidence of prior farming experience. If you are unsure whether your background meets the entry criteria or would like further clarification, please email [email protected] and we can assist you.

English language requirements

Candidates whose first language is not English must have an IELTS score of 5.5 with no band score lower than 5.0, or equivalent.

Level 4 Work placement components

It is required, students find their own farm for the work placement component. This placement will commence September 2027.

It is expected that students will work on farms in the local area and spend most of their time gaining hands-on experience in the agricultural industry.

Working on a farm is a key part of this programme, as it ensures that all learning and assessments take place in a real work environment where theory directly connects to practical farm work.

Qualifications Eligible for a Post Study Work Visa

Qualification
A certificate at NZQF Level 4 or higher

Knowledge requirements (focus area)
Dairy Farming or Livestock Farming strands of the New Zealand Certificate in Agriculture (Level 4)

Related jobs
Dairy cattle farmer

Additional Expenses

A laptop or tablet is required - approx $750

Other additional expenses include:

• Gumboots - approx $100
• Wet Weather gear - approx $300
• Overalls - approx $100

We recommend waiting to purchase gumboots, wet weather gear and overalls until you have been assigned to a farm, as some farmers may provide them.