Type of qualification
Level of study
Our Certificate of Proficiency is offered at different levels depending on the level of the courses you want to take.
Our courses follow the New Zealand Qualification Framework (NZQF) levels.
Time to complete
Where you can study
International students
International students are not New Zealand citizens or residents.
Study a Certificate of Proficiency Sub Degree – CPSBD
The Certificate of Proficiency (Sub-Degree) is not a formal qualification. You should only apply for this certificate if you are intending to study some sub-degree courses but not intending to complete any of the formal sub-degree qualifications.
For example, these may be interest courses or you may want to study them to prepare you for studying another qualification in the future.
Entry requirements
Admission to Massey
All students must meet university entrance requirements to be admitted to the University.
Specific requirements
You will need to meet the entry requirements for the courses you choose.
Prior learning and exemptions
For information on prior learning and exemptions or other questions, contact us through the Get advice button on this page.
English language skills
If you need help with your English language skills before you start university, see our English for Academic Purposes (EAP) courses.
Official regulations
To understand what you need to study and must complete to graduate read the official rules and regulations for this qualification.
Returning students
For returning students, there may be changes to the majors and minors available and the courses you need to take. Go to the section called ‘Transitional Provisions’ in the Regulations to find out more.
In some cases the qualification or specialisation you enrolled in may no longer be taking new enrolments, so may not appear on these web pages. To find information on the regulations for these qualifications go to the Massey University Calendar.
Please contact us through the Get advice button on this page if you have any questions.
Structure of the Certificate of Proficiency Sub Degree
You should select your courses from the Certificate in Foundation Studies or the Certificate in University Preparation.
You may take 60 credits providing the courses you choose are not substantially similar to an existing qualification. In this case, you would need to apply for the existing qualification.
Courses and specialisations
Key terms
- Courses
- Each qualification has its own specific set of courses. Some universities call these papers. You enrol in courses after you get accepted into Massey.
- Course code
- Each course is numbered using 6 digits. The fourth number shows the level of the course. For example, in course 219206, the fourth number is a 2, so it is a 200-level course (usually studied in the second year of full-time study).
- Credits
- Each course is worth a number of credits. You combine courses (credits) to meet the total number of credits needed for your qualification.
- Specialisations
- Some qualifications let you choose what subject you'd like to specialise in. Your major or endorsement is what you will take the majority of your courses in.
Credit summary
15-60 credits
- Sub-degree courses – 15‑60 credits
Course planning key
- Prerequisites
- Courses that need to be completed before moving onto a course at the next level. For example, a lot of 200-level courses have 100-level prerequisite courses.
- Corequisites
- Courses that must be completed at the same time as another course are known as corequisite courses.
- Restrictions
- Some courses are restricted against each other because their content is similar. This means you can only choose one of the offered courses to study and credit to your qualification.
Fees and scholarships
Fees, student loans and free fees scheme
Your tuition fees may be different depending on the courses you choose. Your exact fees will show once you have chosen your courses.
There will also be some compulsory non-tuition fees and for some courses, there may also be charges for things such as study resources, software, trips and contact workshops.
- Get an estimate of the tuition fees for your qualification
- View a list of non-tuition fees that may be payable
Already know which courses you're going to choose?
You can view fees for the courses that make up your qualification on the course details pages.
Student loans (StudyLink) and Fees Free scheme
You may be eligible for a student loan to help towards paying your fees.
The New Zealand Government offers fees-free tertiary study for eligible domestic students. Find out more about the scheme and your eligibility on the Fees Free website. To use the site's eligibility checking tool, you will need your National Student Number.
Current and returning Massey students can find their National Student Number in the student portal.
- Student loans (StudyLink)
- Fees Free
- Student portal
Fees disclaimer
This information is for estimation purposes only. Actual fees payable will be finalised on confirmation of enrolment. Unless otherwise stated, all fees shown are quoted in New Zealand dollars and include Goods and Services Tax, if any. Before relying on any information on these pages you should also read the University's Disclaimer Notice.
Related study options
Certificate of Proficiency (Student Exchange) – CPSTX
Explore New Zealand while you study at Massey, a world-ranked university offering excellent courses.
Certificate of Proficiency Postgraduate – CoP Postgraduat
Pursue an interest or prepare for further study. This Certificate is for those intending to complete only one or two courses at postgraduate level.
Certificate of Proficiency Undergraduate – CPUND
Pursue an interest or prepare for further study. This Certificate is for those intending to complete only one or two courses at undergraduate level.
Diploma (Business) – DipBus
A stepping stone to university study for international students interested in studying business at Massey
Diploma in Science and Technology – DipScTech
Undertake a shorter, more flexible study option with the Diploma in Science and Technology at Massey.
Doctor of Philosophy – PhD
A prestigious research qualification that demonstrates your ability to carry out independent and original research in your chosen field.
Graduate Diploma (Management) – GradDip(Mgt)
A specially designed bridging qualification for international students that will allow you to transition into a Master of Management, specialising in Management
Graduate Diploma (Marketing) – GradDip(Mrk)
A stepping-stone to higher learning for international students interested in marketing at masters level
Graduate Diploma in Science and Technology – GDipScTech
The Graduate Diploma in Science and Technology gives you the opportunity to retrain in an area of science that interests you.
Without Specialisation – Postgraduate Diploma in Science and Technology
Massey University’s Postgraduate Diploma in Science and Technology is a stepping stone to a research-based qualification.
Useful planning information
Key information for students
Compare qualifications and academic information across different New Zealand institutions. Learn more on careers.govt.nz