Foundation Certificate (International) – FCert(Int)

This qualification will help you prepare for undergraduate study by improving your English and academic skills.

Type of qualification
Certificate
Level of study
Pre-degree study

Pre-degree study lets you gain skills so you can study another certificate, diploma or degree.

More about study levels

NZQF level 4

Our courses follow the New Zealand Qualification Framework (NZQF) levels.

Find out more about NZQF levels

Time to complete
8 or 12 months depending on your intake start date
Where you can study
Auckland campus
International students

International students are not New Zealand citizens or residents.

Definition of New Zealand citizens and residents

Open to international students on campus in New Zealand

Study a Foundation Certificate (International) – FCert(Int)

If you don’t meet the academic requirements for admission to Massey University undergraduate qualification, our Foundation Certificate (International) qualification can help bridge the gap.

On successful completion of the Certificate, you are guaranteed admission to all unrestricted University undergraduate qualifications.

For undergraduate qualification with restrictions or selected entry criteria, students will need to meet these qualification admission requirements in addition to successful completion of a Foundation Certificate.

Apply now for the Foundation Certificate (International)

Entry requirements

Entry requirements

Admission to Massey

All students must meet university entrance requirements to be admitted to the University.

Specific requirements

To enter the Foundation Certificate (International) you will have:

  • completed NCEA Level 2, or equivalent; and
  • if English is not your first language, you will have achieved an IELTS of 5.5 overall with no band less than 5.0, or equivalent TOEFL score.

Prior learning, credit and exemptions

For information on prior learning, exemptions and transfer of credit or other questions:

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.

You should read these together with all other relevant Statutes and Regulations of the University including the General Regulations for Undergraduate Degrees, Undergraduate Diplomas, Undergraduate Certificates, Graduate Diplomas and Graduate Certificates.

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 Foundation Certificate (International)

Structure of the Foundation Certificate (International)

You may complete the Foundation Certificate (International) by passing 60 credits of core courses and at least 60 credits of Pathway courses. 

The Foundation Certificate (International) is awarded without a specialisation.

Courses and specialisations

Courses and specialisations

Credit summary

Each course is worth a number of credits. You combine courses (credits) to meet the total number of credits needed for your qualification.

120 credits

  • Core compulsory courses – 60 credits
  • Courses specific to your chosen pathway – 60 credits

Core Courses (Choose 60 credits from)

Choose 60 credits from
Course code: 115016 Academic English 15 credits

Academic English provides an opportunity for students to explore, respond to, analyse and produce a range of academic and non-academic texts. Through reading, viewing, writing, listening, speaking, and using information and communication technologies (ICT), the course develops students’ confidence and competence in using the English language; their understanding of how different text-types are constructed for academic purposes and audiences; and their competence in key academic literacies required for undergraduate studies.

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Course code: 115017 Information Technology for Academic Studies 15 credits

In this course, students extend their competence with technology applications relevant to their academic studies. Students will particularly develop their capacity to identify problems that may benefit from a technological solution and identify which solution would be best in the specific context.

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Course code: 115018 Introduction to Academic Communications 15 credits

This course enables students to develop the oral and written skills that are required for tertiary level studies. It includes the skills and knowledge required to efficiently gather, organise and present information. Students will learn effective strategies to research and analyse information from a variety of sources and present that information in written and oral formats.

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Course code: 115019 Socio-cultural context of Aotearoa New Zealand 15 credits

This course provides students with an introduction to the socio-cultural context of Aotearoa New Zealand as a nation and the outcomes for people, organisations and businesses. It explores multiple perspectives and lenses in approaching questions of culture and society. The course explores the provisions and application of Te Tiriti o Waitangi to society, business and organisational contexts.

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Pathway Courses

Business Pathway (Choose 60 credits from)

Choose 60 credits from
Course code: 115020 Accounting Fundamentals 15 credits

This course introduces students to accounting concepts and practices including the recording of business events in an accounting worksheet and the preparation of primary accounting reports.

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Course code: 115021 Economics Fundamentals 15 credits

This course provides an introduction to the vital role of economics in the functioning and wellbeing of societies. This course will equip students with knowledge of the basic principles of microeconomics and macroeconomics.

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Course code: 115023 Management Fundamentals 15 credits

This course provides students with an understanding of the role of management within various types of businesses in Aotearoa New Zealand and the wider trading community. It provides an overview of the influencing factors to be considered by managers.

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Course code: 247024 General Mathematics 15 credits

This course equips students with knowledge of mathematical concepts and tools to foster their problem-solving skills. This unit covers the foundational themes of algebra, consumer and financial arithmetic and statistics to give students a preparation for entry into further studies, particularly in business disciplines.

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Science Pathway (Choose 60 credits from)

Choose 60 credits from
Course code: 247020 Biology Fundamentals 15 credits

Biology Fundamentals is an introductory course which will equip you with the knowledge of basic biology concepts. The course covers the foundational themes of life processes, ecology, and evolution in preparation for entry into further studies.

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Course code: 247021 Chemistry Fundamentals 15 credits

Chemistry Fundamentals is an introductory course which will equip you with the knowledge of basic chemistry concepts in preparation for entry into further studies. The course covers the foundational themes of the structure, properties and changes of matter, and how chemistry is used in society.

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Course code: 247022 Mathematics Fundamentals 15 credits

Mathematics Fundamentals is a foundational course which will develop the core mathematical skills necessary for many of the 100-level science courses that require fundamental algebraic fluency and statistical literacy. Your studies will combine fundamental mathematical and statistical methods designed to provide highly sought-after skills in mathematical reasoning, problem solving and numeracy.

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Course code: 247023 Physics Fundamentals 15 credits

Physics Fundamentals is an introductory course which will equip you with the knowledge of basic physics concepts. The course covers the foundational themes of motion, forces, energy, electricity, fluids and waves in preparation for entry into further studies.

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Fees and scholarships

Fees and scholarships

2026 tuition fees

  • Domestic students: $7,415
  • International students: $34,220

Tuition fees are estimates only. The exact fees charged will depend on which courses you select at the time of enrolment. The estimates are for full-time study (120 credits). Fees are in New Zealand dollars and include Goods and Services Tax (GST).

The estimates do not include the Student Services Fee. This fee is $1,164 for on-campus students and $948 for distance students for full-time study (120 credits). For more information about this fee and other fees you may need to pay, see non-tuition fees.

There may also be charges for things such as study resources, software, trips and contact workshops.

Course fees

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, including how much could be covered and your eligibility on the Inland Revenue website.

Scholarships and awards

Search our scholarships and awards

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