Note that the certificate does not guarantee entry into health training programmes, but does provide you with the opportunity to develop competence and confidence in university subjects relevant to careers in healthcare.
The CertHSc programme consists of two full-time semesters of study. You’ll need to pass ten 12-point courses across a range of subjects, including science, population health, and academic and professional development.
Lectures and tutorials provide guided and self-directed learning, while laboratory sessions encourage teamwork, observation skills and a familiarity with technical equipment.
Assessment is through coursework such as assignments, projects, practical tests and final exams at the end of each semester. Lectures and tutorials are held at the Tāmaki, Grafton and City Campuses of the University of Auckland.
Most students need to take one or two General Education courses.
Students should also be aware of the University’s Academic English Language Requirement.
Sample programme structure
You are eligible for the CertHSc if you have verified indigenous New Zealand Māori or Pacific whakapapa/ancestry and are a citizen or permanent resident of New Zealand. CertHSc and Māori and Pacific Admission Scheme (MAPAS) eligibility and ancestry verification is approved upon receipt of a completed MH04 form available online.
To apply you must first apply under MAPAS and then apply for the CertHSc. You will be required to attend a one-day MAPAS interview which will take place in the week 11-15 December.
Please note the following points when applying for the programme:
Students are selected for the CertHSc through the MAPAS interview process. Find out more about the MAPAS interview process.
You could be eligible for another programme, or check out these alternative pathways:
You are eligible for the CertHSc if you have verified indigenous New Zealand Māori or Pacific whakapapa/ancestry and are a citizen or permanent resident of New Zealand. CertHSc and Māori and Pacific Admission Scheme (MAPAS) eligibility and ancestry verification is approved upon receipt of a completed MH04 form available online.
To apply you must first apply under MAPAS and then apply for the CertHSc. You will be required to attend a one-day MAPAS interview which will take place in the week 11-15 December.
Please note the following points when applying for the programme:
Students are selected for the CertHSc through the MAPAS interview process. Find out more about the MAPAS interview process.
You could be eligible for another programme, or check out these alternative pathways:
Fees are set in advance of each calendar year and will be updated on this website. Fees are inclusive of 15% GST, but do not include course books, travel and health insurance, or living costs. Amounts shown are indicative only. Fees will be confirmed upon completion of enrolment into courses.
*Please note: amounts shown are indicative and estimates only.
Find out about the scholarships you may be eligible for.
Are you a New Zealand citizen or resident? You could be eligible for a student loan or allowance.
Get an idea of how much accommodation and general living in Auckland will cost.
Please note: We will consider late applications if places are still available. International students should start the application process as early as possible to allow sufficient time to apply for a visa.
Here are the start dates for the programme.
| Semester One | Starts – 27 February |
|---|---|
| Ends – 26 June |
| Semester One | Starts – 26 February |
|---|---|
| Ends – 24 June |
See important dates for the academic year, including orientation, enrolment, study breaks, exams, and graduation.
Applying for an undergraduate programme? Check out our step-by-step guide.
Successful completion of the CertHSc helps prepare you for entry to the first year of one of the bachelor programmes offered within the faculty, such as Nursing, Health Sciences, which is a pathway to Medicine, Optometry or Pharmacy.
Once you become a student at the University, you can get help with planning and developing your career from Career Development and Employability Services.
You can phone us directly.