TFC at Tai Tokerau Campus
The Tertiary Foundation Certificate (TFC) programme in Whangārei offers you a pathway to degree studies. Through this free one-year preparation programme, you’ll have the opportunity to build your confidence and skills to succeed in your future degree at the University.
What do I gain from TFC?
TFC is a University Entrance (UE) equivalent qualification and an alternative way to meet Rank Score requirements. Completing TFC at Tai Tokerau with the required subjects and grades offers guaranteed entry to all degrees in the faculties of Arts and Education, Business, and Law. From 2026, you can also gain entry to degrees in Architecture, Design, Urban Planning and Science (except Biomedicine). If you’re on track to meet requirements, you’ll get early offers for your degree programme, which you'll begin the following year. You can also apply for exclusive scholarships for TFC graduates, funding courses and accommodation for your degree at UoA.
Who is the programme for?
If you aspire to study at university and want to build your knowledge, skills and confidence, then TFC is for you. Some of our students left school without UE or the required rank score for their degree. Some chose TFC to change their study or career path, or to try out something new. Whatever your reason, have a chat with us and we can help you figure out your best path forward.
Please note, TFC is only available to New Zealand citizens or permanent residents. You also need to have finished Year 13 (or be the equivalent age or older if you left school earlier).
Where and when do TFC classes happen?
The programme runs at the University of Auckland’s Whangārei campus. The sessions run in person on Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, with online classes on Tuesdays. All classes are between 10am and 5pm, and attendance is compulsory. We’ll also host you at our Auckland City Campus for wānanga and student experience days each semester.
Is TFC a free programme?
Yes! TFC courses have ZERO fees in 2026 and you’ll retain your full FeesFree eligibility for degree-level studies. Eligible TFC students will be able to apply for student allowance and/or living costs support through StudyLink or WINZ.
What scholarships are available for degree-level studies after TFC?
As a TFC student, you’ll have special access to scholarships and awards for foundation alumni, including:
What TFC courses are offered at the Northland campus in 2026?
The Tertiary Foundation Certificate is full time over two semesters. Eight courses must be taken and passed to obtain the TFC; courses are completely free to enrol in.
You will take six core courses:
TFCENG 91F and 92F: Core Literacy Courses (Semesters One and Two)
The two academic literacy courses will help you develop your communication and critical thinking skills. You will critically examine the politics of language and study a range of literary and non-literary texts, supporting you to excel in your future degree studies.
TFCMATHS 90F, 91F and/or 92F: Core Numeracy Courses (Semesters One and Two)
You'll be enrolled in one core maths course each semester that will build your confidence working with fractions, decimals, percentages, ratios, proportions, and algebra. You’ll learn these skills through problem solving and investigation in contexts such as financial literacy and real-life mathematics.
TFCSOCIO 91F: Sociology (Semester One)
You’ll explore key concepts in Sociology, enabling you to think sociologically about social structures (such as class, race/ethnicity, gender and sexuality), social institutions (such as the state) as well as interactions between people produce and sustain various forms of inequality.
TFCEDUC 92F: Human Development (Semester Two)
You’ll learn about psychological theories and systems of learning, such as social cognitive theory, cognitive apprenticeship, and behaviourism, building a basis for in-depth learning about frameworks for education and society. Much of the course is about cognitive learning science in general.
You will also choose two of the following elective courses:
TFCEXSCI 92F: Exercise Science (Semester One)
You'll learn about scientific principles and practices of sport and exercise science. Fundamental scientific principles will be developed through exploration of human anatomy, physiology, biomechanics, nutrition, and psychology as they relate to physical activity and exercise. Practical components will include measuring acute and chronic responses to exercise and assessing physical performance across various sporting and activity contexts.
TFCMĀORI 91F: Te Pū (Semester One)
You’ll learn foundational te reo Māori, including everyday vocabulary and structures and formal introductions. Aspects of tikanga will include meeting and greeting others with mihi, karakia, waiata and hīmene, and understanding values such as whānau, whakawhanaungatanga and aroha.
TFCBUS 92F: Business (Semester Two)
You’ll gain an understanding of the role of business in a rapidly changing national and international context. The course focuses on factors impacting success for future graduates, building business literacy and key skills and abilities to manage self, teams, organisations, industries, society and the nation.
TFCCOMPSCI 92F: Foundations of Computing (Semester Two)
You'll learn essential digital literacy skills for success in higher education and your future career. Topics include computer hardware and software fundamentals, web technologies, internet communication, emerging technologies, and basic programming concepts. You will also examine the social and ethical implications of technology, supporting responsible and ethical digital practices and academic integrity.
How do I apply?
To find out more, please visit Tertiary Foundation Certificate and Application process.