- Duration
- Full-time: One year
- Part-time: Varies
- Next start date
- 2025 Semester One – 3 March
- 2025 Semester Two – 21 July
- Available locations
- City, South Auckland, Tai Tokerau
- Programme type
- Non Formal
Programme overview
He Ara Takatū - Tertiary Foundation Certificate (TFC) is a one-year programme that prepares you for undergraduate studies and gives you the chance to meet degree entry requirements. If you aspire to study at the University of Auckland and want to build your knowledge, skills and confidence to reach your academic potential, then TFC is for you.
You’ll experience life on campus and have access to all services, facilities and clubs. Depending on your subjects and grades, completing TFC offers a guaranteed path to all direct-entry undergraduate degrees.
TFC is especially here to support students from groups under-represented in tertiary education.
TFC is now offered at Tai Tokerau Campus in Whangārei. For more information, please visit TFC at Tai Tokerau.
Programme structure
To complete TFC, you must pass eight papers, including core courses in Literacy and Maths, as well as a range of elective subjects in Arts, Business, Education, and Sciences.
If you gain a GPA of 7 or above in your first semester of full-time study, you’ll be eligible to take an approved Stage I undergraduate course in your next semester. This course will be credited to both the TFC and your future degree.
When you successfully complete TFC, you’ll have a nationally recognised University Entrance qualification. Depending on your subjects and grades, TFC offers guaranteed pathways to all direct entry undergraduate degrees.
Read about the TFC grades you will need for particular degree programmes.
Most students need to take one General Education course.
Students should also be aware of the University’s Academic English Language Requirement.
Sample programme structure
Science pathway
Semester 1 60 points
-
- Code:
- TFCENG 91F
- Name:
- Academic Literacy I
- Type:
- Compulsory core course
- Points:
- 15 pts
-
- Code:
- TFCMATHS 91F
- Name:
- Foundation Mathematics I
- Type:
- Compulsory core course
- Points:
- 15 pts
-
- Code:
- TFCBIO 91F
- Name:
- Foundation Biology I
- Type:
- Elective course
- Points:
- 15 pts
-
- Code:
- TFCCHEM 91F
- Name:
- Foundation Chemistry I
- Type:
- Elective course
- Points:
- 15 pts
Semester 2 60 points
-
- Code:
- TFCSTATS 92F
- Name:
- Data Analytics
- Type:
- Elective course
- Points:
- 15 pts
-
- Code:
- TFCMATHS 92F
- Name:
- Foundation Mathematics II
- Type:
- Compulsory core course
- Points:
- 15 pts
-
- Code:
- TFCBIO 92F
- Name:
- Foundation Biology II
- Type:
- Compulsory core course
- Points:
- 15 pts
-
- Code:
- TFCCHEM 92F
- Name:
- Foundation Chemistry II
- Type:
- Compulsory core course
- Points:
- 15 pts
Sample programme structure
Arts pathway
Semester 1 60 points
-
- Code:
- TFCENG 91F
- Name:
- Academic Literacy I
- Type:
- Compulsory core course
- Points:
- 15 pts
-
- Code:
- TFCMATHS 91F
- Name:
- Foundation Mathematics I
- Type:
- Compulsory core course
- Points:
- 15 pts
-
- Code:
- TFCHIST 91F
- Name:
- Foundation History
- Type:
- Elective course
- Points:
- 15 pts
-
- Code:
- TFCSOCIO 91F
- Name:
- Foundation Sociology I
- Type:
- Elective course
- Points:
- 15 pts
Semester 2 60 points
-
- Code:
- TFCENG 92F
- Name:
- Academic Literacy II
- Type:
- Compulsory core course
- Points:
- 15 pts
-
- Code:
- TFCARTS 92F
- Name:
- Introduction to Arts and Humanities
- Type:
- Elective course
- Points:
- 15 pts
-
- Code:
- TFCENV 92F
- Name:
- Environment and Society 2
- Type:
- Elective course
- Points:
- 15 pts
-
- Code:
- TFCSOCIO 92F
- Name:
- Foundation Sociology II
- Type:
- Elective course
- Points:
- 15 pts
2025 entry requirements
My highest qualification is from:
Entry requirements
To be eligible to apply for TFC you must
- Be a New Zealand citizen or permanent resident
- Have completed Year 13 or been out of school for at least one calendar year after Year 12 (if under 20 years old)
We welcome applications from students of mature age.
Once you have applied, you will receive a conditional offer. To secure a firm place in the programme, you must meet the following conditions:
- Online skills check
- TFC kōrero: skills review and course preferences
If required, you’ll be invited to sit an in-person diagnostic assessment to gain a better understanding of your current skills. Although the assessment results are not all that we consider, they’re an important factor.
For more information, see our webpages:
Further requirements
Entry into certain courses, e.g., Chemistry, Physics, or higher Maths will depend on your assessment results.
Other pathways to study
You could be eligible for another programme, or check out these alternative pathways:
- See if you meet the criteria for the Undergraduate Targeted Admission Scheme (UTAS).
- Bridge your educational gap with a preparation and foundation programme.
- If you are under 20, have no formal University Entrance (UE) qualification, and are a New Zealand or Australian citizen or permanent resident you can apply for discretionary entrance.
- If you can demonstrate outstanding academic achievement and maturity, we offer admission to applicants under 16.
International entry requirments
To be eligible to apply for TFC you must
- Be a New Zealand citizen or permanent resident
- Have an eqivalent of Year 13 or been out of school for at least one calendar year after Year 12 (if under 20 years old)
We welcome applications from students of mature age.
Once you have applied, you will receive a conditional offer. To secure a firm place in the programme, you must meet the following conditions:
- Online skills check
- TFC kōrero: skills review and course preferences
If required, you’ll be invited to sit an in-person diagnostic assessment to gain a better understanding of your current skills. Although the assessment results are not all that we consider, they’re an important factor.
For more information, see our webpages:
Other pathways to study
You could be eligible for another programme, or check out these alternative pathways:
- Bridge your educational gap with a preparation and foundation programme.
- If you have an offer of place from us that is conditional on meeting English language requirements, you may be considered for English Pathway courses from the University of Auckland English Language Academy (ELA)
How much does a Tertiary Foundation Certificate cost per year?
2025 fees
- Domestic students
- NZ$0*
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 financial support information
Scholarships and awards
Find out about the scholarships you may be eligible for.
Student loans and allowances
Are you a New Zealand citizen or resident? You could be eligible for a student loan or allowance.
Cost of living
Get an idea of how much accommodation and general living in Auckland will cost.
Key dates
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.
Application closing dates
- Summer School 2025
- 30 September 2024
- Semester One 2025
- 7 February 2025
Start dates
Here are the start dates for the programme.
| Summer School | Starts – 4 January |
|---|---|
| Ends – 14 February | |
| Semester One | Starts – 26 February |
| Ends – 24 June | |
| Semester Two | Starts – 15 July |
| Ends – 11 November |
| Summer School | Starts – 6 January |
|---|---|
| Ends – 19 February | |
| Semester One | Starts – 3 March |
| Ends – 30 June | |
| Semester Two | Starts – 21 July |
| Ends – 17 November |
Other important dates
See important dates for the academic year, including orientation, enrolment, study breaks, exams, and graduation.
How to apply
Applying for an undergraduate programme? Check out our step-by-step guide.
Where could this programme take you?
When you successfully complete TFC, you’ll have a nationally recognised University Entrance qualification. Depending on your subjects and grades, TFC offers guaranteed pathways to all direct entry undergraduate degrees.
Student career planning service
Once you become a student at the University, you can get help with planning and developing your career from Career Development and Employability Services.
Key Information for Students
Compare qualifications and academic information across different New Zealand institutions.
Do you need help?
Can’t find the answer in AskAuckland?
Need to speak to someone?
You can phone us directly.
- Auckland
- 923 5025
- Outside Auckland
- 0800 61 62 63
- International
- +64 9 373 7513