New Zealand Certificate in Hospitality (Level 3)**

It's Time for More

More Opportunities. More Goals. Discover +100 programmes starting in 2027.
Locations and dates
No start dates are currently available. Register to be informed when new dates are added.
Study options

Full time
Length

17 teaching weeks plus 2 weeks of study break
Total credits

60
Fees

2027: Zero fees

A Student Service Fee applies (2026; $2.50 per credit).

Fees listed are for each year of the programme, indicative only and may vary with course selection.

View course details for individual fees.
National qualification code

NZ4366

Kick-start your career in Hospitality with real-world learning.

** Subject to NZQA approval.
Register your interest to start your hospitality study in February 2027.

It’s time to get your hands on all the equipment that makes this industry fun. Whether you’re behind the bar shaking up a mocktail, building your barista skills, or learning confidence in customer service, you’ll leave this programme feeling like you’re on the right track.

Hospitality 1470x980px v3 — Hospitality student practising barista skills on a professional coffee machine.

Real-world experiences you will love

Right from the start, you’ll be learning about the logistics of great service both to the customers at your tables, and to the team of chef’s you’re supporting.

You'll take part in functions and events throughout the year that give you a real taste of café and restaurant service in action.

We’ll make sure you learn how to problem-solve and calmly work through everyday hospitality situations so you can confidently go to work in the industry, and, will ensure you also have the opportunity to get out and enjoy some work experience.

Learn and Earn

NMIT's Hospitality and Tourism programmes are created with the intention to support our local industry.

This means not only are your classes timed to allow you to get some work experience, but also allow you the peak industry hours to work.

Start positioning yourself in the industry

Throughout the year you will get some great opportunities to support events and you will be encouraged to get out and get some work experience too.

Not only will your work experience open you up to the Nelson network of establishments, but may give you the opportunity for a job over the summer months.

Graduates of this programme will be able to use their barista and table service skills in licensed and unlicensed food and beverage outlets.

Build yourself up further

Upon graduation, this qualification will enable you to work in a supervisory role in a range of hospitality establishments and establish you as a leader who can effectively communicate with a team and monitor and maintain operating procedures.

Book a chat with one of our friendly study navigators(external link) today, and we'll start you on your journey.

Entry requirements

Academic requirements

Be at least 16 years of age at the commencement of the programme; and have attained a minimum of:

10 NCEA Level 1 Literacy credits; and
10 NCEA Level 1 Numeracy credits; or Equivalent knowledge, skills and experience; and
Be able to safely participate in the practical learning and assessment activities required for the programme.

Alternative requirements

Applicants who are unable to evidence that they meet Academic Entry Requirements, but who can demonstrate acquired skills for tertiary study gained through study, work and/or life experience, may be approved for alternative entry. This may include Recognition of Prior Learning. Contact NMIT for advice.

Other requirements

Applicants must be able to confirm that they will have the physical capability to comply with relevant health and safety requirements and can safely withstand 4-8 hour sessions of working in the front of house/ commercial kitchen environment.

English language requirements

If English is not the applicant’s first language they will need to provide a result from a test or qualification on the acceptable alternatives English Proficiency Outcomes Chart(external link). Applicants who do not have evidence of English Language skills and are a New Zealand citizen or permanent resident, may contact NMIT for an assessment.

IELTS 5.0 Academic or General (no lower than 5.0 in any subtest)

IELTS scores used must be taken from a single IELTS Test Report Form and are valid for two years from the date of the test

Note: If the applicant been granted a Manaaki Short Term Training Scholarship, prior schooling (completion of 5 years of secondary education or of all primary education and at least 3 years of secondary education) from any country, with English as the language of instruction, then English language requirements are deemed to have been met.