NZQA Level 3 Qualification
A real qualification.
On your terms.
The NZ Certificate in Agriculture (Level 3), delivered through the Farm 4 Life app in partnership with SIT's Telford campus. Study from the farm, at your own pace.
Programme Overview
Study from the farm.
Graduate for life.
Commonly known as the Certificate in Agriculture, this Level 3 qualification gives you the formal credential to back your practical skills — and opens the door to contract milking, share milking, and management roles.
Everything is delivered through the Farm 4 Life Hub app, so you learn where the work happens — on-farm, at your own pace, whenever suits you.
Zero Fees Scheme eligible
No tuition fees — just $7 per credit for direct material costs (incl. GST)
Entry Requirements
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Age & Education
Preferably 17+ with NCEA Level 2 or equivalent
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Farm Access
Must be working on a dairy farm or have regular access for practical requirements
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ID & NSN
National Student Number, verified ID (Birth Certificate or Passport)
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Driver's Licence
Restricted licence required for practical components
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Next Intake
Semester 2 2026 — enrolments open now
Curriculum
What you'll learn
Six core areas covering everything from animals to machinery to compliance.
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Animal Science
Livestock production, animal health, welfare, breeding, and production systems
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Resource Management
Soil and pasture management, sustainable practices, water quality protection
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Operational Skills
Fencing, stock water systems, agricultural vehicles and machinery operation
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Modern Technology
New on-farm technologies, workshop carpentry and engineering tools
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Health & Safety
H&S perspectives for dairy farming tasks and personal wellbeing
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Business Fundamentals
Understanding farm systems, planning, and management decisions
The Process
How it works
Three steps from sign-up to qualified.
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01
Enrol with SIT Telford
Apply through SIT’s Telford Distance campus. Zero Fees covers tuition — $7 per credit for materials.
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02
Learn via the Hub
Access all course content through the Farm 4 Life app — 1000+ videos, papers, and assessments 24/7.
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03
Complete on-farm practicals
Log practical experience on the farm where you work. Your workplace becomes your classroom.
Academic Partner
Backed by a real institution.
The qualification is accredited by NZQA and delivered in partnership with the Southern Institute of Technology (SIT), Telford Distance campus. This is a recognised national credential.
- NZQA Accredited
- SIT Telford Distance
- Zero Fees Eligible
Who It's For
Built for people doing the mahi
Whether you're just starting out or ready to formalise your experience.
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Dairy Farm Assistants
Formalise your on-farm experience with a nationally recognised credential
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Aspiring Managers
Build the foundation for herd management or contract milking
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Career Changers
New to dairy and want a structured pathway into the industry
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Rural School Leavers
Start your farming career with a qualification that travels with you
Frequently asked
Do I need to stop working to study?
No — the whole programme is designed around your farm schedule. You study via the app, at any time, from wherever you are.
Is it really free?
Tuition is covered under the Zero Fees Scheme. You pay $7 per credit for direct material costs — $875 for the full 125-credit programme.
What's the difference between Farm 4 Life and SIT?
SIT Telford is the accredited provider and issues the qualification. Farm 4 Life delivers the content through the Hub app.
What if I don't have NCEA Level 2?
The requirement is preferred, not mandatory. Talk to SIT Telford — entry can be assessed on a case-by-case basis.
When does the next intake start?
Semester 2 2026 begins 8 July. Enrolments are currently open.
Can I do this on my phone?
Yes. The Farm 4 Life Hub app is available on iOS and Android. All course content is fully mobile-friendly.
Ready to get qualified?
Enrol now for the July 2026 intake. Zero tuition fees, real credentials, study from the farm.