• Open entry. 
• If English is not your first language, you must provide:
  • New Zealand University Entrance OR
  • Overall Academic IELTS 5.5 with no individual band score lower than 5.0 (achieved in one test completed in the last two years), OR
  • Acceptable alternative evidence of the required IELTS (see here for NZQA proficiency table and here for list of recognised proficiency tests).

If you need to improve your English Language skills, we offer a wide range of English programmes.

Other requirements 

• Learners who will be aged under 18 during activities that require the tasting of alcohol will not be allowed to participate in this activity without first producing a signed guardian consent form. 

Graduates will be able to carry out brewing quality assurance and production processes under broad supervision. Graduates of this qualification will have the skills and knowledge required to work as a brewer in a commercial brewing operation, under broad supervision.

You will study for 34.5 hours per week. 

• Brewing Basics (Level 4, 15 credits)
• Introduction to Practical Brewing (Level 4, 15 credits)
• Fundamentals of Brewing Equipment and Processes (Level 4, 15 credits)
• Practical 1 (Level 4, 15 credits)
• Fundamentals of Brewery Operations (Level 4, 15 credits)
• Quality and Safety in Brewing (Level 4, 15 credits)
• Regulatory Requirements in Brewing (Level 4, 15 credits)
• Practical 2 (Level 4, 15 credits) 

You will need to purchase some uniform and safety equipment at an approximate cost of $150. 

Expand your learning by undertaking our New Zealand Certificate in Brewing (Level 5).  

Whilst this programme is free for you to study via the Trades and Apprenticeship Fund (TTAF), this fund only covers tuition fees and compulsory costs such as student levies. It does not cover any additional costs or living costs. You can pay for additional and living costs by yourself if that is possible for you or by applying for a loan/allowance through Studylink.

Full-time learners are eligible for loans or allowances. Part-time students are only eligible for loans. 

It is important to apply for your student loan at the same time as you apply for this programme, due to the length of time Studylink take to process. Loan applications can be cancelled at any time if you decide to withdraw your programme application or if it is unsuccessful. 

• For more information about loans and allowances, please visit the Studylink website. 

Please note: Student loans and allowances, and TTAF are only available for domestic students.

If you already have extensive knowledge and skills gained from practical experience in this area, enquire about our recognition of prior learning process at Capable NZ. You may have already gained credits towards this qualification in the course of your life. www.capablenz.ac.nz 

While every effort is made to ensure that this sheet is accurate, Otago Polytechnic reserves the right to amend, alter or withdraw any of the contained information. The fees shown in this document are indicative ONLY. Both domestic and international fees are subject to change and are dependent on the development and implementation of Government policies. Please note that additional fees may from time to time be required for external examination, NZQA fees and/or additional material fees.