• An enjoyment of working outdoors
• Physical fitness
• Planning and organisational skills
• Good communication skills
• An eye for detail.

• If you wish to enrol in this programme, you must hold the National Certificate in Horticulture (Level 4) OR equivalent qualifications/experience. If not, you must complete the two year programme which has open entry.
• You must have access to the internet.  

To enter at National Certificate level:

• If English is not your first language, you must demonstrate English language skills equivalent to an IELTS overall band score (academic) of 5.5, with no band score less than 5.0.

To enter at Diploma level:

• If English is not your first language, you must demonstrate English language skills equivalent to an IELTS overall band score (academic) of 6.0 (writing and speaking score no less than 6.0 and reading and listening bands no less than 5.5).

International students are subject to specific immigration regulations.

You must supply certified copies of proof of identify, academic records, proof of residency (where appropriate) and curriculum vitae.

Professional judgement of academic staff will be used to determine those applicants who meet the entry criteria. All applicants who meet the entry criteria will be accepted for the programme.

Some texts are recommended and these will cost approximately $150. It is recommended that you have a laptop computer to access study material.

Continue your learning with degree and postgraduate-level horticulture programmes at Lincoln and Massey Universities in New Zealand.

This programme focuses on the technical and management skills required in the horticulture industry. You will develop your project skills by moving from directed to self-directed learning during the programme.

If you choose to study online (domestic students ONLY), we will support your learning by providing:

• Programme planning support from our programme coordinator
• Regular coordinator support through email, phone and workplace visits
• Comprehensive resource packs
• Tutorials
• Block courses for some modules (one/two per year)
• Library resources.

Your pathway towards achieving the Diploma in Horticulture (Level 5) will include completing the National Certificate in Horticulture (Level 4) during your first year.

The National Certificate in Horticulture (Level 4) is a 50-50 mix of theoretical and practical studies and you will make use of the campus nursery, hydroponics unit and our ten-hectare crop production facility where winegrapes, stonefruit, pipfruit, olives, flowers and berries are grown. The viticulture, landscaping and fruit production options of this qualification offer you the opportunity to 'earn as you learn' through paid work experience within Central Otago's extensive horticulture industry. This will enable you to develop real-world skills and to forge important relationships.

Your first year is then followed by a combination of work experience and study to successfully complete the Diploma in your second year.

Two year pathway will include:

This programme is flexible to meet your needs and we will help you to plan a path of study and a timetable. Extensive workplace experience is needed to meet the requirements of the Practical Horticulture module. Case studies are often used to apply knowledge to real situations.

All prospective students are advised of the physical risks and requirements of the programme.

Student loans and allowances are for domestic students only. For information about student loans and allowances please visit the Studylink website. It is important to apply for your student loan/allowance at the same time as you apply for this programme, due to the length of time Studylink take to process. Loan/allowance applications can be cancelled at any time if you decide to withdraw your programme application or if it is unsuccessful. 

If you have extensive knowledge and skills due to 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.

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.