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Southern Institute of Technology

Auckland , North Island ,New Zealand

New Zealand Certificate in Aquaculture (Fish Farming) - Level 3 with strand in Hatchery

Aquaculture, the practice of breeding, rearing, and harvesting aquatic organisms, offers abundant career prospects. It is a rapidly growing industry with high demand for skilled professionals. This course focuses on sustainable aquaculture systems, hatchery management, and fish farming. Graduates will be prepared for diverse roles in aquaculture farms, research organisations, and marine vessels. SIT provides hands-on education through classroom sessions, field trips, and industry exposure, equipping students for a rewarding career in aquaculture.

The purpose of this qualification is to provide the aquaculture sector with people who are able to work as technicians or farm assistants carrying out routine operations involving daily care, husbandry and monitoring of fish or shellfish in an aquaculture operation.

This flexible course includes two days of theory classes per week, offered both onsite and online, along with two weeks of onsite industry-based practicals, combining a mixed and flexible learning approach.

Campus Information

Invercargill Campus

Freepost SIT2LRN Private Bag 90114 133 Tay Street Invercargill, 9840

Intakes

  • Feb
  • July

Application Processing Time in Days: 30

Minimum English Language Requirements

English Level Description IELTS (1.0 -9.0) TOEFL IBT (0-120) TOEFL CBT (0-300) PTE (10-90)
Expert 9 120 297-300 86-90
Very Good 8.5 115-119 280-293 83-86
Very Good 8 110-114 270-280 79-83
Good 7.5 102-109 253-267 73-79
Good 7 94-101 240-253 65-73
Competent 6.5 79-93 213-233 58-65
Competent 6 60-78 170-210 50-58
Modest 5.5 46-59 133-210 43-50
Modest 5 35-45 107-133 36-43
Limited 4 32-34 97-103 30-36
Extremely Limited < 4 < 31 < 93 < 30

Job Opportunity Potential

Career opportunities in aquaculture are promising with a growing demand for skilled professionals in this field. As an aquaculture farmer, you will be responsible for managing the breeding, raising, and harvesting of fish and shellfish in marine or freshwater farms. Due to a shortage of workers, the chances of securing a job in this industry are good. With the increasing number of aquaculture farms, employers often struggle to fill vacancies, providing ample opportunities for aspiring aquaculture farmers. 

Ocean Beach, our industry partner, offers unique aquaculture career opportunities in Southland, New Zealand. With a focus on mussel and salmon farming in Big Glory Bay, Stewart Island, and the growing importance of land-based aquaculture, this partnership provides a platform for professional growth. As the only onshore aquaculture site in Southland, Ocean Beach benefits from the pristine waters of the Foveaux Strait, ensuring clear water quality essential for successful aquaculture.

Join us for exciting and thriving aquaculture prospects and contribute to the sustainable production of seafood.

PSW Opportunity

  • During study, all students on a student visa can work up to 20 hours per week during semester and full time during vacations.
  • After completing Level 7 Bachelor’s Degree or Higher Qualification, a student will get a three years open post-study work visa.
  • After completing Level 8 Post Graduate courses of 1 year, students get 1 year PSW.

Admission Requirement / Eligibility Criteria

India 60% average across 4 academic subjects (excluding Hindi or local language). English mark should be a minimum of 60%
 
75% average across 4 academic subjects (excluding Hindi or local language). 
  • IELTS test - General or Academic score of 5 with no band score lower than 5 
  • TOEFL Paper based test (pBT) - Score of 500 (with an essay score of 4 TWE) 
  • TOEFL Internet based test (iBT) - Score of 35 (with a writing score of 14) 
  • Cambridge English Examination - B2 First or B2 First for schools with a score of 154. No less than 154 in each skill. 
  • OET - Minimum of Grade C or 200 in all sub-tests 
  • NZCEL - a) Expiring Level b) Current: a) Level 4 (Academic) b) Level 4 (Academic) 
  • Pearson Test of English (Academic) - PTE (Academic) score of 36 with no band score lower than 36 
  • Language Cert - B1 Achiever IESOL (LRWS) with PASS and no less than PASS in each skill 
  • Trinity ISE - ISE I with no less than distinction in any band