| Qualification: | Certificate |
| Level: | 4 |
| Dates: | 2026 Intake 1: 26 January to 22 May - Applications Close 19 January 2026 2026 Intake 2: 16 March to 10 July - Applications Close 09 March 2026 2026 Intake 3: 08 June to 02 October - Applications Close 01 June 2026 2026 Intake 4: 27 July to 20 November - Applications Close 20 July 2026 2026 Intake 5: 17 August to 11 December - Applications Close 10 August 2026 |
| Duration: | 17 weeks full-time Up to two years part-time Intakes are 17 weeks long |
| Location: | |
| Credits: | 60 |
The aims of the qualification are as follows:
ENV401 Introduction to Ecology and Conservation (15 credits)
This paper offers an introductory understanding of ecological and biological principles essential to environmental management in New Zealand. It also delves into related study and career opportunities in entry-level Environmental Management fields. On completion of this paper the student will be able to:
ENV402 Marine Ecology and Freshwater Ecology (15 credits)
This paper will provide students with a basic understanding of marine and freshwater ecology, conservation philosophies, and the ecological factors that characterize marine, fluvial, and lacustrine environments, as well as related study and career opportunities in these fields. On completion of this paper the student will be able to:
EVN403 Resource Management and Environmental Law (15 credits)
This paper introduces students to the concepts, principles, and applications of environmental law, its historical and current context, the significance of the Treaty of Waitangi on resource management and the legislation that governs environmental management in New Zealand. On completion of this paper, the student will be able to:
ENV404 Conservation Management (15 credits)
This paper introduces students to problems and challenges associated with conservation management in New Zealand. On completion of this paper, the student will be able to:
Zero Fees Scheme
International Fees
$12500
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Graduating students may be able to undertake entry level/assistant environmental type positions in the following areas:
ɫֱ may also progress to higher level study such as the Bachelor of Environmental Management at SIT.
Applicants should demonstrate a likelihood of success in the programme of study. Likelihood of success may be demonstrated through a variety of means, including: relevant work experience, Curriculum Vitae, letter of intent, achievement of NCEA in environmental management related or science related standards, or an interview.
New Zealand Certificate in Study and Employment Pathways (Level 4) (Environmental Management).
For Levels 3 to 4:
To be admitted to this programme all applicants must be at least 16 years of age on the date the programme starts, and meet one of the following requirements:
i. NCEA Level 2
ii. 60 credits at Level 2 or above, plus
iii. 20 credits from any level, and
iv. Literacy – 10 credits at Level 1 or above, through either:
o specified assessment standards available through a range of subject and English for Academic Purposes unit standards 22750 and 22751 (minimum total of 10 credits); or
o unit standards – package of three literacy unit standards (26622, 26624, 26625 – all three required).
v. Numeracy – 10 credits at Level 1 or above, made up of:
o achievement standards – specified achievement standards available through a range of subjects, or
o unit standards – package of three numeracy unit standards (26623, 26626, 26627- all three required).
Special Admission
Applicants who have attained the age of 20 years on or before the first day of the intake in which study for the programme is to commence and who do not meet the general admission requirements stated above and who believe that they have the level of preparedness for study at this level may apply for special admission.
In assessing whether to grant special admission the primary focus will be on the applicant’s ability to demonstrate a likelihood to succeed in the programme.
All decisions will be at the discretion of the Relevant Academic Authority.
English Language Entry Criteria
All applicants (international and domestic) for whom English or te reo Māori is not a first language need to provide evidence that they have the necessary English language proficiency required for the programme.
International applicants must provide evidence that they have the necessary English language proficiency required for the Programme as outlined in the from one test taken in the preceding two years, or an equivalent described in and on Delivery Site English Language Requirements for International Ākonga webpage.
All applicants must provide evidence that they have the necessary language literacy proficiency required for the Programme as demonstrated by the equivalence of:
Applicants who are unable to provide evidence of the above may be required to demonstrate capability using an approved proficiency test or an equivalent described in NZQA Rules.
Selection Criteria
Right of entry into programmes of study is restricted by SIT and apparent eligibility may not lead to automatic acceptance. Applicants must demonstrate attributes, which in the assessment of SIT should lead to success.
Where SIT is satisfied that it is necessary to do so because of insufficiency of staff, accommodation, or equipment it may determine the maximum number of students who may be enrolled in a particular course of study. Where the number of applications for enrolment exceeds the number of places in any case where such a limitation applies, the criteria for selection shall be academic merit and suitability for admission to that course of study. Eligible students not admitted to their chosen course of study will be placed on a waiting list and/or may be referred to another programme. Applications should be received by SIT no later than the applications due date. Late applications may be considered, subject to availability of places.
Applicants may be required to attend an interview, or if they live at some distance from the campus, complete a telephone interview (must produce copies of applicable certificates/evidence of prior achievements before interviews).
The Head of Faculty (or delegate) will determine the maximum number of students permitted to enrol in the programme. All enrolments are approved at the discretion of the Programme Operations Manager in consultation with the Head of Faculty (or delegate) and teaching staff, as required.
Suggested Study Path/Combinations
Part time study is recommended for this qualification. The number of credits selected per intake should depend on work, family, and other commitments. ɫֱ must complete papers in the order that they are listed on the website. The content of ENV401 deals with the core, fundamental aspects of how New Zealand was formed and acts as a foundation for all other papers.
The following part time study paths are guides only; students may do fewer or more papers, time permitting:
Full time study
Full time study is completing all 60 credits in one intake. However, due to the intensive workload of the programme we do not recommend that students enrol in more than 48 credits per intake. Full time acceptance into the programme is at the Programme Manager's discretion.
Additional information
As a guideline, one credit equates to approximately 10 hours study within an intake period
All papers selected within a particular intake must be completed within that intake unless a transfer is requested (conditions apply; see FAQs).
Online enrolments are on a year by year basis and students are welcome to apply for multiple intakes in one enrolment. Further enrolment is the responsibility of individual students. There is no automatic enrolment rollover.
All SIT2LRN courses require you to have a computer and internet access. ɫֱ are required to use their SIT webmail only for all SIT2LRN communications. All course materials and information, including assessments and due dates, are located on the online Blackboard system. Once you have been accepted into a programme you will receive an Important Information Booklet that includes information that you can use to familiarise yourself with our online Blackboard learning environment. From the intake start date you will have access to the online course materials to work through.
Facilitator Assistance: During the enrolled intake period, students have email access to Facilitators, who endeavour to respond to emails within 48 hours (week days only). All students are required, within the first two weeks of an intake, to send an email to their Facilitator confirming their start on the programme of study. ɫֱ who have not emailed their facilitator or embarked upon their course of study by the end of the second week of an intake, will be Faculty Withdrawn from the programme. Such withdrawals may impact on future access to SIT Zero Fees Scheme and Student Direct Material Costs are still liable for payment.
All students will get an official academic transcript on successful completion of their programme of study which will be posted or given at Graduation. After each intake is finished, it is suggested that students check their results on .
We recommend students new to SIT2LRN read through the Frequently Asked Questions section of our website for further study and enrolment information.
Please use the following checklist to ensure that all relevant information and documentation has been included. Remember, your application will be assessed based on the information that you provide us with. Processing of your application will be delayed if we need to come back to you for missing information.
New students - I have provided an active NSN in the name I am enrolling in or I have verified ID and will attach it to my online application.
New students - I will attach academic documentation (NZQA record of achievement/academic transcripts/certificates) These do not need to be verified. (If you do not have any academic documentation to support your application, please attach a comprehensive CV outlining your education and work experience).
I have computer access, an Internet connection and access to software to create electronic documents e.g. Microsoft Word or Open Office
What is the Zero Fees Scheme?
Who qualifies for the Zero Fees Scheme?
Instructions to help you with your application:
Complete your online enrolment checking that:
What happens next?
To satisfactorily complete the New Zealand Certificate in Study and Employment Pathways (Level 4) Environmental Management, and be awarded this qualification the student must successfully achieve:
Please note: students failing to engage in study as per programme requirements may forfeit zero fees entitlement.
Successful completion of this programme will enable you to progress to higher levels of tertiary training including the Bachelor of Environmental Management at SIT's Invercargill campus.
A variety of assessment techniques may be employed, including:
a) Assignment
An assignment may include:
b) Test
A test may be any of the following:
c) Presentation
A presentation to the class group, or other group, may be required for several reasons e.g.;
d) Discussion
Learners may be assessed on their participation and contribution to the group.
e) Research Project
Examples of projects may include research and investigations carried out within a field of interest. Learners will relate their findings to their own ideas and theories about the topic.
f) Group Projects
Provides learners with the opportunity to pool their knowledge and work together towards an assessment outcome. Learners will be required to use skills in interpersonal communication, teamwork, group process and collaborative practice to contribute and participate within the group context.