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Free Wintec courses

Wintec has a range of additional scholarships on offer that could allow you to study fees-free.

There are many ways you may be eligible and conditions vary between programmes. Explore the subjects and courses below and click the enquire button to contact a team member on how you can get enrolled.

If you are in secondary school and looking to gain a qualification at the same time, find information below on free programmes through the Waikato Trade Acadamy. Wintec also has English language programmes free for New Zealand citizens and permanent residents.

Writing and Study Skills

25 hour course over one week or weekend
Fees-free
Hamilton City Campus
Nov 2021
This free programme provides students with a solid foundation for getting started in tertiary education. The programme covers a wide range of topics, from writing essays to managing time as a student. Wintec has some fantastic resources, and we are committed to helping students access them. Note, this course is not designed for international students. If you are an international student interested in this area, please contact the International Centre.

Writing Made Easy

20 hours per module in your own time
Fee-free
Online delivery
Apr 2022
Students in this programme will learn to write better assignments, essays and reports. Each module takes approximately 20 hours to complete and includes quizzes and self-tests.
Our 2020 Trades Scholarships provide you with one year of free study in the courses below. Fees-free scholarships are available for domestic students in 2020 only (excludes Industry Training Organisation students).

Automotive Engineering 3

One year
Level 3
Fees-free in 2021*
Hamilton Rotokauri Campus
Feb 2022
Students in this course gain valuable hands-on experience working on a range of vehicles. They spend four-days-a-week on campus participating in variety of projects. They are encouraged to find industry work experience for the fifth day to practice the skills gained in class. Students learn to test and diagnose procedures, study fuel-injected motors, and work with vehicles, trucks, and test equipment.

Construction Trade Skills Level 3

One year
Level 3
FREE under TTAF (usually $7,472)
Hamilton Rotokauri Campus
Feb 2022
This course provides students with technical knowledge about the construction industry as well as helping to build their practical, hands-on skills and overall confidence. It covers key aspects such as health and safety, trade calculations, hand tools, and project work related to different aspects of the construction industry.

Electrical Engineering Level 3

One year
Level 3
FREE under TTAF (usually $7,472)
Hamilton Rotokauri Campus
Feb 2022
This course gives students a good foundational knowledge of the electrical industry - including electrical theory as well as training on electrical tools. On completion, students will have the skill base, knowledge, and confidence to move into an apprenticeship within the electrical trade sector.

Mechanical Engineering Level 3

One year
Level 3
FREE under TTAF (usually $7,472)
Hamilton Rotokauri Campus
Feb 2022
In this course, students develop the skills necessary to succeed as mechanical tradespeople (such as fitters and welders). Theory projects are designed to challenge and develop their skills with powered industrial equipment, technical drawing, measurement, and hand tools. They are on campus 4-days-per-week and are encouraged to find work experience on the fifth day.

Plumbing, Gasfitting and Drainlaying Level 3

One semester
Level 3
FREE under TTAF (usually $4,670)
Hamilton Rotokauri Campus
Jan 2022
This course is designed for those who aspire to become apprentices and eventually practice as plumbers, gasfitters, and drainlayers. Upon completion, students will be equipped with confidence through their technical knowledge of the industry as well as the hands-on skills they have learned, that will help them gain apprenticeships.

Business 3

One semester
Level 3
Fees-free*
Hamilton City Campus, Ōtorohanga
Feb 2022 - Hamilton and Ōtorohanga
Students will learn to create business documents such as reports and spreadsheets, and gain an understanding of MYOB software. At the end of the semester students will have the opportunity to put their learning into practice through work experience in a local business.

Introduction to Team Leadership 3

One Year
Level 3
Fees-free* for New Zealand permanent residents and citizens
Various locations around New Zealand (please enquire)
Oct 2021
This programme is for people who have the potential to be appointed to team leadership roles or who have recently become a team leader.

Basic Computing (Self Paced Applied Computer Education)

Variable duration
Fees-free
Hamilton City Campus, Ngāruwāhia, +1
Ongoing enrolments
Students in this programme will learn the basics of computing at their own pace, as an introduction to computer programmes or to improve existing skills. Students will have the assistance of a facilitator at tutored sessions.

Certificate in Computing (Level 3)

One semester
Level 3
Fees-free*
Hamilton City Campus, Online delivery
Feb 2022
Students in this programme will learn intermediate computing skills to prepare for work or further study. Students will learn skills in project management, web development, branding and design, as well as professional ethical practice, security risks, and common hardware and software problems.

Adult and Tertiary Teaching (Level 4)

One year
Level 4
Fees-free*
Various locations around New Zealand (please enquire)
Apr 2022
This programme is designed for those engaged in adult and tertiary teaching or training. Students will learn the foundation knowledge, skills and attributes required for starting out in an adult and tertiary teaching or training career.
The Waikato Trades Academy enables students to stay at secondary school and work towards a qualification from Wintec. Programmes are offered in trades, service sector, primary industry and social and community services.
If you are a migrant or refugee living in New Zealand, learning English at Wintec will make it easier to study and work. Many of our courses are ​free to New Zealand citizens and permanent residents and will enable you to continue studying other courses at Wintec.​​

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