Course Overview
Interested in bee keeping? Want to join a growth industry that is dynamic and rewarding?
New Zealand horticulture depends on bees for pollination so you'll be playing a vital role in the industry. You could learn your trade right here with this course.
You'll learn all about hive management, bee behaviour, disease control and safe working strategies. And you get the chance to practise, because the success or failure of any hive is based on the decisions you make as a bee keeper.
So you're set with all the bells and whistles, we'll kit you with the equipment, tools and resources to undertake and successfully complete the course. You'll have your own beehive, bee suit, smoker and hive tools, along with valuable resource material about beekeeping in New Zealand. Not to mention the tasty honey you'll harvest as part of your practical learning.
Become a registered bee keeper and play a part in New Zealand's booming horticulture industry. You will also ensure Kiwis continue to enjoy awesome natural honey for breakfast.
Upon successfully completing the requirements you'll receive the award of:
- New Zealand Certificate in Apiculture (Level 3)
| Locations | Rotorua, Tauranga |
|---|---|
| Next intake | Jul 2025 View more details |
| Study options |
1 year part-time |
| Total credits | 65 |
| StudyLink assistance | Available |
| Indicative Fees | $3,826 for domestic students View full fees information |
| Eligibility | View entry criteria |
To see the information for international students change your location using the button at the top right of the screen.
Career opportunities
- Assistant Beekeeper for a commercial operator
- Independent Beekeeper with a small number of beehives
Topics you'll cover
- PRMY.3101: Lifecycles, Behaviour and Products
- PRMY.3102: Bee Transportation, Site Selection and Nutrition
- PRMY.3103 :Beehive Maintenance, Feeding and Harvesting
- PRMY.3104: Principles of Beehive Health
- PRMY.3105: Beehive Pest and Disease Control
Course Fees
| Indicative Fees * | $3,826 for domestic students |
|---|
Your final fee may vary if:
- you have a choice of topics/papers to study
- the qualification excludes GST
- there are extra course materials to purchase
- student levies apply
We’ll let you know if any of these apply to you.
* Important fee information, and hints and tips
Help with fees
Are you Eligible for Free Fees?
There are several ways to take advantage of free study at Toi Ohomai. Find out how on our Fees Free FAQ page.
Student Loans and Allowances
This course meets the requirements for student loan applications through StudyLink.
- A student loan helps to pay for your course fees (the compulsory fees), study materials e.g. books, equipment, and living costs. You'll have to pay this money back.
Find out more and apply at studylink.govt.nz
Scholarships
Scholarships are one way you might be able to get some financial help. Any scholarships specifically related to this course are shown below, otherwise check out the full list of scholarships promoted by Toi Ohomai.
Course Entry Information
Entry criteria
Standard Entry Criteria
Admission, entry, selection, and enrolment into programmes will be in accordance with the Academic Regulations and/or, where approved, specific programme regulations.
For courses at levels 1-3, domestic and international students will be required to:
Provide evidence of ability to complete academic requirements.
Other Considerations
You must be physically capable of completing the practical aspects of the course.
English language requirements
Level 3 certificate IELTS General or Academic score of 5 with no band score lower than 5 or completed New Zealand Certificate in English Language Level 3 with an endorsement of either General, Workplace or Academic, or meets a relevant English Proficiency Outcome as outlined by NZQA.
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Course Locations and Intake Information
| Location | Campus | Start Date | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rotorua | Waipā Campus | 14 Jul 2025 | |
| Tauranga | Windermere Campus | 14 Jul 2025 |
Study options
- 1 year part-time
