Duration
Full-time: One year
Part-time: Varies
Next start date
2025 Semester One – 3 March
2025 Semester Two – 21 July
Available locations
City, South Auckland, Tai Tokerau
Programme type
Non Formal

Programme overview

He Ara Takatū - Tertiary Foundation Certificate (TFC) is a one-year programme that prepares you for undergraduate studies and gives you the chance to meet degree entry requirements. If you aspire to study at the University of Auckland and want to build your knowledge, skills and confidence to reach your academic potential, then TFC is for you. 

You’ll experience life on campus and have access to all services, facilities and clubs. Depending on your subjects and grades, completing TFC offers a guaranteed path to all direct-entry undergraduate degrees.

TFC is especially here to support students from groups under-represented in tertiary education.

TFC is now offered at Tai Tokerau Campus in Whangārei. For more information, please visit TFC at Tai Tokerau.

Programme structure

To complete TFC, you must pass eight papers, including core courses in Literacy and Maths, as well as a range of elective subjects in Arts, Business, Education, and Sciences.

If you gain a GPA of 7 or above in your first semester of full-time study, you’ll be eligible to take an approved Stage I undergraduate course in your next semester. This course will be credited to both the TFC and your future degree.

When you successfully complete TFC, you’ll have a nationally recognised University Entrance qualification. Depending on your subjects and grades, TFC offers guaranteed pathways to all direct entry undergraduate degrees.

Read about the TFC grades you will need for particular degree programmes.

 

Most students need to take one General Education course.

Students should also be aware of the University’s Academic English Language Requirement.

For all official programme information, including regulations about entry, enrolment, fees, examinations, and requirements for degrees, diplomas and certificates, see the University Calendar.

Sample programme structure

Science pathway

Semester 1 60 points

  • Code:
    TFCENG 91F
    Name:
    Academic Literacy I
    Type:
    Compulsory core course
    Points:
    15 pts
  • Code:
    TFCMATHS 91F
    Name:
    Foundation Mathematics I
    Type:
    Compulsory core course
    Points:
    15 pts
  • Code:
    TFCBIO 91F
    Name:
    Foundation Biology I
    Type:
    Elective course
    Points:
    15 pts
  • Code:
    TFCCHEM 91F
    Name:
    Foundation Chemistry I
    Type:
    Elective course
    Points:
    15 pts

Semester 2 60 points

  • Code:
    TFCSTATS 92F
    Name:
    Data Analytics
    Type:
    Elective course
    Points:
    15 pts
  • Code:
    TFCMATHS 92F
    Name:
    Foundation Mathematics II
    Type:
    Compulsory core course
    Points:
    15 pts
  • Code:
    TFCBIO 92F
    Name:
    Foundation Biology II
    Type:
    Compulsory core course
    Points:
    15 pts
  • Code:
    TFCCHEM 92F
    Name:
    Foundation Chemistry II
    Type:
    Compulsory core course
    Points:
    15 pts

Sample programme structure

Arts pathway

Semester 1 60 points

  • Code:
    TFCENG 91F
    Name:
    Academic Literacy I
    Type:
    Compulsory core course
    Points:
    15 pts
  • Code:
    TFCMATHS 91F
    Name:
    Foundation Mathematics I
    Type:
    Compulsory core course
    Points:
    15 pts
  • Code:
    TFCHIST 91F
    Name:
    Foundation History
    Type:
    Elective course
    Points:
    15 pts
  • Code:
    TFCSOCIO 91F
    Name:
    Foundation Sociology I
    Type:
    Elective course
    Points:
    15 pts

Semester 2 60 points

  • Code:
    TFCENG 92F
    Name:
    Academic Literacy II
    Type:
    Compulsory core course
    Points:
    15 pts
  • Code:
    TFCARTS 92F
    Name:
    Introduction to Arts and Humanities
    Type:
    Elective course
    Points:
    15 pts
  • Code:
    TFCENV 92F
    Name:
    Environment and Society 2
    Type:
    Elective course
    Points:
    15 pts
  • Code:
    TFCSOCIO 92F
    Name:
    Foundation Sociology II
    Type:
    Elective course
    Points:
    15 pts

Where could this programme take you?

When you successfully complete TFC, you’ll have a nationally recognised University Entrance qualification. Depending on your subjects and grades, TFC offers guaranteed pathways to all direct entry undergraduate degrees.

Further study options

See all study options

Student career planning service

Once you become a student at the University, you can get help with planning and developing your career from Career Development and Employability Services.

Key Information for Students

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