New Zealand Certificate in Apiculture (Level 3)
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New Zealand Certificate in Apiculture (Level 3) This hands-on course introduces you to the world of beekeeping and honey production, giving you the skills and confidence to manage your own hives or take your first steps into New Zealand’s apiculture industry.
You’ll learn how bees live and work, how to safely use beekeeping equipment, and how to set up and care for hives across the season. You’ll also explore bee health, pests and diseases, and the basics of harvesting and handling honey. Balance learning around work, whanau and life with the combination of flexible, online part-time study and fortnightly in person workshops where you will gain practical experience and interact with like-minded learners. You will leave the course with your very own hive that you have built yourself, giving you the confidence to continue beekeeping after the programme. If you’re looking for a practical beekeeping course in New Zealand that gets you learning outdoors, this course could be the right fit.
This programme requires 16 hours of study time per week made up of:
In person attendance to a workshop every second Saturday. You'll receive a timetable with the scheduled workshop dates and times.
12 hours per week for the online learning component, which includes things such as reading, watching educational videos, and completing the learning activities within the online learning platform
FEES FREE STUDY
To find out if you are eligible for Fees Free study please find out more here or visit the Inland Revenue page on Fees Free.
STUDENT LOANS
If you meet certain criteria you can get a student loan and allowances. Find out if you meet the conditions by calling StudyLink on Freephone 0800 88 99 00 or visit www.studylink.govt.nz.
COURSE COSTS
The cost can be different depending on the subject and duration of the course. View the course cost for New Zealand students here.
$490.00 No SSL applies
Includes a kitset single box hive and frames The following items are not included in the Course Fees but required as part of the course at your own expense (approx. $450 value).
At the end of the programme graduates can use this equipment to manage their own hive:
Complete Bee Suit, Gloves, Hive Tool
We also recommend, but are not required:
Nucleus Hive, Varroa Treatments, Smoker
Academic:
Open Entry
Learners must not be allergic to bee products or bee stings. For health and safety reasons, applicants with allergies will not be enrolled.
Domestic students with ESOL: must be proficient in English language.
This programme is currently only offered to domestic students.
Access to a computer or laptop, a microphone, and a reliable internet connection.
You will learn:
How to work safely around live hives and bees
To use beekeeping tools and equipment correctly and confidently
Day-to-day hive checks and how to set up hives
Seasonal hive management and caring for the bees
To spot for signs of pests, disease, and hive health issues
How to harvest honey and carry out basic extraction processes
What it’s like to work in commercial apiculture
Get more info
Interested in finding out more about how you can study for free? Fill in your details below and we will send you more details.
Course start dates
Frequently Asked Questions
Beekeeping is relatively easy to learn with the right guidance. Our Level 3 course will give you practical, hands-on skills so you have the confidence to continue beekeeping after the course has finished. If you have a good eye for detail and enjoy observing patterns and behavior, you’ll really shine in this course and in the hive.
You’ll learn how bees live and work, how to safely use beekeeping equipment, and how to set up and care for hives across the season. You’ll also explore bee health, pests and diseases, and the basics of harvesting and handling honey.
Aside from the course fees, you will be required to purchase equipment such as protective clothing and tools for approximately $450. Taking our Apiculture course can help you invest wisely and avoid expensive beginner mistakes. The course fee includes a kitset single box hive with frames, so you’ll leave the course with your own hive that you have built yourself.
You will need a complete bee suit, gloves, hive tools, as well as nucleus hive, varroa treatments and a smoker.
Yes, this course is designed for complete beginners with no prior experience. We cover the fundamentals step-by-step, making it easy to learn how to manage a hive safely and confidently, even if you’ve never worked with bees before.
No, you don’t need your own hive before starting this beekeeping course. We provide access to hives and equipment during training which allows you to learn safely and gain hands-on experience before committing to your own setup.
This programme requires 16 hours of study time per week made up of:
In person attendance to a workshop every second Saturday. You'll receive a timetable with the scheduled workshop dates and times.
12 hours per week for the online learning component, which includes things such as reading, watching educational videos, and completing the learning activities within the online learning platform.
Yes, this course include hands-on experience with live hives. You’ll learn how to inspect a hive, handle bees safely, and use beekeeping equipment. Practical experience is essential for building confidence and real-world beekeeping skills.
Bee stings are a normal part of beekeeping, especially for beginners. In most cases, stings cause mild swelling and discomfort that fades within a few hours. We teach you how to minimise stings, use protective gear properly, and respond safely if you are stung. The course tutors also have access to epi pens and are first aid qualified.
Learners must not be allergic to bee products or bee stings. For health and safety reasons, applicants with allergies will not be enrolled.
After completing this course you will be able to work as an assistant beekeeper, or be able to manage your own personal hives with confidence.