Pathways Link
Programme (PLP)
Duration
1 year
2025 intakes
28 January, 14 July
Pathways Link is registered as ‘Pathways Link – L1A and L1B (Level 1) (Training Scheme)’ at NZQA
Programme overview
This programme aims to equip students with essential foundational knowledge, skills, and the confidence necessary to excel in your future Foundation studies. This accelerated one-year programme will offer successful students entry into AUT Foundation Studies programmes.
Who is this programme for?
PLP is designed for international students aged 14–17 who have recently completed junior high school and aspire to study abroad. It provides a direct pathway to AUT, offering a specialised curriculum that combines academic preparation with immersive English-language learning to ensure students are ready for future university study.
Visas and offers
A packaged offer will be issued to students, which includes:
- Pathways Link Programme
- The AUT Certificate in Foundation Studies
- AUT undergraduate degree
Students may then apply for a pathway student visa, subject to Immigration New Zealand requirements.
pathways
link programme
graduate
“I really enjoy my time in the PLP class. Our teacher always makes learning fun, so it’s never boring. I’m really into math and science. Although my dream is to become a sports athlete, I plan to attend university first to find a great coach and practice more. I’ve already met some sports enthusiasts here in Auckland and I love spending my spare time with them.”
Ethan from China
Pathways Link Programme graduate
Guaranteed pathway to AUT
The Pathways Link Programme is ideal for ambitious international students looking for a smooth transition from junior high school to higher education in New Zealand.
It equips students with the skills, knowledge, and language proficiency needed to succeed in an English-speaking university environment, whether pursuing undergraduate studies or a long-term academic path.
- Build academic English, subject knowledge, study skills, computer literacy, and research techniques.
- Develop the confidence and personal growth needed to thrive as a learner.
- Meet weekly with a pastoral care tutor to discuss progress and share experiences — updates can also be shared with parents.
Sample course progression
Course structure
The Pathways Link Programme caters specifically to the unique needs of younger international students, providing them with a supportive and nurturing environment to excel academically and culturally.
Students will receive a broad and varied curriculum, to help them learn English, prepare for Foundation Studies, and find their preferences for degree study.
Subjects
Example subjects studied are:
- PLP1A: English, Maths, Biology, Economics, Global Studies
- PLP1B: English, Maths, Physics, Business, Media Studies
There will be regular opportunities for individual and team games and sports, using different locations across Auckland. Students should bring physical education clothing and shoes.
Fees
- Tuition fee: NZ$33,750
- Resource fee: NZ$2,200
- Enrolment fee: NZ$500*
*Note that when students progress onto the AUT Certificate in Foundation Studies, they will not need to pay this again.
Intake dates
There are two intakes per year.
- 28 January, 2025
- 14 July, 2025
Scholarship
The scholarship is available to students who apply for and are accepted into the Pathways Link Programme in 2025. Additional scholarships will be available upon successful progression to the Foundation Studies Programme.
Entry requirements
To enrol in Pathways Link Programme, students must meet the minimum English language and academic entry requirements.
You must be aged from 14 to 17 years old.
English language requirements
Must have an IELTS (Academic) score of 4.5 with no band lower than 4.0, or an equivalent score.
You can also take the UP English Language Test (UPELT) as an accepted alternative.
Academic requirements
Students must have an academic background equivalent to one of the qualifications listed below to meet the entry requirements for PLP — for example, completion of New Zealand Year 10 or its equivalent in the rest of the world.
- New Zealand: Completion of Year 10 with a good school report, including satisfactory attendance (90%) and teacher comments. This assessment will be conducted by the HOC.
- China: Completion of Middle School with Year 3 at 70%, or an average of 70% across all three years.
- South Korea: Completion of Middle School or attainment of 70% in the Middle School GEE.
Progression requirements
To accept your conditional offer for the Auckland University of Technology Certificate in Foundation Studies, students must meet the minimum progression grades:
- English 60%
- Minimum score in all academic subjects 50%
- Pass all Learning Outcomes
Students who successfully complete the programme (50% pass in all PLP1A and PLP1B subjects) but do not meet the required grades to progress to Foundation Studies will have the opportunity to enroll in Foundation Connect.
