What is a micro-credential?

A micro-credential certifies achievement of a specific and coherent set of skills and/or knowledge. Micro-credentials are created through strong evidence of need by industry, employers, iwi and/or the community. Think of them like a ‘crash course’ on the future – bringing you up to speed on what matters today but also what’s critical for a thriving future. They are designed to be done alongside your busy work and personal life, so you don’t have to take time off to study. Our Micro-credentials give you a recognised NZQA qualification. Delivered through a combination of self-directed learning and weekly live online sessions, you’ll practice and apply the knowledge and skills you learn through two practical assessments. Between 7 and 15 weeks, all micro-credentials have a set price and we run regular intakes at set times of the year.

What is the time requirement for this programme?

If we look at this from a purely academic perspective, a micro-credential is worth 15 educational credits which equates to 150 hours of learning. But how much time you need to commit each week will depend on the length of the programme. This 10-week micro-credential includes an average of 15 learning hours per week. The Entrepreneurship micro-credential’s blended delivery approach includes self-directed and directed learning activities supported by weekly 90-minute virtual synchronous class sessions. Online synchronous sessions will take place on Wednesday 4.00-5.30pm. These sessions will be recorded but we do expect attendance at these sessions to enable effective project work and to maximise learning and networking opportunities. For further information, download our prospectus .

When are the next intakes?

The next intake for this micro-credential is scheduled to start on 20 May 2026.

What are the entry requirements?

To be eligible to study on the Programme, applicants must meet the admission criteria. The high-level entry criteria as approved by NZQA are as follows: A Bachelor’s degree or an equivalent level qualification OR equivalent professional experience in a relevant field. For further information, including how to demonstrate equivalent professional experience, download our prospectus .

When do applications close?

Applications close one week before the start date of the intake you are applying for. Applications may be accepted on a case-by-case basis after the application close date at the discretion of academyEX. Please contact us if applications are closed and you would like to apply.

The domestic tuition fee for the Programme is $450 (including GST). Unfortunately, students are not eligible to apply for StudyLink Student Loans for this micro-credential.

Who is this programme for?

The Entrepreneurship Micro-credential (15 credits, level 8), will support individuals from a range of industries and communities to identify, develop and advance new business ideas or innovative products or services. The programme is of value to those with a personal or professional interest in entrepreneurship and building an understanding of the skills, knowledge and capabilities that are important for successful entrepreneurial activities.

Do I have to have an entrepreneurial idea to do this course?

Not necessarily. If you have an idea for a project or initiative that you would like to advance, you will be able to do this through the course. Through engaging with the material provided, ideas often emerge for learners. Be inspired by that idea that has always been at the back of your mind and see where it can be taken!

Do I need previous AI experience?

No advanced AI or technical experience is required. The learning begins with the foundations and develops progressively each week. You will be supported to practise the tools and build confidence through practical tasks.

What is stackable learning?

Our stackable learning means you can take a mix ‘n match approach to building your skills, knowledge and network across programmes, no matter which faculty, so you have a customised toolkit to make change and innovate where it matters most to you. You can think of micro-credentials as building blocks of learning. Each building block could be credited to larger qualifications (e.g. a Master’s degree) if a specific micro-credential aligns to specific learning outcomes covered in a larger qualification. It’s worth having a chat with us about what you’re seeking to achieve for your upskilling so we can help with selecting the right learning pathways for you.

Can you help me to get support from my organisation to support me to enrol in the programme?

We are very happy to help you to communicate the benefits of studying with academyEX to your employer. If you would like us to provide you with a letter of support or further information, please just ask.

Can I study and work full time at the same time?

Yes, almost all academyEX learners work full time while studying part time. This programme has been designed to fit in around full time work or family commitments, with weekly online sessions taking place at lunchtime or in the late afternoon (usually 4 pm). Assessments are designed to be practical and linked to personal aspirations and projects. If you are concerned about the workload and how you will balance it, please reach out to us and we can chat about how it could work for you.

Can I study fully online or do I need to be able to travel to Auckland for classes?

Micro-credentials are delivered entirely online. Each micro-credential has regular online facilitated classes and self-directed study, that includes viewing videos, completing quizzes and reading relevant papers.

What does orientation look like?

In the lead up to the start of each intake, fully enrolled students will receive onboarding emails from the team, as well as access to platforms that will be used during your study. During the first session, the team will talk through what you can expect during the programme and answer any questions.

Can I do this course with colleagues?

Absolutely. We’ve had loads of students do the course alongside family members, friends and colleagues. There are also opportunities to work collaboratively on assessments during the programme and work together on a project of interest. Learning is always better together!

ENTREPRENEURSHIP MICRO-CREDENTIAL

That business idea deserves a real shot

You have probably been turning it over for a while now. Maybe you have talked about it with people you trust, maybe you have kept it mostly to yourself. Either way, the question underneath it is always the same: is this business idea actually viable, and do I have what it takes to build it? This course is where you find out.

$450 NZD

Learn more about fees

Course duration

Complete in 10 weeks

Time commitment

Weekly classes, Wednesdays, 4:00-5:30pm

Flexible study

100% online, expertly facilitated

Accredited

NZQA accredited, Level 8 (15 Credits)

LEARNING OUTCOMES

What you’ll learn

How to figure out if your idea is actually worth pursuing. How AI and new technology are opening up markets you can move into now. How to build a financial model that makes sense and a funding plan that is realistic. What it takes to lead and build a team around something new. How to find the right partners and ecosystems to grow faster. And how to scale without losing what made the idea good in the first place.

Four professionals from different backgrounds reviewing

Validate your idea before it costs you

Learn to use market frameworks and real data to find out if your opportunity holds up, before you spend money, time, or credibility on it. You will also use AI tools to prototype fast and test assumptions without needing a technical team behind you.

Woman with dark hair working at a laptop at her desk in a

Build a pitch-ready entrepreneurial strategy

Develop the financial model, funding strategy, and leadership thinking that turns a good concept into something viable. You will work through what it actually takes to build a team, sustain a culture, and lead something new through uncertainty.

Take it to the room

Your main output is a peer-reviewed pitch deck built around your own opportunity. You will practise and stress-test it with fellow founders before you take it to investors, a bank, or your own leadership team.

Stress-test your idea early

Gain confidence using critical thinking to find opportunities and solve problems

Learn alongside fellow founders

Connect with a network of like-minded business owners

Build a pitch-ready strategy deck

Develop a peer-reviewed pitch deck for your business idea

Use AI to spot and test opportunities faster

Gain access to legal, financial and marketing business resources

This course is ideal for:

People with a business idea they have not yet acted on.
Current business owners developing new products, services, or brands.
Intrapreneurs building something inside an existing organisation.
Anyone who has been thinking about a side hustle long enough that it is time to find out if it is real.

PATHWAYS

Where this could take you

Follow your passion

Take your idea and continue to research, develop and evolve it as you work toward a successful side-hustle.

Start your own business

Turn your idea for a new business, product or service into a reality or add a new brand to your current business.

Continued learning

Stack your credits toward our Master of Technological Futures or Master of Change and Organisational Resilience

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

What you need to apply

Proof of identity

You will need to provide a copy of your passport or birth certificate to confirm your personal details.

Qualifications & work experience

You need to provide proof of previous study and work experience e.g. an academic transcript, graduating certificate, or CV.

English language proficiency

If English is not your first language, you must provide evidence of English language competence e.g. academic IELTS or PTE.
Learn more

HOW TO APPLY

Application and admissions

Step-by-step process to apply for this course:

Apply online

Choose a micro-credential that aligns with your goals and complete an application form. Make sure to submit all the required documentation so your application can be processed as quickly as possible.

Enrolment confirmed

Once your documents and application has been reviewed and approved by our team, you will be enrolled in your course and advised of next steps.

Welcome to the whānau!

You are ready to start your learning journey and join a group of like-minded, life-long learners.

FEES & START DATES

Let’s get started!

Domestic Student Fees:

$450 NZD.

International Student Fees:

Not available. Get in touch to learn more.

Available course start dates and session times:

MEET THE TEAM

Your course facilitators

Browse all people

Evey BurilinLead Facilitator - DSW & Entrepreneurship

Felix ScholzIndustry Advisor

Jade Tang-TaylorIndustry Advisor

Huw JonesKaihautū Moana Māori

TESTIMONIALS

Hear from our EXceptional students

I took the leap - MCOR gave me the confidence to work for myself, doing what I do best. It’s been a total life-changer.

Katie Desai

Master of Change and Organisational Resilience

For Māori and Pasifika wanting to change careers or up-skill, academyEX offers a supportive environment for your journey.

Rio Hemopo-Hunuki

Master of Technological Futures

Being future-ready is simple: hop on, or get left behind! I believe everyone has a responsibility to embrace and prepare for the future.

Lynne Miller

Master of Technological Futures

If you love ideas and you want to engage in an exciting community of people who are creating change give it a go because you have nothing to lose.

Lara Nettle

Master of Change and Organisational Resilience

academyEX is for you if you have an idea, and if you are passionate about it, and if you want the tools and network around you to actually put it together.

Simon Young

Master of Technological Futures

This was the only place where they were providing the kind of context and the information that I wanted to be really future-focused.

Dianne Rafter

Master of Technological Futures

My project focused on harnessing the power of technology through a blended learning model, aiming to transform education delivery.

Kate Lewis

Master of Contemporary Education

If you think you're too busy or tied up with work, academyEX is the place to start—no better way to expand your horizons.

Sumandana

Master of Contemporary Education

KEY INFORMATION

What you need to know

RECOMMENDED COURSES

We think you’ll like these too

Browse all courses

Image for <p>Disruptive Technologies: The AI One</p>

Microcredential

Online

Technology

Disruptive Technologies: The AI One

Starts 6 October 2026.
AI is reshaping work faster than most job descriptions can keep up, and guessing your way through it is expensive. Disruptive Technologies gives you ten weeks with Frances Valintine and a cohort of professionals asking the same questions you are, working through real AI tools on real work problems until you actually know what you're doing.

View details

Image for <p>Leading Change for Good</p>

Postgrad Cert

Hybrid learning

Leadership

Sustainability

Leading Change for Good

How do you lead change for good in an AI-enabled world? When climate challenges accelerate, ethical questions multiply, and systems struggle to keep pace? Explore new ways to create positive change .

View details

ENTREPRENEURSHIP MICRO-CREDENTIAL

That business idea deserves a real shot

$450 NZD

Course duration

Time commitment

Flexible study

Accredited

LEARNING OUTCOMES

What you’ll learn

Validate your idea before it costs you

Build a pitch-ready entrepreneurial strategy

Take it to the room

Stress-test your idea early

Learn alongside fellow founders

Build a pitch-ready strategy deck

Use AI to spot and test opportunities faster

This course is ideal for:

PATHWAYS

Where this could take you

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

What you need to apply

Proof of identity

Qualifications & work experience

English language proficiency

HOW TO APPLY

Application and admissions

Apply online

Enrolment confirmed

Welcome to the whānau!

FEES & START DATES

Let’s get started!

MEET THE TEAM

Your course facilitators

TESTIMONIALS

Hear from our EXceptional students

KEY INFORMATION

What you need to know

What is a micro-credential?

What is the time requirement for this programme?

When are the next intakes?

What are the entry requirements?

When do applications close?

What are the fees?

Who is this programme for?

Do I have to have an entrepreneurial idea to do this course?

Do I need previous AI experience?

What is stackable learning?

Can you help me to get support from my organisation to support me to enrol in the programme?

Can I study and work full time at the same time?

Can I study fully online or do I need to be able to travel to Auckland for classes?

What does orientation look like?

Can I do this course with colleagues?

RECOMMENDED COURSES

We think you’ll like these too

Join an EXciting community and stay in the know.