Do you want to be part of an exciting and growing international industry where no two days are the same? Well, how about the skydiving industry?! Due to the increasing number of people trying skydiving in search of the ultimate adventure activity, this industry is experiencing rapid growth. It now requires staff adequately trained to meet high consumer demands.
The training program includes:
* 32-Week Course
* 200 Skydives included
* International Skydiving Licenses
This 32-week Diploma in Commercial Skydiving includes 200 skydives and trains students for a career in a growing sector of the adventure tourism industry. Subjects include free-fall camera and video skills, meteorology, drop zone operations, commercial skydiving, flying skills and relative work, specialized coaching camps, video editing, parachute packing, and much more. Organized industry placement as part of the course gives students invaluable commercial experience and excellent employment opportunities. 100% of graduates in 2022 were offered skydiving-related employment upon successful completion of their Diploma
We have government subsidies available to New Zealand and Australian students.
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Updated Apr 17, 2026
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Review this ProgramShowing 1-7 of 7 reviews
The best course you could do I can’t recommend more if you’re looking for a high intensity thrilling experience this is definitely for you. I did the course in April 2025 and have loved skydiving ever since you learn everything and meet some of the best people along the way. If I had the choice I would do it again 100 times over.
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I started the course in January 2022 and easily was able to work after the short course. Since then i’ve quickly upskilled to camera flying and instructoring and i couldnt of have this amazing job without completing course. And a bonus is tye amazing people you meet on the way!
I am from Scotland and I moved over to NZ to join the NZ skydiving school, I honestly cannot speak highly enough of my experience, the instructors are so professional and made me feel so safe throughout my experience. Everyone should skydive !!
This course was something I wanted to do as a hobby over summer while I waited for a winter job, and I never would have imagined myself working at a dropzone. But now that the course is over I can say I wouldn't want to be anywhere else. The instructors are amazing and are always helping out to keep you safe, the whole course feels structured and well worth the price, and of course the work isn't too bad all things considered. I would reccomend this course to anyone who is willing to give new things a go, you never know where it's gonna take you.
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I completed the New Zealand Skydiving School course in April 2024, and honestly, it was one of the best tertiary experiences I could have asked for. If you’re an adrenaline junkie or someone who doesn’t want to be stuck in a conventional career, this course is an incredible pathway into a lifestyle that combines work and travel. Another big advantage is that the course qualifies for the Fees Free program in New Zealand if you’re a citizen, which makes it an even more accessible option for those looking to get into the industry without a huge financial barrier. The training was intense but incredibly rewarding, with a strong focus on both safety and real-world skills. The instructors were knowledgeable, supportive, and genuinely passionate about helping students succeed in the industry. You’re not just learning to skydive—you’re being prepared for a career. One of the best parts of the experience was the people. I met a group of like-minded individuals who have since become close friends, and I’ve built connections that span across the world. The skydiving community is unlike anything else—welcoming, tight-knit, and full of opportunities. Since completing the course, I’ve started working as a camera flyer and am now progressing toward becoming a coach for new solo skydivers. That progression feels both achievable and exciting thanks to the foundation the school provided. Overall, I’d highly recommend New Zealand Skydiving School to anyone looking for something different—something challenging, adventurous, and genuinely life-changing.
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I didn't know this frequency of fun was sustainable. I figured worst case scenario this course would just be a really expensive holiday but now I realize my whole life can be a holiday. Me and my wife left our country and our jobs to pursue this and it is the greatest decision we ever made.
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I thoroughly enjoyed my time at NZSS. it pushes you to the limit mentally and physically but the rewards are amazing. You learn more about yourself than you think. It's definitely a course where you get out, what you put in. A real "work hard, play hard" enviroment.
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Get answers to all the most common questions about New Zealand Skydiving School.
Yes, the diploma is internationally recognized. The Diploma in Commercial Skydiving is known all over the world and the New Zealand Skydiving School is affiliated with the NZPIA (New Zealand Parachute Industry Association). The NZPIA Certificates issued to students are aligned with the international sport licensing body, the Federation Aeronautique Internationale (FAI) and are recognised internationally.
If you're serious about a skydiving career, the Diploma in Commercial Skydiving offers world-class training, up to 200 jumps in 32 weeks, and hands-on experience in all areas of dropzone operations. With expert coaching, purpose-built facilities, and a 95% employment rate, it’s the fastest, most effective path to working in the skydiving industry.
Graduates can earn up to NZD $55,000 per year as full-time camera flyers, and up to NZD $100,000 as tandem masters. Most begin as ground crew, then progress to camera flying and later AFF or tandem roles. Some outstanding students have entered the industry as camera flyers immediately after completing their work placement.
No, accommodation is at your own expense. Most students choose to stay in the student house next to the airfield for the entirety of their time at the school. We will provide you with accommodation options once you have secured a place on the course. International students – assistance is available to make accommodation bookings at your request.
We recommend allowing about 12 weeks for your visa to be processed. So make sure you get your application in within plenty of time of the start date. When applying for your visa make sure that you submit all of the information that immigration require as insufficient or incorrect information is often the cause of delays.
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