Computing & Microsoft Basics

Ready to master the digital tools that power the modern world for free?


With UCOL’s free Introduction to Computing and Microsoft programmes you’ll gain the skills every employer is looking for! Whether you’re new to technology or want to sharpen your skills, these courses will give you confidence to study and work smarter.

Learn the essentials of computing and dive into the most popular Microsoft applications so you can create professional documents, organise data and master spreadsheets, design presentations and craft eye-catching publications.

Explore our programmes below and chat to our friendly team.

Apply

Computing & Microsoft Basics

Whether you need a refresher course or you're wanting to learn new computing skills, these free courses will leave you confident and ready to study or work smarter.

A lecturer instructing a lady at the computer lab

Introduction to Computing


UCOL Manawatū in Palmerston North, UCOL Whanganui

10-week blocks with flexible days and times

Palmerston North and Whanganui

09 Feb 2026 - 17 Apr 2026

20 Mar 2026 - 03 Jul 2026

20 Jul 2026 - 25 Sep 2026

05 Oct 2026 - 11 Dec 2026


Get confident with computers for free!

Three men learning at the UCOL computer lab.

Introduction to Microsoft Word


UCOL Manawatū in Palmerston North, UCOL Whanganui

10-week blocks with flexible days and times

Palmerston North and Whanganui

09 Feb 2026 - 17 Apr 2026

20 Mar 2026 - 03 Jul 2026

20 Jul 2026 - 25 Sep 2026

05 Oct 2026 - 11 Dec 2026


Turn ideas into polished pages! Learn the essentials of Microsoft Word processing for free!

A class of students at UCOL computer lab

Introduction to Microsoft Excel


UCOL Manawatū in Palmerston North, UCOL Whanganui

10-week blocks with flexible days and times

Palmerston North and Whanganui

09 Feb 2026 - 17 Apr 2026

20 Mar 2026 - 03 Jul 2026

20 Jul 2026 - 25 Sep 2026

05 Oct 2026 - 11 Dec 2026


Take control of data and boost your productivity - unlock the power of Microsoft Excel for free!

A group of people looking at a computer screen

Introduction to Microsoft PowerPoint


UCOL Manawatū in Palmerston North, UCOL Whanganui

Flexible days and times to complete 40 hours of learning

Palmerston North and Whanganui

09 Feb 2026 - 17 Apr 2026

20 Mar 2026 - 03 Jul 2026

20 Jul 2026 - 25 Sep 2026

05 Oct 2026 - 11 Dec 2026


Design professional, eye-catching presentations – learn how to master Microsoft PowerPoint for free!