Overview
*Subject to NZQA approval.
Explore all areas of civil engineering, including materials, geotech, structures, geology, surveying, hydraulics, and mathematics.
Enter the the world of infrastructure development. You’ll learn all about land surveying, highway and traffic engineering, and water and wastewater systems. You’ll also be equipped to design and supervise the construction of roads, buildings, tunnels, airports, dams and bridges.
This diploma will provide you with the knowledge and skills required of an engineering technician. You’ll learn to apply theoretical and technical knowledge to practical situations and demonstrate the necessary strategies to work safely and effectively with contractors, communities, clients and authorities.
Pathways for high-achieving students may include acceptance with up to two years’ recognition into the University of Auckland Bachelor of Civil and Environmental Engineering degree as well as the Bachelor of Engineering (Hons) and Bachelor of Engineering Science at the University of Southern Queensland.
International recognition
This qualification (NZDE) is recognised in New Zealand, Australia, UK, USA, Ireland, Canada, South Africa and Korea under an international agreement known as the Dublin Accord. You can work in any of these countries with your NZDE with no need to retrain.
What will you learn?
In this programme, you will learn to:
- Apply a body of theoretical and technical knowledge to practical situations
- Demonstrate the necessary skills and strategies to work safely and effectively on and off construction sites and with contractors, communities, clients and authorities
- Be confident, critical thinkers, who have the ability to solve problems within a broad civil engineering setting
- Be able to demonstrate communication and technical skills
- Function positively in a bi-cultural and multicultural environment such as those that exist in the New Zealand engineering environment.
Courses in this programme
A range of courses are offered full-time and part-time; the courses offered will vary in each academic year. The full diploma normally takes two years full–time or four years part-time. A New Zealand Diploma in Engineering (Level 6) is awarded when students have achieved 240 credits, including all compulsory courses.
A full list of the courses that are available in the current academic year will be provided when the programme commences.
Entry Requirements
All applicants must:
- be at least 16 years old at the time the programme commences.
- be able to understand follow, and respond to instructions given in English.
- be physically able to complete the programme specific outcomes
All applicants must:
- be at least 16 years old at the time the programme commences.
- be able to read, write, and communicate in English at a basic level.
- be physically able to complete the programme-specific outcomes.
All applicants must:
- be at least 16 years old at the time the programme commences.
- be able to read, write, and communicate in English at a basic level.
- be physically able to complete the programme-specific outcomes.
Applicants for whom English is not a first language must have an IELTS score of 5 with no band score lower than 5; or an accepted international equivalence.
All applicants must:
- be at least 16 years old at the time the programme commences.
- be able to read, write, and communicate in English at a basic level.
- be physically able to complete the programme-specific outcomes.
Applicants for whom English is not a first language must have an IELTS score of 5.5 with no band score lower than 5; or an accepted international equivalence.
All applicants must:
- have achieved NCEA level 2, and
- have a minimum of 48 credits at level 2 in four subjects including at least 12 credits in mathematics (preferably achievement standards in algebra, calculus or trigonometry), or
- have equivalent qualifications (eg International Baccalaureate or Cambridge), or
- have equivalent credits from appropriate trades training and/or demonstrated skills and experience, including a minimum of 10 literacy credits at level 1 or higher (for those who achieved NCEA Level 2 before 2013).
In addition to meeting the minimum entry criteria, those applicants for whom English is a second language must have an overall band score (Academic) of 6.0 IELTS, with no individual score less than 5.5, or equivalent.
Intakes & Applications
Dates & Bookings
Learn online with Open Polytechnic, with regional support by NorthTec:
- Access to a NorthTec facilities – computer/meeting room access, library and student support.
- Local workshops – optional workshops where you can be supported in your online learning with others studying the same programme as you. Located in Whangārei, Ngāwhā, Kerikeri, Kaitaia, & other campuses as demand requires.
Youth Guarantee Fund*
If you are aged 16 to 24, you could study for FREE as part of the government's Youth Guarantee fund. To qualify for the Youth Guarantee fund, you must meet the following criteria:
- Complete an application for a course that is covered by the Youth Guarantee fund.
- Be a NZ citizen or permanent resident.
- Be 16 to 24 years old at the time the course starts. Learners who are 15 years old and hold Ministry approved early leaving exemption from their school may also be eligible. This exemption must be in place before the course starts.
Priority places will be given to students who:
- have not yet achieved NCEA Level 1 or NCEA Level 2; or
- have completed a Level 1 or Level 2 qualification through a Youth Guarantee provision programme.
All free study is subject to funding confirmation. Proof of residency status is required. Programme entry criteria may apply. Eligibility for student allowances or student loans may vary. Contact Studylink for more information.
* All fees and study costs found on this website are indicative course fees only and exclude the Compulsory Student Services Fee (CSSF) levy and any course-related costs. The 2025 CSSF levy is $300 per full-time equivalent student (120 credits) for programmes level 3 and above.
Unless otherwise stated, prices are in New Zealand Dollars including GST. Prices that are not explicitly indicated as International are the domestic price and may differ for International students. For programmes longer than one academic year in duration, the fees quoted are for the first year. Final study costs depends on a number of factors including the courses you select to study. All fees and study costs are subject to confirmation, including zero fees courses.
Courses and programmes may be cancelled, postponed or have their content or configuration changed from time to time (including during the academic year) at the discretion of NorthTec. See our full Terms and conditions.
Additional Information
Employment Pathways
About Te Pūkenga
Following the Government’s announcement of its intention to disestablish Te Pūkenga | New Zealand Institute of Skills and Technology, please be assured that your programme of study or training will continue as planned while we work through the details of how this change will be implemented.
We are committed to ensuring that organisational changes that need to be made to meet the Government’s expectations do not impact the delivery of our programmes and training for our learners and employers.
If you need access to learner support services or have any concerns, please contact us.
