Why Study "New Zealand Diploma in Sport, Recreation and Exercise (Level 5)"

The New Zealand Diploma in Sport, Recreation and Exercise (Level 5) at Toi Ohomai Institute of Technology is a one-year, 120-credit qualification designed for students who want to build a career in sport, exercise, recreation and community wellbeing. The programme develops knowledge of anatomy and physiology along with practical skills in exercise analysis, programming, coaching, leadership and professional practice. It is delivered at the Mokoia Campus in Rotorua and Windermere Campus in Tauranga.

Key Benefits

• Level of study: New Zealand Diploma, Level 5.
• Duration: 1 year full-time; part-time study is also available.
• Total credits: 120 credits.
• Campuses: Mokoia Campus, Rotorua; Windermere Campus, Tauranga.
• Learning is primarily campus-based and timetable-led, with practical and classroom learning. The course page does not list an online or blended delivery option for this qualification.
• Students develop knowledge and skills in anatomy, physiology, exercise science, coaching, planning, leadership and sport/recreation practice.
• The programme is suitable for students interested in community wellbeing, fitness, sport development and recreation.
• Students can progress to the New Zealand Diploma in Sport, Recreation and Exercise (Level 6) or the Bachelor of Sport and Human Performance at Toi Ohomai.

Program Structure

The programme consists of 120 credits and covers the following topics:

• OTHH5020: Introduction to Sport and Exercise Science
• OTHH5023: The Coaching Process
• SPOR5016: Exercise, Sport and Recreation Planning
• SPOR5017: Academic and Professional Skills
• SPOR5018: Sport, Exercise and Recreation in Aotearoa New Zealand
• SPOR5019: Leadership in Exercise, Sport and Recreation
• SPOR5020: Exercise, Sport and Recreation Issues in Society
• OTHH5022: Human Anatomy and Physiology

The course develops both theoretical understanding and applied skills, including exercise analysis and programming, coaching, critical thinking, leadership and professional skills.

For international applicants, the academic entry routes include NCEA Level 2 with passes in English/Te Reo M?ori, an equivalent educational qualification, completion of the New Zealand Certificate in Exercise (Level 4) or New Zealand Certificate in Freestyle Group Exercise (Level 4), or special admission where applicable. English-language requirements for a Level 5 diploma include IELTS Academic 5.5 overall with no band below 5.0, or an accepted equivalent under Toi Ohomai/NZQA requirements.

The currently published 2027 start dates are:

• Rotorua – Mokoia Campus: 1 March 2027
• Tauranga – Windermere Campus: 1 March 2027
• Rotorua – Mokoia Campus: 12 July 2027
• Tauranga – Windermere Campus: 12 July 2027

Discipline / Specialisation

This qualification sits within the Sport and Recreation discipline. It provides broad multi-sector preparation rather than listing separate specialisations on the current course page. Key areas include:

• Sport and exercise science
• Exercise and recreation planning
• Coaching
• Human anatomy and physiology
• Sport and recreation leadership
• Sport development
• Community wellbeing and recreation
• Sport, exercise and recreation in the Aotearoa New Zealand context

Programme Highlights

The programme combines sport and exercise knowledge with practical career-focused skills. Students learn how to understand the human body, plan exercise and recreation activities, apply coaching principles, develop leadership skills and consider social issues affecting sport and recreation.

The current course timetable indicates regular campus attendance. At Rotorua, scheduled classes are currently listed across Tuesday to Thursday; Tauranga also has classes across Tuesday to Thursday. Timetables are subject to change.

The qualification can provide a pathway into higher-level sport and human performance study, including the Level 6 Sport, Recreation and Exercise diploma and Bachelor of Sport and Human Performance.

Career Outcomes

Graduates may pursue roles such as:

• Event Supervisor
• Exercise Consultant
• Hauora or Health Educator
• OSCAR Leader
• Recreation Supervisor
• Recreation Programme Coordinator
• Sport Development Officer
• Sport Coordinator
• Whanau Ora Leader

Career opportunities may vary depending on a graduate's experience, additional certifications and the specific requirements of employers.

Visa Requirements (International Students)

International students normally require a New Zealand Fee Paying Student Visa when paying international tuition fees to study this full-time tertiary qualification. Immigration New Zealand requires an offer of place from an approved education provider, evidence of sufficient funds for tuition and living costs or an acceptable scholarship/sponsor, and acceptable medical and travel insurance.

Important considerations include:

• The student must meet Toi Ohomai's academic and English-language admission requirements before receiving the appropriate offer of place.
• International students should budget separately for tuition, living expenses, insurance, visa costs and other study-related expenses.
• A student visa may allow eligible tertiary students to work up to 25 hours per week during study, subject to the conditions printed on their visa.
• Immigration requirements can change, so students should confirm their individual visa conditions with Immigration New Zealand before applying.

Latest Updates / Special Requirements

• The course page was last updated on 16 September 2026.
• The next published intake is March 2027, with additional July 2027 intakes available at both Rotorua and Tauranga.
• The current international tuition-fee listing shows an indicative fee of NZ$27,360 for this Level 5 diploma, with March 2027 listed as the next intake. Course-related costs are not included in the international quick-reference tuition figure.
• Toi Ohomai states that tuition fees are indicative and may change; additional costs can apply for course materials and student levies.
• The 2026 and 2027 student support levy is listed as NZ$378 per 1 EFT for students studying on campus; the applicable amount should be confirmed with Toi Ohomai as part of the final fee assessment.
• Toi Ohomai's general scholarship programme includes several scholarships, but eligibility varies and some are specifically restricted to New Zealand citizens or permanent residents. No separate course-specific international scholarship is currently identified on the Level 5 course page.
• Toi Ohomai has previously highlighted sport students receiving sport-related scholarships, demonstrating that scholarship opportunities can exist, but availability and eligibility should be checked for the specific intake.
• The course includes an information session for applicants, intended to help students understand the programme and confirm that it matches their career goals and experience.