Why Study New Zealand Diploma in Engineering (Mechanical) (Level 6)

The New Zealand Diploma in Engineering (Mechanical) (Level 6) at Toi Ohomai Institute of Technology is a two-year engineering diploma designed to develop practical and technical skills for working as a mechanical engineering technician. The programme combines engineering theory, mathematics, computer-aided design, laboratory work and practical engineering applications, making it suitable for students who want a career in mechanical engineering, manufacturing and related technical industries.

• Qualification level: New Zealand Diploma in Engineering (Level 6)

• Location: Windermere Campus, Tauranga

• Duration: 2 years full-time, including holidays; part-time study is also available

• Total credits: 240

• Learning mode: Primarily on-campus/face-to-face study with practical laboratory and engineering activities. The current course listing does not advertise a fully online delivery option.

• Next listed intake: 15 February 2027

• The programme provides a broad engineering foundation before students move into a specialist area in the second year.

Key Benefits

• Develops practical mechanical engineering and engineering technician skills.

• Covers engineering mathematics, mechanics, thermodynamics, materials, fluids, CAD and manufacturing.

• Includes practical laboratory work and opportunities to understand engineering applications in real workplace settings.

• Provides experience with computer-aided engineering and design techniques.

• Small class sizes are highlighted by Toi Ohomai as a feature of the learning environment.

• The 240-credit qualification can provide a pathway toward further engineering study, including degree-level engineering programmes at appropriate institutions.

• International students should confirm the applicable international tuition fee directly with Toi Ohomai before enrolment, as the course page currently displays the indicative domestic fee of NZD $7,920 per year and notes that fees can change.

• Toi Ohomai's general fee information states that the student support levy for 2026 and 2027 is NZD $378 per 1 EFT for on-campus study; the final amount payable can vary depending on the programme and applicable charges.

Program Structure

The programme consists of 240 credits over two years.

Year 1 topics include:

• Engineering Fundamentals

• Engineering Mathematics 1

• Technical Literacy

• Engineering Practice

• Material Properties

• Mechanics

• Thermodynamics and Heat Transfer

• Engineering CAD

Year 2 topics include:

• Electrical Fundamentals

• Strength of Materials 1

• Manufacturing Processes

• Fluid Mechanics

• Engineering Management

• Engineering Project

Students then complete specialist topics according to their selected specialisation.

Discipline / Specialisation

The programme provides two specialist options in the second year:

• Mechanical Specialisation:

  • Strength of Materials 2

  • Mechanics of Machines

• Metallurgy Specialisation:

  • Advanced Materials

  • Particulate Material Dynamics

The Mechanical specialisation is the directly relevant pathway for students intending to focus on mechanical systems, machines, mechanical design and related engineering technician roles.

Programme Highlights

• Practical engineering education combining theory with hands-on learning.

• Engineering laboratory activities and practical experiments.

• Computer-aided design (CAD) training.

• Exposure to materials and failure testing.

• Engineering mathematics and scientific principles applied to real engineering problems.

• Field-trip opportunities providing insight into local workplaces.

• Development of technical, analytical, communication and engineering-management skills.

• The course is designed around the skills required for employment as an engineering technician.

• Entry requires an appropriate secondary-school qualification or equivalent, with a strong mathematics component.

• International applicants require an IELTS Academic score of 6.0 with no band below 5.5, or an accepted equivalent English proficiency outcome.

Career Outcomes

Graduates can pursue engineering technician and technical roles across a range of industries, including:

• Mechanical engineering

• Manufacturing

• Automotive

• Aviation

• Robotics

• Biotechnology

• Air-conditioning and refrigeration

• Defence

• Energy

• Industrial and domestic product manufacturing

• Research and development

Potential roles and responsibilities may include:

• Technical Support Engineer/Technician

• Engineering Technician

• Technical or Production Engineer

• Supervising Technician

• Production or Production Maintenance Manager

• Preparing engineering plans and machine/component drawings

• Conducting feasibility studies

• Researching machinery, materials and energy options

• Preparing cost estimates

• Supporting installation, repair and replacement of engineering systems

• Testing and reviewing new systems

Potential employers include manufacturers, engineering-related businesses, product research organisations and companies involved in building and construction.

Visa Requirements (International Students)

International students normally need a New Zealand Fee Paying Student Visa when studying this full-time, two-year programme in New Zealand.

Key requirements generally include:

• An offer of place from Toi Ohomai Institute of Technology.

• Evidence of sufficient funds to pay tuition fees, or an acceptable scholarship/funding arrangement.

• Evidence of sufficient living funds. For tertiary study of one year or more, Immigration New Zealand currently specifies NZD $20,000 per year for living costs.

• Evidence of funds for onward travel or a travel ticket, as required.

• Acceptable medical and travel insurance for the period of study/visa.

• Meeting Immigration New Zealand's health and character requirements.

• Demonstrating genuine intentions to study in New Zealand.

• The offer of place must contain relevant information about the course, including its duration and study arrangements.

• Eligible student visa holders may have permission to work up to 25 hours per week during study and full-time during scheduled holidays, depending on the conditions attached to their visa.

International students should apply for the visa well before the intended travel date. Immigration New Zealand currently recommends applying at least three months before travelling.

Latest Updates / Special Requirements

• Current course page update: 4 September 2026.

• Current location: Windermere Campus, Tauranga.

• Current listed intake: 15 February 2027.

• The programme is currently listed as a 2-year, 240-credit qualification.

• Entry requires NCEA Level 2 with the specified English/Te Reo M?ori and mathematics requirements, or an equivalent qualification such as International Baccalaureate or Cambridge, or appropriate trades training/skills and experience.

• The mathematics requirement includes at least 12 Level 2 mathematics credits within the specified entry pathway, preferably involving algebra, calculus or trigonometry.

• International applicants must meet the English requirement of IELTS Academic 6.0 with no band below 5.5, or an accepted equivalent.

• The current course page does not list a separate course-specific scholarship. Toi Ohomai advises students to check its wider scholarship opportunities; however, several current Toi Ohomai scholarships are restricted to New Zealand citizens/permanent residents, so international students should check individual eligibility carefully.

• The currently displayed domestic tuition indication is NZD $7,920 per year, but Toi Ohomai states that 2027 fees are yet to be confirmed and that final fees may vary. International tuition should therefore be confirmed directly with the institute before applying.

• Toi Ohomai's current fee information also states that fees are reviewed annually and may include additional costs such as student levies and course materials.