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

The New Zealand Diploma in Engineering (Electrical) (Level 6) at Toi Ohomai Institute of Technology is a practical, hands-on engineering programme designed for students interested in electrical systems, power generation, electronics and engineering technology. The programme combines engineering theory with practical laboratory learning and develops skills for designing, installing, testing and maintaining electrical and power-related equipment. It is a Level 6 qualification worth 240 credits and is offered at the Windermere Campus in Tauranga.

• Level of study: New Zealand Diploma, Level 6

• Duration: 2 years full-time, including holidays where applicable

• Total credits: 240

• Campus: Windermere Campus, Tauranga

• Latest listed intake: 15 February 2027

• Study mode: Campus-based, practical/on-site learning; the current course page does not list an online or blended delivery option.

• Part-time study is also available, although international students should confirm whether the part-time option meets their visa requirements.

Key Benefits

• Practical and hands-on electrical engineering education with access to well-equipped laboratories.

• Small class sizes and individual tutor support.

• Develops both technical and communication skills required in engineering environments.

• Covers electrical systems, electronics, PLC programming, power engineering, CAD and sustainable energy.

• Provides a broad foundation for technical and engineering roles in electrical, manufacturing, power and related industries.

• The qualification can also provide a pathway toward further engineering study, including engineering technology or engineering degree-level study at an appropriate institution.

Program Structure

The programme consists of 240 credits over two years.

Year 1 topics include:

• Engineering Fundamentals

• Engineering Mathematics 1

• Technical Literacy

• Electrical Principles

• Electrical and Electronic Applications

• PLC Programming 1

• Electronic Principles

• Power Engineering

Year 2 topics include:

• Protection

• PLC Programming 2

• Electrical Machines

• Engineering CAD (Electrical)

• Sustainable Energy and Power Electronics

• Power Systems

• Engineering Management

• Engineering Project (Electrical)

The programme includes an electrical engineering project based on given specifications, allowing students to apply their technical knowledge to an engineering project.

Discipline / Specialisation

• Electrical Engineering

• Electrical and electronic principles and applications

• Power engineering and power systems

• Electrical machines

• Electrical protection

• PLC programming and industrial control

• Engineering CAD for electrical applications

• Power electronics and sustainable/renewable energy systems

The current programme is specifically focused on Electrical Engineering; no additional specialisations are listed on the course page.

Programme Highlights

• Qualification awarded: New Zealand Diploma in Engineering (Electrical) (Level 6).

• 240-credit programme.

• Two-year full-time study option.

• Practical learning supported by engineering laboratories.

• Strong emphasis on electrical systems, power, electronics, industrial control and sustainable energy.

• Latest listed campus: Windermere Campus, Tauranga.

• Next listed intake: 15 February 2027.

• Entry requires relevant mathematics preparation, with algebra, calculus or trigonometry preferred.

• English requirement: IELTS Academic 6.0 overall with no band below 5.5, or an accepted equivalent English proficiency pathway.

• Toi Ohomai states that electrical engineering skills are in demand in New Zealand and overseas and identifies opportunities across areas such as residential construction, pulp and paper, power companies and the defence sector.

Career Outcomes

Graduates may pursue technical and supervisory roles related to electrical engineering and industrial systems. Career opportunities listed by Toi Ohomai include:

• Technical Support Engineer

• Supervising Technician Engineer

• Technician Engineer

• Production Engineer

• Production Manager

• Production Maintenance Manager

The programme can also support progression into further engineering study, including Bachelor of Engineering Technology or Bachelor of Engineering pathways offered by appropriate institutions.

Visa Requirements (International Students)

International students planning to study this programme in New Zealand will generally need a Fee Paying Student Visa. Immigration New Zealand requires an offer of place from an approved education provider, evidence of sufficient funds for tuition and living costs, acceptable medical and travel insurance, and evidence that the applicant meets health, character and genuine-student requirements.

• Students must normally provide evidence of tuition fees paid for one year or one programme, whichever is shorter, unless using the approval-in-principle process.

• For tertiary study of one year or more, Immigration New Zealand currently requires evidence of NZD 20,000 per year for living expenses.

• Depending on visa conditions, eligible student visa holders may work up to 25 hours per week during study and full-time during scheduled holidays.

• The student visa normally covers the period of study that has been paid for, subject to visa conditions and passport validity.

• Students should apply well in advance; Immigration New Zealand recommends applying at least three months before intended travel.

• Visa requirements can change, so students should confirm the requirements with Immigration New Zealand when applying.

Latest Updates / Special Requirements

• The course webpage was last updated on 16 September 2026.

• The latest listed intake is 15 February 2027 at Windermere Campus, Tauranga.

• Academic entry requires NCEA Level 2 with the specified English/Te Reo M?ori or equivalent achievement and at least 48 Level 2 credits across four subjects, including at least 12 mathematics credits. International qualifications such as International Baccalaureate or Cambridge qualifications may be accepted as equivalents, subject to assessment. Appropriate trades training, credits and demonstrated skills/experience may also be considered.

• English requirement: IELTS Academic 6.0 with no band below 5.5, or an accepted equivalent such as the New Zealand Certificate in English Language Level 4 with Academic Endorsement or another recognised English proficiency outcome.

• Applicants are invited to an information meeting to discuss the course and ensure it matches their career goals and current experience.

• 2027 tuition fees have not yet been confirmed on the current course page. The currently displayed NZD 7,920 per year is specifically identified as the indicative domestic-student fee, so it should not be presented as the international tuition fee.

• Toi Ohomai states that final fees can vary because of student levies, course materials, GST treatment and topic/paper choices. The 2026–2027 student support levy is NZD 378 per 1 EFT for campus learners, but international students should confirm the applicable total cost directly with Toi Ohomai.

• No scholarship specifically dedicated to this Electrical Engineering Level 6 course is currently listed on the course page. Toi Ohomai does maintain a separate scholarship programme, but several currently advertised scholarships are restricted to New Zealand citizens/residents or particular student groups, so international students should check individual eligibility before relying on them.

• The current course information does not list an online/e-learning or blended option for this programme; the listed delivery is associated with the Windermere Campus and the course is described as practical and laboratory-based.