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

The New Zealand Diploma in Engineering (Civil) (Level 6) is a two-year, 240-credit civil engineering qualification designed to develop the technical and practical skills needed to work as a civil engineering technician. The programme combines engineering theory with practical laboratory work, computer-aided design, materials and failure testing, surveying, structural drawing and project-based learning. It is delivered at Toi Ohomai's Windermere Campus in Tauranga.

• Level of study: New Zealand Diploma, Level 6
• Duration: 2 years full-time; part-time study is also available
• Credits: 240 credits
• Campus: Windermere Campus, Tauranga
• Current next intake: 15 February 2027
• Study mode: Campus-based/in-person study with practical laboratory and engineering activities; the course page does not identify this programme as an online or blended programme.
• English requirement for international applicants: IELTS Academic 6.0 overall with no band below 5.5, or an accepted equivalent.

Key Benefits

• Practical civil engineering training using specialised engineering teaching laboratories.
• Development of computer-aided design skills and practical engineering applications.
• Study of civil engineering areas including structures, highways, hydraulics, surveying and geotechnical engineering.
• Opportunity to select four elective topics in the second year according to areas of interest.
• The qualification can prepare students for technician-level roles in civil engineering and related infrastructure sectors.
• The programme is part of Toi Ohomai's Built Environment and Engineering study area, which focuses on technical skills, design, problem-solving and practical applications.
• Scholarships and financial assistance may be available; however, the current Toi Ohomai scholarship listings do not identify a scholarship exclusively for this civil engineering diploma. The course page notes that local companies may offer scholarships related to the course.
• Fees: the course page currently lists NZ$7,892 per year as the indicative domestic fee, but specifically states that 2027 fees have not yet been confirmed. International students should obtain the applicable international tuition fee directly from Toi Ohomai before enrolment.
• Toi Ohomai also states that fees can vary because of student levies, course materials, GST treatment and the topics/papers selected.

Program Structure

Year 1 covers the fundamental technical knowledge required for civil engineering:

• Engineering Fundamentals
• Engineering Mathematics 1
• Technical Literacy
• Materials (Civil)
• Land Surveying 1
• Geotechnical Engineering 1
• Civil and Structural Drawing
• Structures 1

Year 2 includes compulsory civil engineering and management subjects:

• Engineering Project (Civil)
• Engineering Management
• Highway Engineering 1
• Hydraulics (Civil)

Students then select four additional topics from:

• Engineering Surveying
• Structures 2
• Geotechnical Engineering 2
• Highway Engineering 2
• Traffic Engineering
• Structures 3
• Water and Wastewater Systems
• Water and Waste Management
• Land Surveying 2

The programme therefore combines classroom-based engineering theory with laboratory and practical work, including CAD techniques and materials/failure testing.

Discipline / Specialisation

The qualification is specifically focused on Civil Engineering. It does not list separate formal specialisations; instead, students can tailor part of their second year through four elective topics.

Areas covered include:

• Civil and structural engineering
• Highway engineering
• Traffic engineering
• Geotechnical engineering
• Hydraulics
• Land and engineering surveying
• Structures
• Water and wastewater systems
• Water and waste management
• Civil engineering project management
• Civil/structural technical drawing and CAD

Programme Highlights

• Qualification awarded: New Zealand Diploma in Engineering (Civil) (Level 6).
• 240-credit qualification completed over two years full-time.
• Practical learning through specialised engineering laboratories.
• CAD and technical drawing experience.
• Materials and failure testing.
• Civil engineering project work.
• Combination of technical engineering, mathematics, management and practical subjects.
• Current campus location: Windermere Campus, Tauranga.
• Current intake listed: 15 February 2027.
• Further study can include the New Zealand Diploma in Engineering Practice, Bachelor of Engineering Technology or Bachelor of Engineering, subject to the relevant institution's entry requirements and availability.

Career Outcomes

Graduates can pursue technician-level positions in civil engineering and infrastructure-related organisations. Toi Ohomai identifies the following career opportunities:

• Engineering Technician in roading, bridges or design offices
• Civil Project Management
• Technical Support Engineer
• Supervising Technician Engineer

Potential employment sectors include:

• Private engineering consultancies
• Construction companies
• Government agencies such as NZTA
• Infrastructure and utility companies
• Railway and electricity-related organisations
• Regional councils

Visa Requirements (International Students)

International students intending to study this full-time, campus-based programme in New Zealand would generally need an appropriate New Zealand student visa, subject to their individual circumstances.

• Students normally need an offer of place from an approved New Zealand education provider for study lasting more than three months.
• Evidence of tuition-fee payment or an acceptable arrangement for paying tuition fees is required.
• Students must demonstrate that they have sufficient funds for their living expenses in New Zealand or have an acceptable sponsor.
• Full medical and travel insurance is required for the period covered by the student visa.
• Applicants must satisfy Immigration New Zealand requirements concerning health, character, genuine study intentions and plans to leave New Zealand when their visa expires.
• Student visa work rights depend on the conditions granted on the individual visa. Immigration New Zealand currently states that eligible student visas may allow up to 25 hours of work per week during study and full-time work during permitted holidays.
• Visa applicants should check the conditions attached to their own visa rather than assuming work rights automatically apply.

Latest Updates / Special Requirements

• The course page was last updated on 16 September 2026.
• The next published intake is 15 February 2027 at Windermere Campus, Tauranga.
• The 2027 tuition fee is not yet confirmed. The currently displayed NZ$7,892 per year is specifically an indicative domestic fee and should not be treated as the international tuition fee.
• International applicants should meet the stated English requirement of IELTS Academic 6.0 overall with no band below 5.5, or an accepted alternative under Toi Ohomai/NZQA requirements.
• International applicants should have their previous academic qualification assessed against the programme's entry requirements. The course accepts equivalent qualifications such as International Baccalaureate or Cambridge qualifications, as well as appropriate equivalent training/experience.
• The current Toi Ohomai scholarship list includes several scholarships, but the listed scholarships have specific eligibility conditions and are not generally open to all international students. For example, several current scholarships explicitly require New Zealand citizenship or permanent residency.
• Toi Ohomai states that both domestic and international fees are indicative and may change, and that course information can be amended or withdrawn.