Why Study New Zealand Diploma in Architectural Technology (Level 6)

This is a two-year, 240-credit diploma designed for students who want practical skills in architectural drafting, building design, construction documentation and digital architectural technology. The programme combines technical drawing, construction knowledge, design principles, building legislation and ArchiCAD/BIM-based practice, preparing graduates to work between architects, designers and construction professionals.

• Level of study: New Zealand Diploma, Level 6
• Institution: Toi Ohomai Institute of Technology
• Location: Tauranga, New Zealand
• Campus: Windermere Campus
• Duration: 2 years full-time; part-time study is also available
• Total credits: 240
• Current listed intake: 15 February 2027
• Study format: Primarily campus-based/on-site. The institute also states that flexible options are available to reduce campus attendance; the course page does not classify the programme as fully online or formally blended.

Key Benefits

• Practical preparation for architectural technology and drafting careers.
• Development of technical drawing and architectural documentation skills.
• Training in ArchiCAD drafting software and Virtual Design & Construction/BIM tools.
• Covers both residential and commercial construction.
• Develops knowledge of construction methods, materials, building services and building legislation.
• Includes tendering and contract administration concepts.
• Includes a real-world industry project in Year 2.
• Flexible part-time study is available, with students able to complete 1–3 papers per semester.
• Toi Ohomai describes its architecture teaching staff as having industry experience and notes that architecture classes in Tauranga are held in an architecturally designed building.

Program Structure

The programme is structured across two years:

• Year 1 – Foundations, Level 5:
  • Introduction to Construction
  • Materials and Structural Principles
  • Environment
  • Services
  • Construction 1 – Residential
  • Drawing 1
  • Scoping & Preliminary Design 1
  • Documentation 1
• Year 2 – Advanced Practice, Level 6:
  • Construction 2 – Commercial
  • Contract Administration
  • Design in the Built Environment
  • Detailing
  • Documentation 2
  • Scoping & Preliminary Design 2
  • Virtual Design & Construction
  • Industry Project
• Typical timetable:
  • Year 1: 3 days per week, approximately 9:00 am–3:30 pm
  • Year 2: 2–3 days per week, approximately 9:00 am–3:30 pm
  • Timetables are subject to change.

Discipline / Specialisation

The course does not list separate majors or specialisations. It sits within the broader areas of:

• Architecture
• Built Environment and Engineering
• Carpentry and Construction

The programme itself provides a broad architectural technology pathway covering architectural drafting, residential and commercial construction, design, detailing, documentation, BIM/VDC and contract/tender processes.

Programme Highlights

• 240-credit Level 6 qualification.
• Two-year full-time programme.
• Located at Windermere Campus in Tauranga.
• Strong emphasis on practical architectural drafting and construction documentation.
• Extensive ArchiCAD drafting training.
• Exposure to BIM and Virtual Design & Construction.
• Study of New Zealand construction methods and building legislation.
• Residential and commercial construction projects.
• Development of consent-ready and full construction documentation.
• Industry Project providing an opportunity to apply research, analysis and presentation skills to a real-world project.

For international students, the current course page lists the domestic indicative fee as NZ$7,183 per year, but specifically states that 2027 fees have not yet been confirmed. Therefore, this amount should not be treated as the international tuition fee.

Toi Ohomai also states that final fees can vary because of course materials, GST treatment, student levies and the papers selected. The 2026–2027 student support levy is listed as NZ$378 per 1 EFT for campus-based learners.

No course-specific scholarship is currently listed on the Architectural Technology course page. Toi Ohomai maintains a separate scholarship listing, but several currently advertised scholarships are restricted to New Zealand citizens/permanent residents or particular domestic student groups. International applicants should therefore confirm directly with Toi Ohomai whether any scholarship is available for this specific programme.

Career Outcomes

Graduates may pursue roles such as:

• Architectural Technician
• Architectural Designer
• CAD Technician
• Draughtsperson for truss or frame manufacturers
• Draughtsperson working with engineers, landscape designers, interior designers, or kitchen and bathroom designers
• Building Certification/Building Inspector
• Architectural Designer through the Licensed Building Practitioner – Design pathway

The qualification is particularly relevant to students interested in architectural documentation, technical drawing, CAD/BIM, building design and construction-related technical roles.

Toi Ohomai also profiles a former Architectural Technology student who progressed to senior architectural technology work in London, including high-end residential projects, although individual career outcomes will vary.

Visa Requirements (International Students)

International students intending to study this programme in New Zealand will generally require a Fee Paying Student Visa, subject to their individual circumstances.

• Students need an Offer of Place from an approved education provider.
• They must demonstrate sufficient funds for tuition fees or have an acceptable scholarship/funding arrangement.
• They must demonstrate sufficient funds for living costs.
• For tertiary study of one year or longer, Immigration New Zealand currently requires evidence of NZ$20,000 per year for living expenses.
• Students must have acceptable medical and travel insurance.
• Applicants must meet health, character and genuine-intention requirements.
• Immigration New Zealand requires evidence that the student can leave New Zealand at the end of their stay.
• The visa may allow work up to 25 hours per week during study and full-time during scheduled holidays, depending on the conditions attached to the individual visa.

For the Toi Ohomai application process, international students receive an Offer of Place after their application and supporting documents have been assessed. The offer includes tuition and insurance fee information. Students applying from outside New Zealand can generally pay tuition after their visa has been approved in principle, according to Toi Ohomai's current international application guidance.

Latest Updates / Special Requirements

• The course page was last updated on 16 September 2026.
• The next currently listed intake is 15 February 2027 at Windermere Campus, Tauranga.
• 2027 tuition fees are currently not confirmed on the course page; the published NZ$7,183 per year is the indicative domestic fee and should not be used as the international fee.
• Standard entry requires either:
  • NCEA Level 2 including Mathematics and NCEA Level 1 including Literacy; or
  • A relevant NZQCF Level 4 or higher qualification or recognised equivalent.
• Applicants aged 20 or over who do not meet the standard admission requirements may be eligible for Special Admission.
• International English requirement: IELTS Academic 6.0 overall with no band below 5.5, or New Zealand Certificate in English Language Level 4 with Academic Endorsement, or another relevant English proficiency outcome recognised by NZQA.
• An information meeting is part of the course process and provides an opportunity to discuss the programme and whether it matches the applicant's career goals and experience.
• Part-time students can complete 1–3 papers per semester.
• For international applicants, Toi Ohomai may require verified supporting documents and may require an interview during the application/enrolment process.
• Because the international tuition fee for the 2027 intake is not currently published on the course page, prospective international students should obtain the final fee directly from Toi Ohomai before making financial or visa arrangements.