Why Study/Key Benefits

• Industry-designed qualification focused on the needs of New Zealand’s engineering sector.

• Develops practical and theoretical knowledge for civil engineering technology, with an emphasis on design, implementation, problem-solving and sound technical judgement.

• Builds a grounding in engineering science and civil engineering areas such as technical drawing, materials, surveying, hydraulics, geotechnical engineering, structures and highways.

• The programme is aligned with the educational underpinnings and work-ready attributes in Engineering New Zealand’s Graduate Profile for Engineering Technicians. The profile is benchmarked against international technical education attributes recognised under the Dublin Accord.

 

Programme Structure and Subjects/Topics

The programme comprises 240 credits across the two-year qualification. Ara’s published programme page lists the following course subjects:

- Level 4:

• Engineering Fundamentals – DE4101, 15 credits.

• Engineering Mathematics 1 – DE4102, 15 credits.

• Technical Literacy – DE4103, 15 credits.

- Level 5:

• Structures 1 – DE5201, 15 credits.

• Civil and Structural Drawing – DE5202, 15 credits.

• Fluid Mechanics (Civil) – DE5203, 15 credits.

• Highway Engineering 1 – DE5204, 15 credits.

• Geotechnical Engineering 1 – DE5207, 15 credits.

• Civil Materials – DE5208, 15 credits.

• Land Surveying 1 – DE5209, 15 credits.

• Engineering Mathematics Level 5 – DE5418, 15 credits.

- Level 6:

• Engineering Management – DE6101, 15 credits.

• Engineering Project – DE6102, 15 credits.

• Geotechnical Engineering 2 – DE6201, 15 credits.

• Water and Wastewater Systems – DE6205, 15 credits.

• Water and Waste Management – DE6206, 15 credits.

• Structures 2 – DE6209, 15 credits.

• Civil Engineering Detailing and Modelling – MG6005, 15 credits.

Disciplines/Specialisations

• The selected strand is Civil Engineering.

• The broader New Zealand Diploma in Engineering qualification is available in other engineering strands, including electrical, electronic, mechanical and fire engineering, but those are separate programme options rather than specialisations within this Civil programme.

• Civil engineering study focuses on infrastructure, structures, geotechnical engineering, transport/highways, surveying and water systems.

 

Programme Highlights

• 240-credit Level 6 engineering diploma.

• Two-year full-time study option, with part-time study available.

• Practical civil engineering subject coverage, including structures, surveying, highways, geotechnical engineering, materials and water systems.

• Designed around the needs of the New Zealand engineering sector.

• Ara states that the qualification meets the academic requirements for membership in Engineering New Zealand and prepares graduates for technician-level practice in line with the Sydney and Dublin Accord framework.

Career Outcomes

Ara identifies the following potential employment areas for graduates:

• Engineering technician.

• Civil engineering designer.

• Construction supervisor.

• Engineering sales roles.

• Technical support for infrastructure design and construction.

• Work supporting subdivisions, highways, irrigation and hydropower systems.

• Work connected with public infrastructure, including water supply, wastewater infrastructure and treatment systems.

Further study pathway:

• Graduates may progress to the Bachelor of Engineering Technology, with established cross-crediting arrangements.

• The amount of credit granted depends on Ara’s assessment of the student’s completed courses and the degree pathway selected.

Latest Updates/Special Requirements

• The programme is currently listed with February 2027 and July 2027 start options.

• The international application closing date is listed as “Please enquire”.

• The 2027 Ara International Mini Guide lists the Civil Engineering diploma at NZD 29,380 per year, replacing the older 2026 programme-page fee of NZD 28,116 per year.

• Engineering New Zealand lists Ara’s Civil Engineering programme as accredited under the block-course delivery description, with a scheduled review/report in 2027. Confirm that the particular delivery arrangement offered to the applicant is covered.

• Additional equipment or programme-related fees are advised before enrolment.

• Students should have a good foundation in Mathematics and preferably Physics, algebra, calculus and trigonometry.

International Student Visa Requirements

International students accepted into this programme may apply for a New Zealand Fee Paying Student Visa. Ara’s programme listing indicates that the course may be available for a study visa, but the final decision rests with Immigration New Zealand.

Main visa requirements:

• An offer of place from an approved New Zealand education provider.

• Evidence that the tuition fees have been paid, or that the applicant has sufficient funds to pay them, or has an acceptable scholarship.

• Evidence of sufficient living funds.

• Evidence of good health and character, including medical examinations or police certificates where required.

• Genuine intention to study and comply with visa conditions.

• Acceptable medical and travel insurance for the period of stay.

• Evidence of onward or return travel, or sufficient funds to purchase a ticket out of New Zealand.

• A valid passport and other supporting documents required by Immigration New Zealand.

Financial requirements:

• Living funds for tertiary study of one year or longer: NZD 20,000 per year.

• For study lasting less than one year: NZD 1,667 per month.

• Tuition fees must be paid for one course or one year of study, whichever is shorter, unless an applicable exemption applies.

• Applicants studying for more than one year should also prepare a credible plan showing how they intend to fund later years of study.

Visa cost and processing:

• Fee Paying Student Visa application cost: from NZD 850.

• Immigration New Zealand states that 80% of applications are processed within 7 weeks. Processing times can vary.

• The visa may be granted for up to four years, but its actual length is normally linked to the period of study paid for and the passport expiry date.

• Immigration New Zealand recommends applying at least three months before planned travel.

Work rights:

• Eligible student visa holders may be permitted to work up to 25 hours per week during study.

• Full-time work may be permitted during scheduled holidays, depending on the visa conditions and course arrangements.

• Work rights are not automatic for every student; the applicant must check the conditions printed on their own visa.