Why Study/Key Benefits

• The Bachelor of Engineering Technology (Mechanical) is designed for students interested in mechanical design, development and the practical application of engineering technology.

• Students build a foundation in engineering computing, mathematics, management and engineering sciences before progressing to more specialised mechanical engineering study.

• The programme combines theoretical learning with applied engineering projects.

• In the second and third years, students undertake projects that apply their technical knowledge to practical engineering problems.

• The capstone project has close links with industry, and some projects are sponsored by industry organisations. This can help students build a professional portfolio and develop industry contacts.

• The qualification is accredited by Engineering New Zealand (EngNZ) and recognised internationally under the Sydney Accord.

Programme Structure and Subjects/Topics

The programme is structured around common engineering courses, Mechanical major compulsory courses and Mechanical major electives. The following courses are published on Ara’s programme page. Each listed course carries 15 credits.

Level 5 – Engineering foundations and mechanical fundamentals:

• Engineering Computing – MG5001.

• Mechanics – MG5002.

• Engineering Communication – MG5003.

• Engineering Maths Level 5 – MG5004.

• Engineering Design and Drawing – MG5005.

• PLC Programming 1 – MG5018.

• Mechanical Materials – MG5028.

• Strength of Materials 1 – MG5029.

• Thermodynamics and Heat Transfer – MG5030.

• Electrical Fundamentals – MG5033.

Level 6 – Mechanical engineering applications and technical development:

• Fluid Mechanics (Mechanical) – MG6032.

• Mechanics of Machines – MG6033.

• Advanced Thermodynamics – MG6037.

• Strength of Materials 2 – MG6038.

• Manufacturing Processes and Production – MG6044.

• Maintenance Engineering Management – MG6050.

• 3D Parametric Solid Modelling – MG6051.

• Engineering Management – MG6103.

• Engineering Project – MG6136.

• Mathematics 2 – MG6190.

Level 7 – Advanced engineering analysis, design and professional practice:

• Finite Element Analysis – DCFE700.

• CAD Visualisation and Presentation – DCVP700.

• Vibration and Seismic Design for Mechanical Plant – MG7023.

• Project Management – MG7025.

• Risk Management – MG7026.

• Engineering Systems Analysis – MG7028.

• Applied Computational Modelling – MG7031.

• Engineering Development Project A – MG7101A.

• Engineering Development Project B – MG7101B.

• Professional Engineering Practice – MG7121.

Disciplines/Specialisations

• The programme offers the Mechanical major within the broader Bachelor of Engineering Technology.

• Mechanical engineering topics include:

  • Mechanical materials and strength of materials.

  • Mechanics of machines.

  • Fluid mechanics.

  • Thermodynamics and heat transfer.

  • Manufacturing processes and production.

  • Maintenance engineering.

  • Computer-aided design and 3D parametric solid modelling.

  • Finite element analysis and computational modelling.

  • Mechanical plant vibration and seismic design.

  • Engineering systems analysis.

• The 2026 handbook does not identify separate named specialisation pathways within the Mechanical major. Students select from the approved Mechanical major electives.

Programme Highlights

• Fully accredited by Engineering New Zealand.

• International recognition under the Sydney Accord.

• Three-year Level 7 bachelor’s degree comprising 360 credits.

• Mechanical engineering study with a mix of engineering science, design, manufacturing and applied technical subjects.

• Industry-connected capstone project, with some projects sponsored by industry organisations.

• Development of critical thinking, problem-solving, innovation and professional engineering practice.

• Graduates are eligible to apply for Engineering New Zealand graduate membership.

Career Outcomes

Ara identifies employment opportunities for graduates in private companies and engineering consultancies across a range of sectors, including:

• Energy infrastructure.

• Manufacturing.

• Construction.

• Product development.

• Aviation.

• Boat building.

• Agriculture and horticulture.

Latest Updates/Special Requirements

• The programme page lists February 2027 as the next start and also displays July 2027 study options.

• The 2027 international fees guide confirms February and July as the advertised intake periods.

• The programme is accredited by Engineering New Zealand and recognised internationally under the Sydney Accord.

• Additional equipment or programme-related costs may apply. Ara states that these will be advised before enrolment; the exact amount is not publicly specified – please confirm with IPU.

• Ara’s 2026 engineering handbook expects students to attend regularly, participate in class activities and follow health and safety instructions when using equipment and facilities.

• The handbook explains that course-specific assessment requirements, including tests, assignments and practical projects, are provided in each course outline.

• The precise weekly timetable, workshop hours and any mandatory industry placement duration are not publicly specified – please confirm with IPU.

 

International Student Visa Requirements

International students planning to study this degree will generally need a New Zealand Fee Paying Student Visa, subject to Immigration New Zealand’s assessment.

Main requirements:

• An offer of place from Ara, an approved education provider.

• Evidence of payment of tuition fees, or evidence of the ability to pay, or confirmation of an applicable scholarship.

• Evidence of sufficient funds for living expenses or an acceptable sponsor.

• Full medical and travel insurance acceptable to Ara and compliant with New Zealand’s international learner requirements.

• Evidence of good health and good character.

• Genuine intentions to study and comply with visa conditions.

• Evidence of onward travel or sufficient additional funds to purchase a ticket out of New Zealand at the end of the authorised stay.

Visa costs and processing:

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

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

• The visa may be granted for up to 4 years, depending on the period of study paid for and other circumstances.

• Immigration New Zealand recommends applying at least 3 months before intended travel.

Financial evidence:

• For tertiary study lasting one year or longer, students must show NZD $20,000 for each year of living expenses, or have an acceptable sponsor.

• For study shorter than one year, the requirement is NZD $1,667 per month.

• Students must show they have paid, or can pay, tuition fees for one course or one year of study, whichever is shorter.

• Students undertaking a multi-year programme should also prepare a credible plan for funding later years of tuition and living expenses.

• For applicants from India applying from South Asia, only immediate family members can sponsor or provide a financial undertaking. Immigration New Zealand defines immediate family for this purpose as a partner, parents, siblings, grandparents and parents-in-law.

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 if the student meets Immigration New Zealand’s requirements and the visa explicitly allows it.

• For full-time work during scheduled breaks, the course must be worth at least 120 credits, the student must be studying full-time for at least one academic year, and the course must have at least two semesters over at least eight months.

• The visa conditions, rather than the programme page, determine the student’s actual work rights.

Health, character, attendance and insurance:

• Students must have full medical and travel insurance from the start of their course until their visa expires.

• Immigration New Zealand may require a medical examination or chest X-ray depending on the applicant’s circumstances and intended length of stay.

• Police certificates may be required depending on age, intended length of stay and immigration history.

• Students must attend the course stated on their visa and make satisfactory academic progress.

• Immigration New Zealand may request attendance records and academic transcripts when a student applies for a further student visa.