Why Study/Key Benefits

• Develops practical and theoretical skills for civil infrastructure design, construction and development.

• Combines engineering fundamentals with specialist civil engineering subjects.

• Provides opportunities to apply classroom learning through engineering projects.

• Includes an industry-connected capstone project in the later stages of the degree. Some projects may be sponsored by industry organisations, allowing students to work with realistic engineering challenges and develop professional contacts.

• Offers elective choices in structural, water and wastewater, and roading and transportation engineering.

• The qualification is accredited by Engineering New Zealand (EngNZ) and recognised internationally under the Sydney Accord. Graduates are eligible to apply for EngNZ graduate membership.

Programme Structure and Subjects/Topics

The degree develops from general engineering knowledge in the first year towards more advanced civil engineering study, specialist electives and applied project work in the second and third years.

The programme page publishes the following course options. Each listed course carries 15 credits.

Level 5 – Engineering foundations and introductory civil engineering:

• Engineering Computing – MG5001.

• Mechanics – MG5002.

• Engineering Communication – MG5003.

• Engineering Maths Level 5 – MG5004.

• Engineering Design and Drawing – MG5005.

• Land Surveying 1 – MG5006.

• Fluid Mechanics (Civil) – MG5008.

• Geotechnical Engineering 1 – MG5009.

• Highway Engineering 1 – MG5012.

• Structures 1 – MG5032.

• Civil Materials – MG5107.

Level 6 – Advanced civil engineering and applied technical subjects:

• Financial Administration – CONS6002.

• Civil Engineering Detailing and Modelling – MG6005.

• Structural Steel and Timber – MG6007.

• Structural Concrete – MG6008.

• Hydrology and Erosion Management – MG6011.

• Geotechnical Engineering 2 – MG6012.

• Highway Engineering 2 – MG6014.

• Traffic Engineering – MG6015.

• Structures 2 – MG6046.

• Engineering Management – MG6103.

• Civil Engineering Construction Practices – MG6106.

• Water and Waste Systems – MG6109.

• Water and Waste Management – MG6110.

• Mathematics 2 – MG6190.

Level 7 – Advanced design, project and professional engineering subjects:

• CAD Visualisation and Presentation – DCVP700.

• Design of Structures – MG7004.

• Urban Drainage Systems – MG7005.

• Urban Transport Planning – MG7007.

• Project Management – MG7025.

• Risk Management – MG7026.

• Engineering Development Project A – MG7101A.

• Engineering Development Project B – MG7101B.

• Professional Engineering Practice – MG7121.

Disciplines/Specialisations

Students enrol in the Civil major and can select electives to develop a focus in one of the following engineering strands:

• Structural engineering – structures, structural design, steel, timber and concrete.

• Water and wastewater engineering – water systems, wastewater management, hydrology and urban drainage.

• Roading and transportation engineering – highway engineering, traffic engineering and urban transport planning.

Programme Highlights

• Fully accredited by Engineering New Zealand.

• International recognition under the Sydney Accord.

• Three-year, 360-credit bachelor’s qualification.

• Civil engineering study covering structural, geotechnical, water, wastewater and transportation-related topics.

• Elective options allow students to focus on an area of civil engineering.

• Industry-connected capstone project in the later years.

• Opportunities to develop technical design, problem-solving, project-management and professional communication skills.

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

Career Outcomes

Ara identifies career opportunities for graduates in civil infrastructure development and engineering technology.

Potential employment areas include:

• Civil engineering technologist.

• Structural engineering firms.

• Water and wastewater engineering firms.

• Roading and transportation engineering firms.

• Geotechnical engineering firms.

• Environmental engineering firms.

• Civil infrastructure design and development.

Latest Updates/Special Requirements

• The programme page currently lists February 2027 as the next start and also displays a July 2027 part-time Year 1 option.

• The 2027 Ara international fees guide confirms that the Civil degree is available in February and July.

• The degree is accredited by Engineering New Zealand and recognised 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 classes regularly, arrive punctually and comply with classroom, laboratory and workshop safety requirements.

• For international learners, the handbook defines satisfactory progress as 100% attendance and successful completion of at least 75% of courses. Students should take this seriously because attendance and academic progress can also affect future student visa applications.

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 sufficient funds to pay tuition fees, 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 currently 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, Immigration New Zealand requires evidence of NZD $20,000 for each year of living expenses, or an acceptable sponsor.

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

• Tuition fees must be paid, or the student must provide acceptable evidence of the ability to pay, 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:

• The visa may allow part-time work for up to 25 hours per week during study and full-time work during scheduled holidays, depending on the conditions printed on the visa.

• Full-time work during scheduled holidays is subject to Immigration New Zealand’s requirements, including evidence of the course’s credit value and scheduled holiday dates.

• Students must check their own visa conditions before accepting employment.

Attendance and academic progress:

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

• Ara’s 2026 engineering handbook sets an expectation of 100% attendance and successful completion of at least 75% of courses for international learners.

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

Health and character:

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

• Police certificates are generally required for applicants aged 17 or older when their total intended stay in New Zealand is 24 months or longer, subject to applicable exceptions.

• The applicant must answer health and character questions accurately and provide further documents if requested.