Why Study/Key Benefits

• Industry-relevant degree focused on electrical engineering design, development and implementation.

• Engineering New Zealand (EngNZ) accreditation and international recognition under the Sydney Accord.

• Progressive learning: first-year engineering foundations followed by advanced electrical engineering topics and applied projects.

• Industry-linked capstone project in the later stages, with some projects sponsored by industry partners.

• Opportunity to develop a professional portfolio and industry contacts through project work.

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

• Part-time study is also available, with the programme able to be completed over a longer period.

Programme Structure and Subjects/Topics

The programme combines common engineering studies with electrical engineering-specific courses and electives. Ara's current programme page lists the following subjects. Each course shown below carries 15 credits.

Level 5 – Engineering foundations and electrical fundamentals:

• Engineering Computing – MG5001.

• Mechanics – MG5002.

• Engineering Communication – MG5003.

• Engineering Maths Level 5 – MG5004.

• Engineering Design and Drawing – MG5005.

• Elements of Power Engineering – MG5016.

• Electrical Machines – MG5017.

• PLC Programming 1 – MG5018.

• Electronics 1 – MG5019.

• Microcontroller Systems 1 – MG5020.

• Electronics Manufacturing 1 – MG5021.

• Electrical Principles – MG5034.

• Electronic Principles – MG5035.

Level 6 – Intermediate engineering and electrical systems:

• PLC Programming 2 – MG6019.

• Electronics 2 – MG6021.

• Microcontroller Systems 2 – MG6022.

• Electronics Manufacturing 2 – MG6023.

• Computer Programming 2 – MG6025.

• Fluid Mechanics (MECH) – MG6032.

• Mechanics of Machines – MG6033.

• Protection – MG6047.

• Maintenance Engineering Management – MG6050.

• High Power Electric Motors for Transport – MG6052.

• Engineering Management – MG6103.

• Power Distribution – MG6117.

• Engineering Project – MG6136.

• Mathematics 2 – MG6190.

Level 7 – Advanced engineering and professional practice:

• CAD Visualisation and Presentation – DCVP700.

• Embedded Systems – MG7013.

• Project Management – MG7025.

• Risk Management – MG7026.

• Engineering Development Project A – MG7101A.

• Engineering Development Project B – MG7101B.

• Power Systems – MG7110.

• Professional Engineering Practice – MG7121.

Disciplines/Specialisations

The programme being researched is the Electrical major of Ara's Bachelor of Engineering Technology.

Its subject areas include:

• Electrical engineering principles.

• Power engineering and power systems.

• Electrical machines and electric motors.

• Power distribution and electrical protection.

• Electronics and electronics manufacturing.

• Programmable Logic Controllers (PLC).

• Microcontroller systems and embedded systems.

• Computer programming and engineering computing.

• Engineering design, project management and professional engineering practice.

Programme Highlights

• Engineering New Zealand accreditation.

• International recognition under the Sydney Accord.

• A three-year full-time qualification with 360 credits.

• A mix of engineering foundations and specialist electrical engineering subjects.

• Practical and project-based learning, including a capstone project with industry links.

• Exposure to power distribution, electrical machines, electronics, control systems and embedded systems.

• Development of critical thinking, problem-solving, communication and engineering project skills.

• Eligibility to apply for graduate membership of Engineering New Zealand after graduation.

• Further study pathway through an Ara Graduate Diploma

Career Outcomes

Ara identifies employment opportunities in the following sectors:

• Power distribution.

• Electronic design.

• Computing.

• Computer networking.

• Mechatronics.

• Telecommunications.

Latest Updates/Special Requirements

• The programme page currently advertises a February 2027 start, with the international application closing date of 27 January 2027.

• The listed February 2027 start date is 15 February 2027.

• Ara also lists a part-time July 2027 start date of 19 July 2027. International applicants should confirm whether this option is available to them.

• The programme is listed as potentially available for a New Zealand Study Visa.

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

• The 2026 programme handbook is the latest programme handbook located for this research. It explains the 360-credit award structure and the Electrical major's credit requirements. Course selection and scheduling may be updated for 2027, so applicants should request the current study plan from Ara.

• The programme page states that additional equipment or fees will be advised before enrolment. Students should ask Ara whether any tools, software, safety equipment, laboratory materials or other programme-specific purchases are required.

• Credit recognition may be considered for relevant prior study or workplace learning. Applicants should confirm the impact of any approved credit transfer on their study plan and visa arrangements.

International Student Visa Requirements

International students intending to study this full-time degree in New Zealand will generally need a Fee Paying Student Visa, subject to Immigration New Zealand's assessment.

Main requirements:

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

• Evidence that the student can pay the required tuition fees or has an acceptable scholarship.

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

• Evidence of good health and character.

• A genuine intention to study in New Zealand.

• Full medical and travel insurance acceptable to the education provider.

• Evidence that the student can leave New Zealand at the end of the authorised stay, such as an outward travel ticket or sufficient funds to purchase one.

• Any additional documents requested by Immigration New Zealand.

Tuition fee payment:

• Immigration New Zealand requires evidence that the student has paid tuition fees for one course or one year of study, whichever is shorter, unless an exemption applies.

• Ara states that students must pay their fees by the due date on the invoice and will then receive an official receipt required for the visa process.

• For a programme lasting more than one year, Immigration New Zealand says a credible plan for paying future tuition and living costs can strengthen the application.

Living-cost funds:

• For tertiary study lasting one year or longer, the current Immigration New Zealand requirement is NZD $20,000 for each year of study.

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

• Since this is a three-year degree, applicants should plan to demonstrate the required funds for the relevant period and provide a credible funding plan for subsequent years.

• Funds may be demonstrated through acceptable personal funds, an eligible sponsor, scholarship or other evidence accepted by Immigration New Zealand.

Visa cost and processing:

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

• Immigration New Zealand currently states that 80% of applications are processed within 8.5 weeks. This is a processing-time estimate, not a guarantee.

• The visa can be granted for up to four years, but its actual duration will depend on the study period paid for and other visa conditions.

• Immigration New Zealand strongly encourages international students to apply around three months before their intended travel date.

Work rights:

• Depending on the conditions printed on the visa, eligible students may work up to 25 hours per week during study.

• Eligible students may be permitted to work full-time during scheduled holidays.

• Students must check their individual visa conditions; work rights are not automatic for every student or every visa.

• Any practical work experience required as part of the programme is treated separately from the hours permitted under student visa work conditions.

Additional considerations for applicants from India:

• Immigration New Zealand identifies the Funds Transfer Scheme as an option that may be available to eligible students from India. It is used to demonstrate access to funds in New Zealand and does not guarantee visa approval.

• For Indian citizens applying from South Asia, Immigration New Zealand states that only immediate family members can act as sponsors or provide a financial undertaking. The listed immediate family includes a partner, parents, siblings, grandparents and parents-in-law.

• Immigration New Zealand also publishes guidance on acceptable Indian bank evidence and secured education loans. Applicants should follow the current instructions and provide evidence of the genuine source of funds.