Why Study / Key Benefits

• Provides a focused 120-point qualification that can normally be completed in one year full-time.
• Gives students an alternative to completing a full three-year bachelor's degree when they want a shorter undergraduate qualification.
• The University describes the Diploma as equivalent to the second year of bachelor's-level study in terms of its academic level.
• It is more comprehensive than the University's 60-point certificate.
• Students can specialise their Diploma in a defined field such as Arts, Business, Design, Education, Environmental Planning, Health, Sport and Human Performance, Management, M?ori and Indigenous Studies, Science or Social Sciences.
• Students can study part-time if they need a longer completion period.
• The qualification can provide focused academic knowledge that may support further undergraduate study or employment, depending on the field selected. 

Programme Structure and Subjects / Topics

The Diploma consists of 120 points, with the exact paper selection determined by the chosen Diploma field.

The general structure is:

• 120 points total.
• At least 75 points in one field.
• At least 75 points at 200 level or above.
• Remaining points selected according to the field's regulations and approved programme of study.
• The Diploma is endorsed in the field in which at least 75 points are completed. 

The current Business Diploma subject examples include:

• ACCTN101 Accounting for Management
• ECONS101 Economics for Business and Management
• FINAN101 Introduction to Finance
• MGSYS101 Digital Business and Supply Chain Management
• MRKTG101 Fundamentals of Successful Marketing
• STMGT101 Introduction to Management.

Disciplines / Specialisations

The Diploma can be endorsed in the following fields under the current Diploma regulations:

• Arts – Dip(Arts)
• Business – Dip(Bus)
• Design – Dip(Des)
• Education – Dip(Ed)
• Environmental Planning – Dip(EnvPlan)
• Health, Sport and Human Performance – Dip(HSHP)
• Management – Dip(Mgt)
• M?ori and Indigenous Studies – Dip(M&ISt)
• Science – Dip(Sc)
• Social Sciences – Dip(SocSc).

Programme Highlights

• 120-point undergraduate qualification.
• Normally one year of full-time study.
• Hamilton campus.
• March and July intakes.
• At least 75 points at 200 level or above.
• At least 75 points in one recognised field.
• Nine broad Diploma fields are listed on the current programme page; the current regulations additionally include Health, Sport and Human Performance.
• Provides a shorter alternative to a full bachelor's degree.
• Can be studied part-time.
• Students can select papers within an academic field according to the applicable regulations.
• The qualification is formally endorsed in the field in which the student completes the required 75 points.

Career Outcomes

The general Diploma is not a professional qualification with one fixed career outcome. Career opportunities depend on the field and subjects selected.

Potential areas include:

• Business and management
• Accounting and finance
• Marketing
• Human resources
• Supply chain and digital business
• Arts and humanities
• Design
• Education-related fields
• Environmental planning
• Health, sport and human performance
• M?ori and Indigenous studies
• Science
• Social sciences.

Latest Updates / Special Requirements

• The current University Diploma page lists 120 points, one year and Hamilton as the core qualification information.
• Current regulations require 120 points at 100 level or above, with at least 75 points at 200 level or above and at least 75 points in one field.
• The current regulations include Health, Sport and Human Performance as a Diploma field, alongside Arts, Business, Design, Education, Environmental Planning, Management, M?ori and Indigenous Studies, Science and Social Sciences.
• The University's 2026 field regulations note that some subjects are not offered in 2026. Therefore, students should check current subject availability before selecting a field or planning a study schedule.
• Some individual papers have prerequisites. Students who do not have the required prerequisites may need additional preparation or alternative papers.
• The University states that international admission guidelines do not guarantee entry and that additional documentation may be requested.
• Students intending to progress from the Diploma to a bachelor's degree should confirm whether their completed papers will receive credit towards the intended degree. Credit arrangements vary by qualification and paper.
• The general Diploma should not be confused with the International Diploma programmes delivered through University of Waikato College.

International Student Visa Requirements

International students normally require a New Zealand Fee Paying Student Visa to study the Diploma in New Zealand.

Immigration New Zealand currently states that the Fee Paying Student Visa:

• Costs from NZD 850.
• Can allow a stay of up to four years, depending on the student's circumstances and study period.
• Requires an offer of place from an approved education provider.
• Requires evidence of sufficient tuition funds or an applicable scholarship.
• Requires evidence of sufficient living funds or an acceptable sponsor.
• Requires acceptable medical and travel insurance.
• Requires applicants to meet applicable health and character requirements.
• Requires the student to demonstrate a genuine intention to study.
• Requires the student to have the ability to leave New Zealand at the end of the authorised stay.