Why Study / Key Benefits

• The New Zealand Diploma in Business (Level 5) is designed to provide general and specialised business knowledge and practical skills for operational roles in business organisations.
• The programme develops the ability to contribute to business operational objectives in an ethical, inclusive and multicultural environment, including consideration of the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi.
• Students can choose between two business-focused strands: Leadership and Management, or Marketing and Sales.
• The qualification can provide a pathway into further business study at NZQF Levels 6 and 7, including cross-credit opportunities into IPU New Zealand's Bachelor of Contemporary International Studies.

Programme Structure and Subjects / Topics

The programme consists of 8 compulsory papers and 120 credits:

General courses:

1. Business Operations
2. Business Communications
3. Business Innovation
4. Business Sustainability

Students then select one of the following strands.

Leadership and Management:

1. Operations Management and Leadership
2. Business Planning
3. Leadership and Performance
4. Managing Projects

Marketing and Sales:

1. Business Marketing
2. Essential Marketing and Sales
3. Consumer Decision Making
4. Marketing Intelligence

Disciplines / Specialisations

The programme offers two strands:

• Leadership and Management
• Marketing and Sales

Programme Highlights

• 120-credit Level 5 New Zealand Diploma.
• One-year, full-time structure.
• Eight compulsory papers.
• Four general business papers.
• Choice of Leadership and Management or Marketing and Sales strand.
• Available through on-campus and online study.
• Designed around operational business knowledge and skills.
• Potential progression to Level 6 and Level 7 business study and cross-credit into IPU's Bachelor of Contemporary International Studies.

Career Outcomes

Professional outcome:

• Graduates may work across various business sectors and may be candidates for managerial positions.

Further-study outcome:

• Graduates may progress to business programmes at NZQF Levels 6 and 7.
• IPU specifically identifies a possible cross-credit pathway into its Bachelor of Contemporary International Studies.

Latest Updates / Special Requirements

• IPU's current programme page confirms that the qualification is available with Leadership and Management and Marketing and Sales strands and is offered online and on campus.
• IPU's international tuition information is currently showing fees effective from 1 January 2026.
• International students must arrange their own travel/medical insurance and provide IPU with evidence of their insurance policy before arrival in New Zealand.
• Applicants with previous professional qualifications, work experience or tertiary study can enquire about recognition of prior learning/credit exemptions when applying.

International Student Visa Requirements

For an international student studying this programme on campus in New Zealand, the relevant route is generally the Fee Paying Student Visa, subject to Immigration New Zealand's assessment. The visa requires an offer of place from an approved education provider, evidence of sufficient funds for tuition and living costs, acceptable medical/travel insurance, and satisfaction of the other visa requirements.

Current Immigration New Zealand financial requirements for tertiary study are:

• NZ$20,000 for each year of study if the programme is one year or longer; or
• NZ$1,667 per month if the study period is shorter than one year.