The New Zealand Diploma in Engineering (Electronics Engineering) Level 6 at NZSE is a practical, industry-focused engineering qualification designed to develop the technical knowledge and problem-solving skills needed to work with electronic systems, circuits, embedded systems and related technologies. The programme covers electronics, electrical principles, programming, microcontrollers, networking and engineering projects.

Key benefits for international students include:

• Hands-on, practice-led engineering education.
• Training in electronics, programming and embedded systems.
• Practical laboratory and project experience.
• Development of electronic design, programming and troubleshooting skills.
• 10 weeks of mentored work experience listed by NZSE.
• Industry-connected tutors and live classes.
• Job-ready portfolio development.
• Internationally recognised qualification accredited under the Dublin Accord.
• Pathways to further engineering study at AUT.
• Exposure to technologies used in telecommunications, manufacturing, automation, renewable energy and electronics design.

Programme Structure and Subjects / Topics

The 240-credit programme is divided into two academic years.

Year 1 – 120 credits

Semester 1:

• DE4101: Engineering Fundamentals – Level 4
• DE4102: Engineering Mathematics 1 – Level 4
• DE4103: Technical Literacy – Level 4
• DE4401: Electrical Principles – Level 4

Semester 2:

• DE5405: Computer Programming 1 – Level 5
• DE5408: Introduction to Networks – Level 5
• DE4402: Electrical and Electronic Applications – Level 5
• DE5403: Electronic Principles – Level 5

Year 2 – 120 credits

Semester 1:

• DE5414: Electronic Manufacturing 1 – Level 5
• DE6412: Computer Programming 2 – Level 6
• DE5407: Electronics 1 – Level 5, or
• DE5421: Anatomy & Physiology – Level 5
• DE5406: Microcontrollers 1 – Level 5, or
• DE5422: Medical Equipment 1 – Level 5

Semester 2:

• DE6102: Engineering Project – Electronics – Level 6
• DE6101: Electronic Management – Level 6
• DE6402: Electronics 2 – Level 6
• DE6417: Microcontrollers 2 – Level 6, or
• DE6424: Medical Equipment 2 – Level 6

Disciplines / Specialisations

NZSE currently identifies two elective directions:

• Electronics Engineering
• Clinical Engineering

The Electronics pathway focuses on electronics, microcontrollers, programming, electronic manufacturing and electronic systems.

The Clinical Engineering pathway incorporates Anatomy & Physiology and Medical Equipment subjects and is designed around healthcare technology.

Major study areas include:

• Engineering fundamentals
• Engineering mathematics
• Electrical principles
• Electronics
• Electronic design and drawing
• Computer programming
• Computer networks
• Microcontroller programming
• Electronic manufacturing
• Embedded systems
• Medical equipment and healthcare technology
• Engineering project management.

Programme Highlights

Important programme features include:

• NZQF Level 6 qualification.
• 240 credits.
• Two academic years.
• February and July intakes.
• Auckland CBD campus.
• In-class delivery.
• Domestic and international learner availability.
• Practical laboratory learning.
• Engineering project experience.
• 10 weeks of mentored work experience.
• Live classes.
• Industry-connected tutors.
• Job-ready portfolio development.
• NZQA certification.
• Dublin Accord accreditation/recognition.
• Pathways to further study at AUT.

Career Outcomes

NZSE identifies potential career outcomes including:

• Electronics Engineer
• Computer Hardware Engineer
• Engineering Technician
• Computer Engineer
• Instrumentation Technician
• Biomedical Equipment Technician.

Latest Updates / Special Requirements

The current 2026 NZSE Engineering information confirms that the programme remains available to domestic and international learners, with February and July intakes and a two-academic-year duration.

NZSE currently states that the qualification is accredited under the Dublin Accord.

NZSE also highlights a partnership with the New Zealand Defence Force that enables Royal New Zealand Navy Electronic Engineers to undertake this qualification at the Auckland City campus. This is an institutional partnership and does not mean that international students receive any special admission entitlement through the Navy arrangement.

Further-study pathways currently listed by NZSE include:

• Bachelor of Engineering Technology (Electrical) – AUT
• Bachelor of Engineering (Electrical and Electronics) – AUT. 

International Student Visa Requirements

International students travelling to New Zealand to study this full-time, on-campus qualification will generally require a Fee Paying Student Visa unless another appropriate visa category applies.

Immigration New Zealand currently states that applicants must:

• Have an offer of place from an approved education provider.
• Have sufficient money to pay tuition fees or have an acceptable scholarship.
• Have sufficient funds for living expenses or an acceptable sponsor.
• Have acceptable medical and travel insurance.
• Meet health and character requirements.
• Demonstrate a genuine reason for coming to New Zealand.
• Show that they can leave New Zealand at the end of their stay.