The New Zealand Diploma in IT Technical Support (Level 5) at NZSE is designed for students who want to build a practical foundation in information technology, particularly technical support, networking, operating systems, programming and cybersecurity. The programme combines classroom/online learning with practical IT projects and industry-focused experience.

Key benefits for international students include:

• Practical training in IT technical support and troubleshooting.
• Exposure to networking, cloud technologies, programming, operating systems and cybersecurity.
• Hands-on projects designed around real-world IT applications.
• Industry-focused learning and professional standards.
• 10 weeks of mentored work experience listed by NZSE.
• Development of a job-ready portfolio.
• Potential cross-credit of 60–120 credits toward a university bachelor's degree, subject to the receiving institution's conditions.
• Approved pathway to the second year of an AUT IT bachelor's degree, subject to the applicable pathway conditions.

Programme Structure and Subjects / Topics

Students complete eight courses over two semesters / one academic year. The current NZSE programme page provides the following structure:

1. IT501 – Network Technologies
   Covers fundamental networking concepts, secure user-system configuration, network troubleshooting, virtualisation and cloud technologies. Technologies include networking hardware, virtualisation tools and cloud technologies.
2. IT502 – Programming 1
   Introduces programming concepts and develops skills in designing, writing, testing and debugging computer programs. Microsoft Visual Studio and Git are used.
3. IT503 – Technology in Society
   Examines the development of computing and its effect on society, including ethical responsibilities and collaboration in addressing technical needs.
4. IT504 – Web Design and Database Application
   Covers website design, human-computer interaction principles, usability testing and database fundamentals. Technologies include Figma, Lucid Charts, Wix and Microsoft Access.
5. ITTS505 – Computer Network Principles
   Develops skills in building, configuring, deploying and troubleshooting computer networks, including network monitoring and availability. Cisco Packet Tracer and Oracle VirtualBox are identified technologies.
6. ITTS506 – Operating Systems
   Covers installation, configuration and troubleshooting of operating systems in business environments using command-line and graphical tools. Windows, Linux and macOS are included.
7. ITTS507 – Security Fundamentals
   Introduces network security concepts, threats, vulnerabilities, security practices, monitoring tools, firewalls and intrusion detection/prevention systems.
8. ITTS508 – IT Support and Services Management
   Develops knowledge and skills for applying IT service-management concepts to plan, deliver and support IT services.

Disciplines / Specialisations

The diploma does not currently advertise separate named specialisations or majors.

Its main study areas are:

• IT technical support
• Computer networking
• Programming
• Web design
• Database applications
• Operating systems
• Cybersecurity
• IT service management
• Cloud and virtualisation technologies
• IT professional practice

Programme Highlights

Important programme features include:

• Level 5 New Zealand Diploma.
• 120 credits.
• 1 academic year.
• February and July intakes.
• Auckland CBD and online study options.
• In-class, blended and online delivery listed by NZSE.
• Practical IT projects.
• Live classes.
• Industry-focused learning.
• 10 weeks of mentored work experience.
• Job-ready portfolio development.
• Preparation for professional IT certifications.
• NZQA-certified programme.
• Potential university credit transfer of 60–120 credits, subject to conditions.
• Pathway opportunities into further IT study.

Career Outcomes

NZSE specifically identifies the following potential career outcomes:

• Computer Technician
• Network Engineer
• Helpdesk Technical Support
• Network System Administrator, entry level
• Application Support Analyst

The programme is designed to help graduates enter technical-support and entry-level networking roles while also providing a foundation for further IT study.

Latest Updates / Special Requirements

One significant current update is that NZSE states that, from 16 November 2026, eligible international graduates of this programme may apply for a 6-month Short-term Graduate Work Visa after successfully completing the course. This is subject to Immigration New Zealand eligibility requirements and should not be interpreted as an automatic visa entitlement.

NZSE also states that the diploma can be cross-credited for 60–120 credits into a university bachelor's degree, subject to terms and conditions. Its 2026 International Prospectus identifies an approved pathway agreement to the second year of an AUT IT bachelor's degree.

Special practical requirement:

Students need access to a suitable laptop/desktop with internet connectivity and a web browser. The programme page specifies a minimum screen size of 10 inches.

NZSE also reserves the right to modify intake dates, availability, fees and programme conditions.

International Student Visa Requirements

International students intending to study this programme in New Zealand generally need a Fee Paying Student Visa, unless another appropriate visa category applies. Immigration New Zealand requires students to meet the relevant enrolment, financial, health, character and genuine-intention requirements.

For a student studying a tertiary programme for less than one year, Immigration New Zealand currently requires evidence of living funds of NZD $1,667 per month. Prepaid accommodation can be deducted in applicable circumstances. Students must also show evidence of sufficient funds for outward travel or a paid ticket out of New Zealand.

For this one-academic-year programme, the exact amount of living funds required should be calculated according to the actual period covered by the student's visa/study arrangements rather than simply assuming a fixed annual amount.

Student visa holders may be permitted to work up to 25 hours per week while studying and full-time during scheduled holidays, depending on the conditions attached to their individual visa. Students must check their eVisa or visa letter for their actual work rights.

Students must also:

• Remain enrolled in the approved course.
• Maintain satisfactory attendance.
• Make satisfactory academic progress.
• Comply with the conditions on their student visa.
• Maintain appropriate insurance where required by NZSE/visa conditions.
• Provide evidence of genuine intentions to study when requested.
• Meet applicable health and character requirements.
• Provide evidence of outward travel or sufficient funds for outward travel.