The Diploma in Business Studies (Level 5) is a Massey University qualification delivered at NZSE College’s Auckland CBD campus through the long-standing partnership between NZSE and Massey University. International students are enrolled as Massey University students while benefiting from NZSE’s central Auckland location, smaller classes and learner-support services. The programme provides a broad foundation in accounting, economics, finance, management, marketing, leadership, quantitative methods and business analytics.

Key benefits include:

• Study a Massey University qualification at NZSE’s Auckland City campus.
• Small classes of up to 20 students.
• Access to academic tutoring, English-language development and learner-success support.
• Support with services such as airport pickup, accommodation, visa coordination and wellbeing.
• Practical, career-focused learning and exposure to the New Zealand employment environment.
• Guaranteed direct entry into the second year of selected Massey University bachelor’s programmes after successful completion.

Programme Structure and Subjects / Topics

The programme consists of two semesters and eight Level 5 courses.

Semester 1:

1. 115112 – Accounting for Business
2. 115113 – Economics for Business
3. 115115 – Management in Context
4. 115116 – Introduction to Marketing

Semester 2:

5. 115114 – Finance Fundamentals
6. 115212 – Fundamentals of Leadership and Teamwork
7. 115213 – Quantitative Methods for Business
8. 157216 – Management, Analytics and Decision-Making

Each course carries 15 credits, producing a total of 120 credits.

Students are advised to select courses with consideration for prerequisites required for subsequent study. Some courses may also be available through summer school, subject to availability.

Disciplines / Specialisations

The NZSE delivery of this Diploma is broad rather than being advertised with a separate named specialisation.

The curriculum covers:

• Accounting
• Economics
• Finance
• Management
• Marketing
• Leadership and teamwork
• Quantitative business methods
• Business analytics and decision-making

Programme Highlights

Important programme features include:

• Massey University Diploma in Business Studies.
• Delivered at NZSE's central Auckland campus.
• 120-credit Level 5 qualification.
• 8-month advertised duration.
• Full-time study for international students.
• Live, in-class learning.
• Maximum class size of approximately 20 students.
• Practical business-focused learning.
• Academic and learner-support services.
• Career workshops and New Zealand job-market familiarisation.
• Access to the combined NZSE/Massey alumni network.
• Project experience and industry-focused learning.
• Guaranteed progression to the second year of selected Massey bachelor’s programmes after successful completion.

Career Outcomes

The Diploma provides foundational knowledge for business-related employment and can also function primarily as a pathway into a bachelor's degree.

The curriculum develops knowledge in accounting, economics, finance, management, marketing, leadership, quantitative methods and analytics, which can support entry-level business-related roles.

However, the strongest officially stated outcome for this particular NZSE programme is further study. Successful graduates are eligible for direct entry into the second year of selected Massey University undergraduate programmes.

Possible progression includes:

• Bachelor of Business
• Bachelor of Accountancy
• Bachelor of Aviation Management
• Bachelor of Communication

Latest Updates / Special Requirements

The latest accessible NZSE programme information identifies the following current details:

• 2026 international tuition fee: NZD $38,080, GST inclusive.
• Duration advertised: 8 months.
• Delivery: In class.
• Location: Auckland CBD.
• Credits: 120.
• Partial Merit Scholarship: up to NZ$11,000.
• International students must study full-time.
• NZSE reserves the right to change intakes, availability, fees and conditions.

International Student Visa Requirements

International students normally need a Fee Paying Student Visa to study this programme in New Zealand. Immigration New Zealand requires evidence that the student has been accepted for an approved course and has sufficient funds for tuition and living expenses, together with meeting applicable health, character, genuine-intention and other visa requirements.

For living expenses, Immigration New Zealand currently requires tertiary students studying for less than one year to show NZD $1,667 per month. For a programme of one year or more, the requirement is NZD $20,000 per year. Prepaid accommodation may reduce the amount that needs to be demonstrated. Students must also show sufficient funds for outward travel or provide evidence of a paid onward ticket.

Because this programme is advertised as 8 months, the relevant living-fund benchmark is generally NZD $1,667 per month for the period of study, subject to the student's individual visa circumstances.

For work rights, Immigration New Zealand states that eligible student-visa holders may have conditions allowing work up to 25 hours per week and full-time work during scheduled holidays. The actual work conditions are determined by the visa granted to the student, so students should check their individual eVisa/visa conditions.

For students from India and certain other countries, Immigration New Zealand may use the Funds Transfer Scheme where applicable to demonstrate genuine access to funds. Using the scheme does not itself guarantee visa approval.

Students should prepare, as applicable:

• Valid passport and identity documents
• Offer of Place from the education provider
• Evidence of tuition payment or evidence required under the visa approval-in-principle process
• Evidence of sufficient living funds
• Evidence of outward travel or funds for outward travel
• Evidence of genuine intention to study
• Health and character documents where required
• Evidence of accommodation/funding where applicable
• Any additional documents requested by Immigration New Zealand