New Zealand Diploma in Engineering (Civil Engineering)

Shape the world. Become a Civil Engineering Technician.

Civil Engineers work on the design, construction management and maintenance of civil works such as roads, dams, earthquake engineering, water and sewerage systems. Civil engineering graduates are responsible for the project management of these jobs and often work internationally as New Zealand graduates have a good reputation worldwide.

During this programme, you will gain a sound knowledge, understanding and practical appreciation of civil engineering processes and theory by developing your ability to apply learning in a practical and innovative way.

There is presently a significant shortage of trained civil engineer technicians, particularly in roading. This shortage is expected to become more acute in the short term so your skills and experience will be highly sought after.

Graduates of this qualification may find career opportunities with local authorities, construction companies, mining companies or civil engineering consultancies. Employers often seek new staff directly from our programme. 

This Diploma is recognised by Engineering New Zealand and internationally under the Dublin Accord.

Please note: Places are limited across all disciplines so early application is advisable.

Skills required to study this programme

• A passion for civil engineering and working outdoors
• Spending time on large construction sites
• Good problem-solving ability
• People skills
• Good communication skills
• The ability to plan, organise and adapt.

Skills you'll gain

All courses within this qualification contribute towards the skills, knowledge and attributes of the New Zealand Diploma in Engineering qualification and the Engineering Technician as recognised by the International Engineering Dublin Accord.

At the completion of this Diploma, all graduates will be able to:

Entry requirements

• 48 NCEA credits at Level 2 in four subjects including 12 in mathematics* OR equivalent qualifications/skills/experience.
• 8 NCEA literacy credits at Level 1 or higher, including 4 credits in reading and 4 in writing.
• International students will be individually assessed to ensure they meet diploma-level entry requirements.

*Please note: Statistics and Probability credits are not categorised under "Mathematics credits" within the NCEA framework and therefore cannot count towards 12 required Mathematics credits.  

• If English is not your first language, you must provide:
  • New Zealand University Entrance OR
  • Overall Academic IELTS 6.0 with no individual band score lower than 5.5 (achieved in one test completed in the last two years), OR
  • Acceptable alternative evidence of the required IELTS (see here for NZQA proficiency table and here for list of recognised proficiency tests).

If you need to improve your English Language skills, we offer a wide range of English programmes.

Don't meet the entry criteria? Don't worry! 

If you don't meet any of the entry requirements for this qualification, or have been out of learning for a while, enrol in our great, one-semester long preparation programme. Successful completion will give you a New Zealand Certificate in Study and Career Preparation (Level 3) and direct entry into this Diploma.  

If you don't meet the maths entry requirement for this qualification but meet all of the other criteria, enrol in our great Engineering Maths Summer School and upskill so you can apply. 

Want your existing skills recognised?

If you have extensive knowledge and skills due to practical experience in this area, enquire about our recognition of prior learning process at Capable NZ. You may have already gained credits towards this qualification.

Additional documentation

You must supply certified copies of proof of identify, academic records and proof of residency (where appropriate).

Selection process

Applicants are accepted using the entry criteria on a first-come, first-in basis with places limited to no more than 50 per year. Should the number of applicants exceed the available places, applicants will be placed on a waiting list in order of the date they applied. All applicants will be interviewed. 

Programme structure 

Please note: Alternatives to those listed above may be available following consultation with the Programme Manager. Subjects offered subject to minimum class numbers.

Programme specific risks

You are alerted to the requirement that you must be able to demonstrate an ability to work safely in all practical situations. 

Your workload

Your workload will be significant as assessment is continuous throughout the year with assignments issued regularly and end of semester exams. If you are studying full-time, you will be expected to undertake approximately 40 hours per week of civil engineering study which consists of formal lectures, laboratory sessions, tutorials and your own study time.

Further study options

Upon successful completion of this qualification, there are opportunities for you to move in to the Bachelor of Engineering Technology at Otago Polytechnic or engineering degree programmes at either Canterbury or Auckland Universities. Completion of the New Zealand Diploma in Civil Engineering can reduce the length of these degrees by a year and a half, or with appropriate experience, two years on application.

Additional costs

Please click here for a course equipment list.

Paying for your study

TTAF

The Government’s Targeted Training and Apprenticeship Fund (TTAF) is currently running but will end in December 2022. That means only your 2022 study will be covered. You may be able to get some financial help for your remaining study through the Fees Free scheme if you’re eligible (see info below).

Whilst this programme is free for you to study during 2022, the TTAF fund only covers tuition fees and compulsory costs such as student levies. It does not cover any additional costs or living costs. 

Full-time learners

You can pay for additional and living costs by yourself if that is possible or by applying for a loan or allowance through Studylink (which is only available for domestic learners).      

It is important to apply for your student loan/allowance at the same time as you apply for this programme, due to the length of time Studylink take to process. Loan/allowance applications can be cancelled at any time if you decide to withdraw your programme application or if it is unsuccessful. 

For information about student loans and allowances please visit the Studylink website. 

Part-time learners

You can pay for additional and living costs yourself if this is possible.

As a part-time learner, you're generally not eligible for student loans and allowances through Studylink but some help may be possible depending on your circumstances (for domestic students). Check the Studylink website for more information.  

Fees Free

The Government is also running a funding scheme called Fees Free for domestic learners. This scheme normally pays for your first year of study if you’ve never been enrolled in tertiary study over 60 credits at Level 3 or higher in New Zealand. They have confirmed that TTAF does not impact on a learner’s entitlement to also access the Fees Free scheme. 

So, you’ll be covered by TTAF for your 2022 study and, if you would have originally been eligible for Fees Free, you’ll be able to access that to cover some of your remaining study. 

You can check your Fees Free eligibility here > 

Fees Free only covers your tuition fees. You would still need to pay for things like accommodation, living costs and placement transport costs. And the same full-time learner/part-time learner information would apply to Studylink financial support as was mentioned above.

If you have any questions about student loans and allowances, please email our Studylink Advisor: [email protected]