Course details

Graduate Diploma in Business (International Business Innovation) Level 7
NZQF Level 7

About the course

Suited for those seeking to:

  • Bridge the gap between a first, non-business-related degree and a career in business, within an international innovation context, or
  • Build upon a first general business-related degree towards a narrower field of study in international business innovation
  • Build a firm foundation for further study at postgraduate level in the new discipline; and, if appropriate for international students,
  • Graduates will be suitable for employment in outward-looking New Zealand SMEs looking to establish contacts or a presence overseas through the transfer, import or export of goods or services.


The aims of the course are:

  • To take an interdisciplinary approach to study in the fields of international business studies and innovation studies within a single qualification, while retaining the core business disciplines of economics, with an emphasis on digital marketing, communication technologies, strategy and ethics.
  • To move beyond traditional entrepreneurship or new venture approaches to innovation and examine innovative techniques and concepts within the international corporate environment. The innovation component of the course in particular requires an ability to think beyond the status quo, to strategically develop, critically evaluate and implement new ideas.

Graduate Outcomes

Graduates of this programme with its three pathways will have an advanced level of international business and skills. These attributes equip graduates for a wide variety of business roles in an international environment. These attributes equip graduates for a wide variety of business roles in an international environment.

They are ready to pursue a career in the global economy with awareness of international trade concepts, cultural issues, ethics and the internationalisation of innovation.

Employment Outcomes

GD graduates are qualified for ANZSCO skills level 1 and 2 and qualify for the one-year post-study work visa.

Graduates will find opportunities in roles across business innovation such as Strategic Planning Manager, Business Development Manager, Key Account Manager and  Infrastructure Advisory Consultant.

Entry requirements

All admissions are approved by ICL Graduate Business School

Candidates for admission should submit a complete application portfolio at least one month prior to the start of the programme.
Original transcripts showing a degree from a recognized institution, including full transcripts and grade point average details. A scanned PDF will be sufficient to progress the application, but original documents will be required on arrival at ICL Graduate Business School.
A letter of recommendation
Personal statement of purpose
IELTS with a minimum score of 6.0 overall in the Academic module, or Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), 550 for the paper-based test and 60 for the internet-based test, or The New Zealand Certificate in English Language Level 4 with the Academic Endorsement or any equivalent recognized by NZQA. See here for the equivalent NZQA recognised English Proficiency outcomes.

About the provider

ICL Business School was established in 2002 by Ewen Mackenzie-Bowie as part of Academic Colleges Group. In 2007, Ewen took over the business school and incorporated it with International College of Linguistics (ICL). Reflecting the Business School’s shift to predominantly level 7, 8 and 9 programmes it was rebranded to ICL Graduate Business School.

ICL Graduate Business School is a NZQA accredited Category 1 boutique university-level business school in New Zealand, offering Master’s degrees, postgraduate and graduate diplomas in business, informatics, hospitality and tourism, and a graduate diploma in teaching early childhood education, which leads to teacher registration. While over 80% of our students are postgraduate, we also offer undergraduate diplomas in business, with pathways to university degrees.

Our language schools, located in the same building, Auckland English Academy and Bridge International College, offer you pathway courses into ICL if you need to brush up your English before you start your degree or diploma.

ICL Graduate Business School is located at the heart of New Zealand’s biggest and most diverse city, Auckland. We strive to help our students meet their academic goals, and enjoy their time whilst studying and living abroad.