Bachelor of Engineering Technology (Electrical)
Course details
| NZQF Level | 7 |
|---|
About the course
Develop the expertise for a career as an electronics engineer or electrical engineer and explore subjects including engineering computing, mechanics, mathematics, design and drawing, and professional practice in this 3-year (full-time) programme.
Learn how to use your practical and analytical skills to resolve electrical engineering problems and acquire in-depth knowledge of your chosen specialisation: electronics, power, or mechatronics engineering.
There are 3 pathways within this major. Choose from:
Mechatronics: If you want to work with robotics and automation to produce better products and processes, this pathway is for you. Mechatronics is a multidisciplinary field that requires you to combine learning and work across several engineering fields, including mechanical engineering, electronics, computer engineering, telecommunications, systems engineering, and control engineering.
Power: This field deals with the generation, transmission, distribution, and utilisation of electric power and related electrical systems. Work in this field can include designing the equipment or systems that produce, use or distribute electricity. It could also lead to supervising, maintaining, or operating these systems and equipment.
Electronics: This is the science of electrically controlling electrical energy through circuits using active and passive electrical components and interconnection technology. This will lead to work in design, development, testing, and/or supervision of electrical equipment manufacturing.
Highlights
- Get qualified in three years (full-time study), not four, and get into employment sooner.
- A nationally-led engineering qualification developed by six of New Zealand’s largest institutes of technology and polytechnics (ITPs).
- Approved under a new New Zealand-wide framework for three-year engineering technology degrees.
- Accredited by the Engineering New Zealand. Completion of this programme, combined with a period of work experience, will make you eligible to apply for membership in Engineering New Zealand as a Technical Member (TIPENZ).
- Internationally recognised under the Sydney Accord, this qualification is recognised in the US, UK, Australia, Canada, Hong Kong, and more.
- Small classes: the average class size is just 35-60 students.
- Strong links with the engineering industry.
- Focus on real-world learning: observe the day-to-day activities of engineering sites and participate in lab work, workshops, and debates.
- Visiting industry experts will give you a natural feel for the career opportunities available in electrical engineering.
Qualification pathway
If you have completed the New Zealand Diploma in Engineering (Electrical) or the New Zealand Diploma in Engineering (Electronic), you will receive cross credits into this programme.
Career Options
- Control systems engineer
- Electrical engineer
- Electrical services engineer
- Electronics engineer
- Power systems engineer
- Robotics/automation engineer
Annual Tuition Fees
Domestic/NZ students
$7,100
(Approximate fees only - includes GST but excludes the Compulsory Student Services Fee (CSSF) levy. Your final study costs depends on a number of factors including the courses you select to study. View options for funding your study and fees-free eligibility)
International students
$29,615 (NZD) (approximate fees for 120 credits) Save upto $2,000 (NZD) with Unitec International Study Grant 2026.Terms and conditions apply.
Semester Dates
Sem 1 2026: 23 Feb – 28 Jun
Sem 2 2026: 20 Jul – 22 Nov
For course and class timings, refer to the specific course webpage.
For StudyLink purposes, please ensure your application states your earliest course start date.
Downloads and resources
Programme regulations - Bachelor of Engineering Technology (Electrical) Order a personalised brochure Scholarships and awardsStudent LifeFor Māori studentsFor Pacific studentsFor International students
Entry requirements
You must have completed at least one of the following:
- University entrance: A minimum on 60 NCEA credits at Level 3 including:
- A minimum of 14 credits at Level 3 in Physics; and
- A minimum of 14 credits at Level 3 in Mathematics (including Algebra and calculus); and
- A minimum of 14 credits at Level 3 in one other subject from the list of approved NZQA UE subject list; and
- A minimum of 18 credits at Level 3 or higher taken from no more than two additional subjects from the approved subjects listing at NZQA.
- Equivalent academic qualifications which may include:
- University Bursary with 45% or more in both Physics and Calculus or Algebra; or
- Equivalent Cambridge score; or
- Equivalent International Baccalaureate.
- Successful completion of New Zealand Diploma in Engineering (Civil)
And meet one of the English entry requirements;
- University Entrance Literacy: 10 credits at Level 2 or above in English or Māori (5 in Reading, 5 in Writing); or
- Evidence of an IELTS (Academic) band score of at least 6 with writing and speaking scores no less than 6.0 and reading and listening bands no less than 5.5 or
- Evidence of English language proficiency as outlined in the NZQA Rules on the Unitec English Language Requirements for International Students Web-page.
Don’t meet these Academic requirements?
- If you don’t meet the academic criteria, our Bridging Education Programmes can help you qualify. Applyonline, and we’ll discuss your next steps.
- If you don’t meet the above criteria, special or discretionary admission may apply
About the provider
Unitec is New Zealand’s largest institute of technology offering a wide range of work-oriented programmes and short courses. We offer leading employment-focused education at our two campuses in Mt. Albert, and Waitākere. At Unitec we think the traditional view of spending hours in a lecture theatre is out-dated. And that's why we approach learning differently. With our unique combination of world-class theory and hands-on experience, you'll get the skills to meet the changing needs of employers. And because our tutors are industry-based, they know what it takes to make it in the real world. We offer a friendly and diverse learning environment with flexible study programmes, lots of support, and hands-on experience to build the skills you need for your career and your future.