New Zealand Diploma in Engineering (Civil)
Course details
About the course
This qualification focuses on developing knowledge, skills, and attributes for meaningful civil engineering work.
As a graduate of this programme you’ll be able to use your knowledge to make informed decisions and implement them, competently perform technical work using national and international standards, and apply civil engineering theory to design, contract administration, and construction practice. You’ll gain a solid understanding of water, structural, geotechnical, and road engineering and develop invaluable civil and structural drawing skills.
This diploma allows you to specialise in any one of the following four areas:
Structures: the design and construction of simple buildings, bridges, retaining walls, and other structures
Water Resources: designing and constructing water, wastewater, and stormwater reticulation systems.
Roading: the design, construction, and maintenance of roads, pavements, and road drainage systems
Geotechnical: assessing soil and rock structures to support civil engineering structures, designing and constructing simple soil structures, and testing and monitoring earthworks.
Highlights
- Unitec is the largest provider of civil engineering training in New Zealand at the diploma level.
- Supported by the civil engineering industry, including Engineering New Zealand.
- A step towards Engineering New Zealand membership: once you’ve gained suitable work experience as a qualified civil engineer at the diploma level, you’ll be eligible for Associate Membership (AIPENZ).
- It can serve as a pathway into graduate engineering qualifications.
- Focus on real-world learning: observe the day-to-day activities of engineering sites and participate in lab work, land surveying, and workshops.
- Undertake a project where you tackle an engineering problem.
- Visiting industry experts who will give you a real feel for the career opportunities available in civil engineering.
- Cross-credits towards the Bachelor of Engineering Technology (Civil).
Prepare for success
Well-prepared students have the best chance of success in their studies, so we’ve put together a free online guide you can use to refresh and sharpen some of the skills you’ll use on this programme.
Career Options
- Civil or structural engineering employment with a civil engineering consulting practice
- Civil or structural engineering employment with a civil engineering contractor
- Engineering laboratory operation and management
- Site and project 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 - New Zealand Diploma in Engineering (Civil) Order a personalised brochure Scholarships and awardsStudent LifeFor Māori studentsFor Pacific studentsFor International students
Entry requirements
You must be at least 16 years of old when you start this programme and have at least one of the following:
Have NCEA Level 2 with;
- A minimum total of 48 credits at level 2 in four subjects including at least 12 credits in mathematics (preferably achievement standards in algebra, calculus or trigonometry)
- 10 literacy credits at level 1 or higher (for those who achieved NCEA Level 2 before 2013)
Equivalent qualifications (e.g. International Baccalaureate or Cambridge)
Equivalent credits from appropriate trades training and/or demonstrated skills and experience.
And meet one of the English entry requirements;
- A minimum of 8 credits at NCEA Level 2 in English (4 in Reading, 4 in Writing).
- Overall band score (Academic) of 6.0 IELTS, with no individual score less than 5.5,
- 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.