Bachelor of Engineering Technology (Civil)
Course details
| NZQF Level | 7 |
|---|
About the course
Develop the skills for a career as a Civil Engineer in this three year (full-time) Bachelor’s programme. Specialise in environmental, geotechnical, water, roading and transportation, or structural engineering. Learn to make informed decisions about civil engineering projects, and apply technology to solve practical engineering problems. Explore computer-modelling techniques, civil engineering project management, engineering materials and structures, and construction practices.
There are 4 pathways within the Civil major:
Structural engineering: design, construction, and supervision of buildings and other structures
Water engineering: design and construction of water supply, wastewater or stormwater systems, analyse river catchment systems, hydrology and erosion management, and urban drainage systems
Geotechnical engineering: analysis, design and construction of foundations, slopes, earthworks structures and retaining walls
Roading and transportation engineering: design, construction and maintenance of roads, traffic engineering and urban transportation studies.
Highlights
- Get qualified in 3 years (full-time) and into employment sooner.
- A nationally-recognised engineering qualification.
- Approved under a New Zealand-wide framework for three-year engineering degrees
- Accredited by Engineering New Zealand. On completion of this programme, combined with a period of work experience, you’ll be eligible to apply for membership of Engineering New Zealand.
- Internationally recognised under the Sydney Accord
- Five different pathways: environmental, geotechnical, water, roading and transportation, or structural
- Strong links with the engineering industry
- Small classes: the average class size is just 35-60 students
- Cross-credits from the New Zealand Diploma in Engineering (Civil) available
Qualification pathway
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 need in this programme
Cross-credits from the New Zealand Diploma in Engineering (Civil) are available.
If English is not your first language, please be aware that to enter this programme you’ll need to have achieved at least one English proficiency outcome in the last two years, such as IELTS. This applies to both new students and progressing students (including NZDE graduates).
Career Options
- Civil engineer (design)
- Civil engineering project and/or construction manager
- Geotechnical engineer
- Roading-transportation engineer
- Structural engineer
- Water/environmental 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 (Civil) 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.