New Zealand Diploma in Engineering (Electrical Engineering)

• Analytical and problem-solving
• Good computer ability
• The ability to plan, organise and adapt
• To enjoy working with groups or on your own.

• 48 NCEA credits at Level 2 in four subjects including at least 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 New Zealand Diploma in Engineering preparation programme. Successful completion will give you a Certificate in Foundation Studies (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. 

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.

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

Applicants are accepted using the entry criteria on a first-come, first-in basis with places limited to no more than 30 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. 

Options: Power, Automation & Control and Illumination & Building Services

Note: In addition, CISCO Networking 1 and 2 courses are available. These courses are useful if you are likely to be engaged in employment where networking of computers would be undertaken. Additional fees would apply.

An Electrical Service Person course is also available and is recommended for Diploma students. This is administrated by the EWRB. Please visit www.ewrb.govt.nz for more information.

The New Zealand Diploma in Engineering has been designed to provide skilled and competent engineering technicians who:

• Apply engineering theory to practice and competently perform technical operations to the standards, ethical and professional responsibilities required by the engineering profession
• Have a knowledge sufficient to permit informed, rational decision making in a specialist field of engineering and to implement these decisions
• Will work collaboratively with construction workers, clients, authorities, agencies, industry and other professionals to provide a comprehensive engineering service in the relevant specialist area
• Have an understanding of all cultures and, in particular, an awareness and clear understanding of the tangata whenua and the implications of the Treaty of Waitangi and the Resource Management Act.

As these courses have a high practical content, relevant work experience would be an advantage. You will also learn through theoretical study, project work and laboratory sessions.

Please note: An Electrical Service Person course is also available from 2016 and is recommended for diploma students. This is administrated by the EWRB. Please visit www.ewrb.govt.nz for more information.

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 which consists of formal lectures, laboratory sessions, tutorials and your own study time.

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

Upon successful completion of this qualification, there are opportunities for you to move in to the Bachelor of Engineering Technology at Otago Polytechnic or degree programmes at either Canterbury or Auckland Universities. Completion of the New Zealand Diploma in Engineering can reduce the length of these engineering degrees by a year, or with appropriate experience, two years on application. NZDE forms part of the pathway to become registered as an Electrical Engineer with EWRB (www.ewrb.govt.nz). 

Hand tools and test equipment are included in the programme fee but these tools will remain the property of Otago Polytechnic. 

Please click here for a full programme equipment list.

Student loans and allowances are for domestic students only. For information about student loans and allowances please visit the Studylink website. 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 from your programme application or if it is unsuccessful.