New Zealand Diploma in Engineering (Mechanical Engineering)

All courses within this qualification contribute towards the skills, knowledge and attributes of the New Zealand Diploma in Engineering qualification and the Engineering Technician as recognised by the International Engineering Dublin Accord.

At the completion of this Diploma, all graduates will be able to:

• 48 NCEA credits at Level 2 in four subjects including 12 in mathematics* OR equivalent qualifications/skills/experience.
• 8 NCEA literacy credits at Level 1 or higher, including 4 credits in reading and 4 credits 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 awhile, enrol in our great New Zealand Diploma in Engineering preparation programme. Successful completion will give you a New Zealand Certificate in Study and Career Preparation 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. 

Applicants are accepted using the entry criteria on a first-come, first-in basis with places limited to 32 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. 

Please note: Alternatives to those listed above may be available following consultation with the Programme Manager. Subjects offered subject to minimum class numbers.

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 of mechanical engineering classes which consist of formal lectures, laboratory sessions, tutorials and your own study time.

Upon successful completion of this qualification, there are opportunities for you to move in to the Bachelor of Engineering Technology at Otago Polytechnic or engineering degree programmes at either Canterbury or Auckland Universities. Completion of the New Zealand Diploma in Engineering can reduce the length of these degrees by a year and a half, or with appropriate experience, two years on application. 

Hand tools are included in the programme fee but these tools will remain the property of Otago Polytechnic. You are required to provide the following:

Personal stationery and basic drawing instruments:

• Scientific calculator - Casio FX-82 is preferred
• Pad of A4 lined writing paper
• Pen
• 2 GB Data Stick. 

Compulsory safety items: 

• Overalls 
• Steel capped boots or approved pair of safety shoes.
• Safety Glasses
• General work gloves (Cut 5 Flexidyn) - $14*
• Earmuffs (Grade 5) (Howard Leight LON Earmuff) - $35*

* Prices are approx & don't include GST 

Safety items can be purchased from: 

Road Materials 
4-6 Forth Street
Dunedin
03 477 6390

Optional textbooks: 

• Basic Technical Mathematics with Calculus (Allyn J Washington) - approximately $100
• Engineering Mechanics (Val Ivanoff) - approximately $100.

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 your programme application or if it is unsuccessful.