Program Overview

New Zealand Diploma in Engineering (Level 6) (Mechanical)

Overview

Enhance your practical engineering skills for a career as a mechanical engineering technician. This national qualification was designed by industry in 2010 to meet the needs of the New Zealand engineering sector. The programme consists of core and elective courses focused on the design and implementation of engineering technology and aimed at providing you with sound thinking and problem-solving abilities.

What will I study

You will gain a solid grounding in engineering theory and principles of engineering science including design and drawing, materials, fluids, thermodynamics, and production.

Pathway

The New Zealand Diploma in Engineering provides a pathway to the Bachelor of Engineering Technology with established cross-crediting arrangements. Graduates can also benefit from the Diploma in Computer Aided Design.

Details

• Type: Diploma
• Code: NZ2612
• Next Starts: February 2026
• May be available for Study Visa?: Yes
• International application close date: Please enquire
• Credits: 240
• Level: 6
• Additional Equipment/Fees: Advised before enrolment
• May be eligible for Studylink?: Yes
• Available Part time: Yes
• Reference: NZ2612-MECH

Fees for 2025

• International Fee: $29,120 per year
• Valid To: December 31, 2025

Academic Requirements

• NCEA level 2*, and
  • Minimum total of 48 Credits at Level 2 in 4 subjects including at least 12 credits in Mathematics (preferably achievement standards in algebra, calculus, or trigonometry)
  • Including a minimum of 10 literacy credits at level 1 or higher (for those who achieved NCEA level 2 before 2013)
• OR New Zealand Certificate in Study and Career Preparation (Level 4) Ara Engineering Pathway or equivalent.

Alternative Requirements

Still want to study but don't meet the Academic Requirements?

If you show that you have equivalent skills for tertiary study gained through study, work, and/or life experience, you may be able to gain alternative entry.

English Requirements

What if English is not my first Language?

• Please provide a result from a test or qualification on the acceptable alternatives
  • English Proficiency Outcomes Chart.
• If you are a New Zealand Citizen or Permanent Resident, complete an Admission and Enrolment form and Ara will contact you regarding a free assessment.
• If you are not a New Zealand Citizen or Permanent resident, book an IELTS or other test through the Ara Examination Centre or in your home country.
• IELTS scores used must be taken from a single IELTS Test Report Form and are valid for two years from the date of the test.
• What if I have achieved NCEA Level 3 University Entrance?
  • You do not need to provide additional evidence of English Language skills.

Overall IELTS 6.0 Academic

• 5.5 Listening
• 5.5 Reading
• 5.5 Writing
• 5.5 Speaking

Funding assistance

If you face unexpected financial hardship during your studies, we have several funds that you can apply for. These are designed to enable you to continue your current course of study. We also have a wide range of scholarships and awards that can provide financial assistance.

Core courses

• Level 3
  • Engineering Practice
    • DE3301
    • 15 credits
• Level 4
  • Engineering Fundamentals
    • DE4101
    • 15 credits
  • Engineering Mathematics 1
    • DE4102
    • 15 credits
  • Technical Literacy
    • DE4103
    • 15 credits
  • Engineering CAD
    • DE4301
    • 15 credits
• Level 5
  • Thermodynamics and Heat Transfer
    • DE5301
    • 15 credits
  • Strength of Materials 1
    • DE5302
    • 15 credits
  • Electrical Fundamentals
    • DE5304
    • 15 credits
  • Mechanics
    • DE5305
    • 15 credits
  • Mechanical Materials
    • DE5306
    • 15 credits
  • Engineering Mathematics Level 5
    • DE5418
    • 15 credits
• Level 6
  • Engineering Management
    • DE6101
    • 15 credits
  • Engineering Project
    • DE6102
    • 15 credits
  • Fluid Mechanics
    • DE6301
    • 15 credits
  • Mechanics of Machines
    • DE6302
    • 15 credits
  • Strength of Materials 2
    • DE6308
    • 15 credits
  • Advanced Thermodynamics
    • DE6309
    • 15 credits
  • Manufacturing Processes and Production
    • DE6310
    • 15 credits
  • Maintenance Engineering Management
    • DE6419
    • 15 credits

Career opportunities

New Zealand mechanical engineering graduates are in demand for roles such as design engineer, production engineer, maintenance team leader, sales engineer, or quality assurance engineer. You will find positions in diverse environments from high-level industrial facilities and urban-based manufacturing, through to agricultural processing plants. You may also choose to focus in niche areas of personal interest, e.g., mountain bike design, or sustainable vehicle technologies.

This qualification meets the academic requirements for membership in Engineering New Zealand. Upon graduating, you will be able to function at a technician-level in many countries as outlined by the Sydney and Dublin Accords (International Engineering Alliance 2002).

Study pathways

The New Zealand Diploma in Engineering provides a pathway to the Bachelor of Engineering Technology with established cross-crediting arrangements. Graduates can also benefit from the Diploma in Computer Aided Design.

Recommended school subjects

• English
• Mathematics
• Physics
• Calculus, Algebra, Trigonometry

Credit Recognition

If you have prior relevant experience or previous related study credits, you may be eligible for credit recognition towards this qualification.