Program Overview

New Zealand Diploma in Cybersecurity (Level 6)

Overview

Gain the specialist IT skills needed to protect business data and intelligence. The New Zealand Diploma in Cybersecurity is one of the leading programmes of its kind in the country. It covers topics such as infrastructure, the basics of cybersecurity, methodology specifics, tools, technologies (such as cryptography), technical cybersecurity management, governance and standards.

What will I study

• Information System Security (NZDC601, 15 credits)
• Cryptography (NZDC602, 15 credits)
• Network Security (NZDC603, 15 credits)
• Cybersecurity Management (NZDC604, 15 credits)
• Ethical Hacking and Testing (NZDC605, 15 credits)
• Cybersecurity Data Analysis (NZDC606, 15 credits)
• Cybersecurity Project (NZDC607, 30 credits)

Pathway

• New Zealand Diploma in Information Technology Technical Support (Level 5)
• OR one of the following:
  • New Zealand Diploma in Information Systems (Level 5)
  • New Zealand Diploma in Software Development (Level 6)
  • You have completed the first year of an IT degree or have equivalent knowledge, skills and experience

Details

• Type: Diploma
• Code: NZ3837
• Next Starts: February 2026
• May be available for Study Visa?: Yes
• Credits: 120
• Level: 6
• May be eligible for Studylink?: Yes
• Available Part time: Yes
• Reference: NZ3837-STRU

Fees for 2025

• Domestic Fee: $7,170 - $8,090 per year
• International Fee: $26,000 per year
• Indicative Student Services Fee: $370.50 per year

Academic Requirements

• New Zealand Diploma in Information Technology Technical Support (Level 5)
• OR one of the following:
  • New Zealand Diploma in Information Systems (Level 5)
  • New Zealand Diploma in Software Development (Level 6)
  • You have completed the first year of an IT degree or have equivalent knowledge, skills and experience

Additional Requirements

• Consent to Disclosure of Information:
  • Provide Ara with a detailed criminal record check sourced through the Ministry of Justice and advise Ara of any current charges or pending court matters.
  • Provide a chronological summary of your work history, if any, for the preceding 5 years and
    • the name of any professional organisations and/or licensing authorities and/or registration authorities that you are a member of or been licensed by and that may be relevant to any proposed internship/industry provider.
  • Provide the names of 2 referees who may be contacted by Ara or a proposed internship/industry provider.
  • Consent to the above information being shared with any proposed internship/industry placement host for the purposes of securing a placement.

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.
  • Note: The number of courses you have to complete for this qualification may be reduced where you have relevant credits from previous study, or evidence of similar learning or experience in the workplace.

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.

Career opportunities

• The analytical, technical and people skills you’ll acquire on this course are likely to be increasingly in demand by businesses and organisations. Potential roles could vary from day-to-day support to cybersecurity analysis and advice. After gaining sufficient experience, you could potentially secure technical middle managerial positions, overseeing technical aspects of cybersecurity planning and implementation.

Study pathways

• Credits gained from this course are recognised towards Ara’s Bachelor of Information and Communication Technologies. Subject to credit recognition at other institutes, you could also study for a higher qualification elsewhere in New Zealand or overseas.