Program Overview

New Zealand Diploma in Information Technology Technical Support

Overview

Develop a broad range of technical support and networking skills. Prepare for a wide range of career opportunities in the IT industry.

What will I study

This Level 5 programme covers a broad range of computing topics and skills including:

• Installation, configuration and administration of hardware and software systems
• Networking and associated services and technologies
• Security
• Database management
• Problem solving
• IT service management
• Web and software design
• Development

You'll also enhance your knowledge of professional, ethical and legal principles and practices, and develop your communication and interpersonal skills.

Pathway

This qualification provides a direct pathway into the Diploma in Networking (Level 6) or the Diploma in Systems Administration (Level 6). Alternatively, you could cross-credit several courses to the Bachelor of Information and Communications Technology, enabling you to reduce the length of this degree by six months.

Details

• Type: Diploma
• Code: NZ2596
• Next Starts: February 2026
• May be available for Study Visa?: Yes
• International application close date: 20 January for February start; 23 June for July start
• Credits: 120
• Level: 5
• Additional Equipment/Fees: Advised on enrolment
• May be eligible for Studylink?: Yes
• Available Part time: Yes
• May be eligible for Fees Free?: Yes
• Reference: NZ2596-STRU

Fees for 2025

• Domestic Fee: $8,085 - $8,995 per year
• International Fee: $26,000 per year
• Indicative Student Services Fee: $370.50 per year
• Valid To: December 31, 2025

Academic Requirements

• NCEA L2 which must include:
  • 10 credits in Literacy Level 2 or above
  • 10 credits in Numeracy Level 2 or above
• OR New Zealand Certificate in Information Technology Essentials (Level 4)
• OR New Zealand Certificate in Computing (Advanced User) Level 4
• OR New Zealand Certificate in Study and Career Preparation (Level 4) Ara Business and ICT Pathway or equivalent

If you have undertaken examinations other than NCEA (e.g. International Baccalaureate, Cambridge Examination), Ara will assess your qualification for academic entry equivalency.

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?

If English is not your first language, we want to make sure that you will be successful in your chosen programme of study.

• 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 5.5 Academic

• 5.0 Listening
• 5.0 Reading
• 5.0 Writing
• 5.0 Speaking

Core courses

• Computer Systems Architecture (BCCS153) - 15 credits
• Introduction to Networks (BCCS191) - 15 credits
• Operating Systems (BCCS199) - 15 credits
• Introduction to Programming (BCDE101) - 15 credits
• Database Design (BCDE103) - 15 credits
• User Experience (BCDE151) - 15 credits
• IT Practitioner Fundamentals (BCIS105) - 15 credits
• Technical Support (DTEC503) - 15 credits

Career opportunities

As a graduate of this diploma you'll possess the skills and knowledge to work as a computer technician, technical support officer, entry level network administrator or network engineer, or in help desk and application support analyst roles.

Study pathways

This qualification provides a direct pathway into the Diploma in Networking (Level 6) or the Diploma in Systems Administration (Level 6). Alternatively, you could cross-credit several courses to the Bachelor of Information and Communications Technology, enabling you to reduce the length of this degree by six months.

Recommended school subjects

• English
• Maths
• Computing/ICT/Digital Technologies

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.