New Zealand Diploma in Engineering (Civil)

Summary

This qualification focuses on developing knowledge, skills, and attributes for meaningful civil engineering work.

As a graduate of this programme you’ll be able to use your knowledge to make informed decisions and implement them, competently perform technical work using national and international standards, and apply civil engineering theory to design, contract administration, and construction practice. You’ll gain a solid understanding of water, structural, geotechnical, and road engineering and develop invaluable civil and structural drawing skills.

This diploma allows you to specialise in any one of the following four areas:

Structures: the design and construction of simple buildings, bridges, retaining walls, and other structures

Water Resources: designing and constructing water, wastewater, and stormwater reticulation systems.

Roading: the design, construction, and maintenance of roads, pavements, and road drainage systems

Geotechnical: assessing soil and rock structures to support civil engineering structures, designing and constructing simple soil structures, and testing and monitoring earthworks.

Highlights

• Unitec is the largest provider of civil engineering training in New Zealand at the diploma level.
• Supported by the civil engineering industry, including Engineering New Zealand.
• A step towards Engineering New Zealand membership: once you’ve gained suitable work experience as a qualified civil engineer at the diploma level, you’ll be eligible for Associate Membership (AIPENZ).
• It can serve as a pathway into graduate engineering qualifications.
• Focus on real-world learning: observe the day-to-day activities of engineering sites and participate in lab work, land surveying, and workshops.
• Undertake a project where you tackle an engineering problem.
• Visiting industry experts who will give you a real feel for the career opportunities available in civil engineering.
• Cross-credits towards the Bachelor of Engineering Technology (Civil).

Prepare for success

Well-prepared students have the best chance of success in their studies, so we’ve put together a free online guide you can use to refresh and sharpen some of the skills you’ll use on this programme.

Career Options

• Civil or structural engineering employment with a civil engineering consulting practice
• Civil or structural engineering employment with a civil engineering contractor
• Engineering laboratory operation and management
• Site and project engineer

Annual Tuition Fees

Domestic/NZ students

$7,500

(Approximate fees only - includes GST but excludes the Compulsory Student Services Fee (CSSF) levy. Your final study costs depends on a number of factors including the courses you select to study. View options for funding your study and fees-free eligibility)

International students

$29,615 (NZD) (approximate fees for 120 credits) Save upto $2,000 (NZD) with Unitec International Study Grant 2026.Terms and conditions apply.

Semester Dates

Sem 1 2026: 23 Feb – 28 Jun

Sem 2 2026: 20 Jul – 22 Nov

For course and class timings, refer to the specific course webpage.

For StudyLink purposes, please ensure your application states your earliest course start date.

Downloads and resources

Programme regulations - New Zealand Diploma in Engineering (Civil) Order a personalised brochure Scholarships and awardsStudent LifeFor Māori studentsFor Pacific studentsFor International students