Engineering Courses in New Zealand

Studying engineering in New Zealand

Within the wide boundaries of the engineering profession, there are thousands of challenging activities in areas such as research, development, design, manufacture and operation of products and services. Choosing the right engineering course and university in New Zealand can be difficult, and it is crucial to understand which university is best for you when taking into consideration your academic background, future career goals, and where you wish to specialise.

Engineering courses in New Zealand involve designing, testing, and building machines and structures using mathematics and science. It is popular worldwide as it offers an excellent opportunity to work on groundbreaking projects and solve complex problems that impact society. The course is available in many specialisations, such as civil, mechanical, electronics, aerospace, chemical engineering, etc. The engineering degree programs range from certificate to PhD specialisations. 

Studying engineering courses in New Zealand is an excellent option for someone passionate, creative, attentive, and analytical. If you are one of them, opting for engineering in New Zealand can be a perfect career choice.

Types Engineering Degrees

Engineering is a broad field that serves as an umbrella for various disciplines, each focusing on different aspects of technology, design, and problem-solving. Studying in New Zealand offers diverse specialisations for students who want to pursue engineering careers. Check out the types of degrees available in NZ universities. 

Diploma in Engineering (Level-6)

A diploma certificate in engineering is a technical degree and is a class below an undergraduate degree. The degree is designed to meet the needs of the New Zealand engineering sector. The course curriculum primarily focuses on developing and implementing engineering technology and aims to provide you with sound thinking, scientific skills, computing and analysis, and problem-solving skills. 

• Course duration - one year
• Course fees- $15,000
• Entry requirements - High School Diploma with at least 60% marks in English proficiency test. 

Bachelor’s in Engineering (Level -7)

Also known as B.E/B. Tech is a professional undergraduate degree and one of the most sought-after courses worldwide. The curriculum combines theoretical coursework, practical applications, and lab experiments. Some common subjects in a bachelor of engineering are physics, mathematics, chemistry, data structures, etc. Integrated degree, which combines bachelor’s and master’s can take up to five years. 

• Course duration- four years
• Course fees - $55,000
• Entry requirements - High school with at least 60% marks and English language proficiency tests, such as IELTS, PTE, or TOEFL scores. 

Bachelor of Engineering with Honours (Level-8)

The Bachelor of engineering with Hons is a professional degree accredited by Engineering New Zealand. It allows graduates to work as qualified engineers all over the world. Students can access modern engineering labs and computer testing facilities.

Completing the program satisfies the requirements of the Washington Accord and qualifies graduates to become a member of Engineering in New Zealand. 

• Course duration - four years
• Course fees-$43,000
• Entry requirements - Excellent academic record with IELTS (academic) 6.0 overall with 5.5 higher or equivalent bands. 

Postgraduate Diploma/Postgraduate Certificate in Engineering (Level-8)

A PG Diploma in engineering allows students to build on their previous skills and understand the principles, concepts, and ideas that focus on the chosen specialisation, providing a pathway to study in a master's program. The course is available in many domains, like food engineering, transportation engineering, civil engineering, etc. 

• Course duration- one year 
• Course fees - $40,000
• Entry requirements - GPE 3.0 with an IELTS score of 6.5 or above

Master’s in Engineering (Level 9)

Also known as M.E or M.Tech, it is an advanced-level postgraduate engineering course focusing on an advanced theoretical and practical understanding to excel in engineering. With a master’s, students can develop more specialised knowledge, qualify for advanced roles, and earn high salary. 

Master by thesis consists of a research project in the form of a dissertation and substantial research work. 

• Course duration- two years
• Course fees -$44,000
• Entry requirements - bachelor’s degree with relevant work experience and a TOEFL score of 90

PhD in Engineering (Level 10)

A PhD in Engineering or a Doctor of Philosophy is a doctoral research degree with the highest academic qualification. The curriculum involves in-depth research, understanding research issues, and solving critical problems with exceptional observational and analytical skills. 

• Course duration- 2 to 4 years
• Course fees - $9,000
• Entry requirements - master’s degree with work experience and English proficiency test. TOEFL- 90/IELTS- 6.5

Different Fields in Engineering

Electrical Engineering

It is the most demanding engineering course in New Zealand. The degree program combines the skills and knowledge of mathematics and physics to design, create, and install electrical equipment. Electrical engineers in New Zealand work in telecommunication, renewable companies and sometimes for the Federal government. It includes other degrees, such as computer engineering and robotics engineering. 

• Career opportunities- design engineer, control engineer, electrical engineer, etc.  
• Average annual salary - $1,10,000

Mechanical Engineering

In the mechanical degree program, one will learn how to design and build machines- generators, turbines, coolers, etc. It has immense career opportunities in the future as the field is vast and includes innovative technology implementations. 

The course has sub-specializations, like aerospace, mechatronics, biomechanical, and automobile engineering. 

• Career opportunities - automotive engineer, CAD technician, mechanical engineer, etc. 
• Average annual salary - $1,60,000

Civil Engineering

It is a professional engineering discipline that involves planning, designing, constructing, maintaining, and supervising the essential infrastructure and facilities in our daily lives, such as highways, bridges, airports, hospitals, etc. The program includes specialisations like transportation engineering, water resources engineering, etc. 

• Career opportunities - civil engineers, hydrographic engineers, architectural engineers, etc. 
• Average annual salary -$1,00,000

Computer Engineering/Software Engineering

The engineering degree teaches students how to manage, create, and build computer systems, including hardware and software components. The course perfectly combines computer and electrical engineering to provide cutting-edge solutions for various industries and applications. 

• Career opportunities- software developers, database engineers, computer analysts, etc. 
• Average annual salary - $2,00,000

Geotechnical Engineering

It is a branch of civil engineering that focuses on engineering mechanisms of the earth's materials, such as soil, water, rock, etc. It uses the principles of soil and rock mechanisms to solve engineering problems. The curriculum involves topics such as rock mechanics, soil-structure interactions, etc. 

• Career opportunities - Bridge engineer, construction engineer, etc. 
• Average salary - $74,000

Engineering Courses in New Zealand - Specialisations 

Other popular engineering courses/disciplines offered in New Zealand are -

• Food engineering
• Environmental engineering
• Sustainable resource recovery
• Maritime engineering
• Chemical and process engineering
• Forest engineering 
• Natural resources engineering
• Aeronautical Engineering

Engineering Scholarships for International Students

New Zealand offers its international students various scholarship opportunities and quality education. Different types of scholarship programs are categorised into the following -

• Merit-based,
• University-specific scholarships
• And government-funded scholarships

Some of the top scholarships offered for engineering courses in New Zealand are -

Jobs and Careers

After completing an engineering degree in New Zealand, students often look for job opportunities to make a living and settle down due to its quality lifestyle and excellent employment rate (69.5%). So, if you are looking for what careers and jobs to get into after engineering, here are some trending and future-oriented engineering careers in NZ. 

Top Universities for Engineering in New Zealand

To learn more about the best engineering courses in New Zealand, find details on the top ranking Engineering universities in the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2023 below:

Engineering Courses in New Zealand FAQ

Which university is best for engineering in New Zealand?

According to the US News and World Report, the University of Auckland, the University of Canterbury, Auckland University of Technology, and Massey University ranks best for engineering in New Zealand. 

How much does engineering cost in New Zealand?

The average fees in New Zealand depend on the degree type, university and duration of the course. However, the generic engineering tuition fee cost is approximately $44,000 annually.

Which engineering is best in New Zealand?

The top engineering courses in New Zealand are - civil, computer, mechanical, and bio-medical engineering.