A faster path to success: One-year diploma courses in New Zealand for international students

Not everyone can afford the cost of three to four years in university, but that doesn’t mean you should be missing out on getting the education you deserve.

Enter one-year diplomas.

This route is one way to still complete your higher education abroad while enjoying the same advantages other programme holders have. Possibly, the only downside is that you’ll only have a mere year while others have triple or quadruple the time.

That’s not to say you’ll miss out too much though, especially if you’re eyeing the one-year diplomas in New Zealand.

Here, the diplomas are categorised under Levels 5, 6, and 7 per the New Zealand Qualifications Framework system.  They cover 10 broad study areas of arts, science, engineering, healthcare, business — and many more.

The benefits of one-year diplomas in New Zealand

If you are thinking twice about pursuing one-year diplomas in New Zealand, here are some benefits to choosing this course:

• It is shorter than other courses — this means you don’t have to pay for rent, food and transport for at least two more years like a bachelor’s degree.
• You can master all the skills and knowledge required to get a job in your work area. Note that we said “get a job,” but not to “become experts” as that would require deeper, more academic learning.
• The qualification earned can gain you credits if you choose to progress to a bachelor’s degree
• For certain subjects, this qualification may lead to a high-paying job.

How to get accepted to one-year diplomas in New Zealand

Interested? Be sure you meet the eligibility criteria for these courses. Students will have to show proof of:

• Passing high school with a score of at least 60%
• English proficiency score for either IELTS, TOEFL, or PTE
• Must be at least 18 years old to apply for a diploma course in New Zealand

The best one-year diplomas in New Zealand for undergraduates

1. Diploma in Engineering

A diploma in engineering will focus more on the practical than theoretical. It’s more suited for those who want to jump straight into work.

You can choose from various sub-disciplines, such as civil, mechanical, electrical, chemical, and more.

Most diplomas will let you use tools and equipment in a lab or workshop setting — preparing you for entry-level positions.

Say you choose a diploma in mechanical engineering. By the time you graduate, you’ll qualify for positions such as mechanical engineering technician or technologist.

You can get your New Zealand Diploma in Engineering from Manukau Institue of Technology, Unitec, or Ara Institute of Canterbury, among others. 

2. Diploma in Business

A diploma in business covers areas such as marketing, finance, administration, economics and accountancy. 

You’ll also learn about innovation, entrepreneurship and leadership, among others.

Knowledge and skills in these areas can set you up for some common roles in this field, including human resources, management consultant, social media manager, marketing executive and financial analyst.

It may even get you the credits to get the Chartered Accountants Australia New Zealand (CAANZ) Accounting Technician (AT) designation.

Earn your New Zealand Diploma in Business at the Universal College of Learning, the Southern Institute of Technology, or Otago Polytechnic.

3. Diploma in Filmmaking and TV Production

Do you dream of directing documentaries, music videos, short films and movies?

Become a master behind the camera with a diploma in filmmaking and TV production. This diploma will teach you the technical, production, creative and business skills needed to work in the film industry. 

Not only will you be equipped with the knowledge of film production, but you will also be able to put theory to practice as you cover areas such as cinematography, directing and editing. 

Check out these universities in New Zealand offering a diploma in filmmaking and TV production:

• New Zealand Diploma in Screen Production, Whitireia and WelTec
• Diploma in Screen Production, SAE Creative Media Institute 
• NZ Diploma in Screen Production, EIT│Te Pūkenga

The best one-year diplomas in New Zealand for postgraduates

If you’re well past your undergraduate days and still want to earn your chance at furthering your education in New Zealand, look no further than the one-year graduate diplomas.

These offer the same benefits you get out of the non-graduate diplomas, such as making you eligible for a post-study work visa and eventually a PR later on.

Check out some of them below:

1. Diploma in Teaching 

If you are ready to take on a career that requires you to be energetic and caring, work with children and create a positive difference for them, then this is one of the best one-year diplomas in New Zealand for you.

Modules often cover how to create lesson plans, learning outcomes, evaluate student progress, manage classrooms, use edtech and cater to learners with special needs.

As the demand for teachers in New Zealand is high, you will not need to worry about securing employment once you graduate. 

Once you graduate, you can apply to register as a teacher in New Zealand and begin your career. 

If you are ready to take on that responsibility, here are some universities in New Zealand that offer a diploma in teaching:

• Graduate Diploma in Teaching, University of Auckland 
• Graduate Diploma in Teaching and Learning, University of Canterbury
• Graduate Diploma in Teaching, The University of Waikato 

2. Diploma in Journalism 

Do you have a flair for writing, being the first to bring the news to people, and speaking truth to power? Then journalism is the route for you. 

A diploma in journalism will help you develop skills in news sourcing, writing, publishing, and even technical skills in photography and videography.

In New Zealand, once you complete a diploma in journalism, you will gain entry to year two of a bachelor of communications. 

Prefer to work? You can land various roles, including broadcast journalist, editorial assistant, newspaper journalist, press sub-editor, writer and many more. 

Here are some one-year diplomas in New Zealand focused on “the collection, preparation, and distribution of news and related commentary and feature materials through such print and electronic media”:

• Graduate Diploma in Journalism, Massey University 
• Graduate Diploma in Journalism, University of Canterbury
• Postgraduate Diploma in Communication Studies, Auckland University of Technology

3. Diploma in Healthcare

Healthcare workers are in high demand worldwide, and New Zealand is no different. According to Live and Work New Zealand, the Association of Salaried Medical Specialists (ASMS) estimates that there is a 24% shortage of specialists in psychiatry, anaesthetics, dermatology, and neurology.

The good news is many healthcare industry roles are currently on New Zealand’s fast-tracked Residency Green list — so bolster your chances by getting a graduate diploma in the field to better understand what you’re getting yourself into.

Many institutions offer various specialisations, from dental technology to bioethics and health law and from civil aviation medicine to general practice — there’s bound to be something for you.

Here are a few options to help you get started:

• Graduate Diploma in Health Science (Chinese Herbal Medicine), New Zealand School of Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine
• Postgraduate Diploma in Health, Victoria University of Wellington
• Postgraduate Diploma in Health Management, University of Otago

Frequently asked questions about one-year diplomas in New Zealand

1. How much are one-year diplomas in New Zealand?

One-year diplomas in New Zealand costs less than any other courses. The tuition fees differ from one institution to another but their average price is around  2,500 to $4,500 New Zealand dollars. 

2. Can I study in New Zealand without IELTS?

As an international student in New Zealand, you don’t have to worry about completing your IELTS as it is not a necessary requirement when pursuing higher education in the country.

However, international students will need to provide proof of their English language proficiency.

This can be done with alternatives to IELTS, such as completing high school with English as the medium of instruction or submitting scores of other language proficiency tests such as TOEFL, PTE, ESOL, CAE, etc.  

3. Can I get PR in New Zealand after my diploma?

Unfortunately, the PR application process in New Zealand can be quite long and tricky. 

International students may be eligible for a post-study work visa if their chosen course is on the Qualifications Eligible for a Post-Study Work Visa list. 

Those eligible will be granted this visa, allowing you to work in the country for three years after completing your programme.

Once the three years are completed, you can then apply for a PR. 

4. Can international students work part-time in New Zealand?

If you are looking for another reason to study in New Zealand, here it is. 

According to Immigration in New Zealand, international students can work part-time while completing their programme as long as they have a work-permitting student visa. 

This visa will allow students to work up to 20 hours a week during semesters and 40 hours per week during semester breaks and holidays. 

Disclaimer: This article was last updated on December 24, 2025.