The NZDE is a 2-year full time (240 credit) programme at level 6 on the New Zealand Qualifications Framework. Students can choose to major in Civil, Electrical, Mechanical or Fire engineering.
You can study towards the NZDE either full-time or part-time (or a combination of both) through any of 15 providers in NZ. Because this is a national qualification, you can move from one provider to another and continue your studies.
Admission
To gain admission to the NZDE you must have:
NCEA level 2, including at least 10 literacy credits at level 1 or higher if you achieved NCEA level 2 before 2013. At least 48 credits at level 2 in four subjects including at least 12 credits in mathematics (preferably achievement standards in algebra, calculus or trigonometry)
or Equivalent qualifications, eg International Baccalaureate or Cambridge),
or Equivalent credits from appropriate trades and /or demonstrated skills and experience.
For those for whom English is a second language, there is an IELTS language requirement of 6.0 (Overall Band Score) with no individual score less than 5.5 or equivalent.