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Level 5NZQA approved

New Zealand Diploma in Information Technology

One NZQA-approved IT diploma, three career paths. Study full-time in Auckland for 36 weeks, build a strong IT foundation, then choose the strand that suits you.

Three students walking and chatting together, carrying laptops and notebooks
NZQA level
5
Credits
120
Full-time
36 weeks
Tuition
NZ$20,000
2027 intakes
Feb, Apr, Jul, Oct
Campus
Auckland CBD

Choose your strand

All three strands lead to the same Level 5 diploma. The difference is the kind of IT work you want to do.

Best if you like fixing things and helping people

Infrastructure & Technical Support

Support users, systems and networks in modern workplaces.

You'll learn to

  • Diagnose technical issues and give effective user support
  • Install, configure and secure networks
  • Run operating systems, backups and recovery

Roles it can lead to

Help desk / technical supportComputer technicianEntry-level network administrator

Best if you like solving business problems with technology

Applied Digital Technologies

Choose, design and roll out digital tools that help organisations work better.

You'll learn to

  • Work out what users and organisations need
  • Create wireframes, mock-ups and prototypes
  • Put digital solutions in place, test them and improve them

Roles it can lead to

Business systems supportDigital solutions supportJunior digital project support

Best if you like building apps and websites

Software Development

Design, build and test secure, user-friendly software.

You'll learn to

  • Design software around real users, including accessibility
  • Build applications with current languages and tools
  • Test your work and write secure code

Roles it can lead to

Entry-level software developmentWeb-based solutions developmentSoftware testing support

These programmes support entry-level employment and further study. They do not guarantee employment, a particular job title or professional certification.

Not sure which one is for you? Sign up and tell us what interests you. We'll help you compare.

How the diploma works

Everyone starts with the same IT foundation. You specialise from Term 3.

  1. Term 1

    Core IT foundation

    Two core courses to start your IT foundation.

  2. Term 2

    More core skills

    Two more core courses to build your foundation.

  3. Term 3

    Start your strand

    The final core course, then your first specialist course.

  4. Term 4

    Specialise

    The remaining specialist courses in your strand.

Core courses for every strand: IT Infrastructure Fundamentals, Business Analysis and Project Management, Technical Support Operations, Programming Fundamentals, Database Design and Development.

Four terms of nine teaching weeks each. Blended delivery, combining guided learning, practical activities and self-directed study.

What's included

We've planned your first weeks, so you can settle in and focus on study.

Airport pickup and arrival accommodation

We'll meet you at Auckland Airport, and your first two weeks of accommodation are on us while you settle in.

Laptop and SIM card

You'll receive a complimentary laptop and SIM card at orientation.

Employment support

Access to the Aspire2 Group's network of 5,000+ employers across New Zealand, plus CV, job-search and interview help. Support, not a job guarantee.

Fee protection

Tuition fees paid in advance are protected through the Public Trust Fee Protect scheme.

Student support

Academic, wellbeing and practical support throughout your studies, under the Pastoral Care Code of Practice 2021.

Aspire2 Plus

Guest speakers from the IT industry, CV and interview practice, hackathons, social events and a complimentary annual student trip.

Entry requirements

You must be 18 or older and have one of these:

  • NCEA Level 2 or Level 3 (with University Entrance)
  • Secondary school results at an equivalent level
  • A Level 3 or 4 qualification in computing, IT or digital technology, or an equivalent

English: IELTS Academic 5.5 overall with no band below 5, or an equivalent test result from the last 2 years.

See all accepted English tests

2027 start dates

IntakeStarts
February 2027Monday 22 February 2027
April 2027Monday 19 April 2027
July 2027Monday 12 July 2027
October 2027Monday 4 October 2027

We confirm your exact start and finish dates when you apply.

Start your IT career in Auckland

Sign up today and one of our team will be in touch within 24 hours. We'll help you choose your strand, check your entry requirements and plan for your 2027 intake.