Unitec Institute of Technology is one of New Zealand’s most popular choices for students who want to build strong skills for real jobs. Located in Auckland, Unitec offers practical and career-focused courses in areas like animal care, business, IT, engineering, construction, healthcare, and more. Thousands of international students choose Unitec every year because of its hands-on teaching, friendly support, and strong links with industries. This blog has been written under the expert guidance of Ms. Parwinder Kaur, a Licensed Immigration Adviser (LIA), to give you clear and simple information about studying at Unitec. If you are planning to study in New Zealand, this guide will help you learn about course options, entry requirements, fees, scholarships, and how to apply for a New Zealand student visa. Getting a New Zealand study visa is an important step, and Unitec can be a great place to begin your learning and career journey in a safe and welcoming country.
Why Choose Unitec?
Choosing the right institute is important when you plan to study in New Zealand. Unitec Institute of Technology offers many benefits that make it a great option for international students:
- Industry-Focused Learning: Unitec focuses on teaching real skills needed for jobs. Courses include practical work, group projects, and hands-on training. You learn from teachers who also work in the industry, so you get updated knowledge.
- Wide Range of Courses: Whether you’re interested in animal care, business, IT, engineering, healthcare, or early childhood education, Unitec offers certificates, diplomas, bachelor’s, and master’s programs to match your career goals.
- Support for International Students: Unitec has a helpful international team that supports you with your studies, living in Auckland, and applying for a New Zealand student visa.
- Modern Campus in Auckland: Unitec’s campus has high-tech labs, libraries, student spaces, and transport links, offering a safe and friendly environment to study in New Zealand.
- Work While You Study: With a valid New Zealand study visa, you can work part-time up to 20 hours per week, which helps manage living costs and gain local experience.
- Pathway to Career and Residence: Unitec’s practical training prepares you for jobs in New Zealand. Many students use their qualification and work experience to apply for a work visa or permanent residency later.
Unitec is a smart choice for students looking for quality education and a bright future in New Zealand.
Course Types and Study Levels
Unitec offers a wide range of programmes from certificates to master’s degrees, making it a flexible choice for students who want to study in New Zealand. At the certificate level (Level 1–4), you can study full-time for six months to a year to learn basic skills in areas like English language, foundation studies, automotive, carpentry, plumbing, or animal care. These certificates are perfect for students who want to start with hands-on training or prepare for higher-level study. If you don’t meet direct entry requirements for diplomas or degrees, certificate programmes offer a clear pathway forward.
Diploma programmes (Levels 5–6) take about one to two years of full-time study . These courses teach job-ready skills in areas such as engineering (electrical, mechanical, civil), vet nursing, early childhood education, business, IT, animal welfare, construction, design, and more . Diplomas are excellent if you want practical, hands-on training and often include industry placements. Completing a diploma can help you qualify for a New Zealand student visa and build experience in your chosen field.
Once you finish high school or a diploma, you can choose a bachelor’s degree (Level 7) which takes three years, or longer for specialised fields like architecture or veterinary nursing . Bachelor programmes cover deeper theory and practice, preparing you for professional careers. International students on a New Zealand study visa can work part-time (up to 20 hours/week) during term time, and full-time in holidays. Beyond bachelor’s, Unitec offers postgraduate qualifications (Level 8–9) including postgraduate certificates, diplomas, and master’s degrees across fields like business, computing, creative practice, landscape architecture, engineering, and social practice. Certificates take six months, diplomas one year, and master’s programmes usually 18–24 months. Advanced programmes often include research, practical projects, and may lead to work visas or paths to residency post-graduation.
Unitec’s clear structure, from certificates to master’s lets you build your education journey step by step while holding a valid New Zealand student visa. For example, you might start with a diploma in animal management, progress to a bachelor’s in veterinary nursing, and then specialise in a master’s in biodiversity. This pathway shows your commitment and readiness to future employers and visa officials. When you finish, you have practical skills, a recognized qualification, and often work experience through placements. This combination makes it ideal for students planning to study in New Zealand, gain real-world experience, and build a strong foundation for both career and residency pathways.
Key Popular Courses
Unitec offers several popular courses that are ideal for international students wanting to study in New Zealand. One standout programme is the Bachelor of Applied Science in Animal Behaviour and Welfare. This three-year degree (Level 7) gives you hands-on experience from day one, you’ll work with animals and in labs to learn real-world skills. The course covers animal health, behaviour modification, conservation, and handling. It includes visits to zoos, SPCA, and wildlife organisations. You can even choose a double major that adds biodiversity management, studying native plants, ecosystems, and conservation tools. Graduates choose careers as animal welfare officers, conservation managers, biosecurity analysts, park rangers, or animal handlers. International students with a valid New Zealand study visa can apply for this practical course in either February or July intake.
Another in-demand programme is the Master of Applied Business. This 18-month master’s degree equips students with advanced skills in business analytics, digital marketing, human resources, leadership, or supply chain management. You learn through real projects, case studies, and up-to-date business research. This prepares you for leadership roles in New Zealand and global organisations. As an international student on a New Zealand student visa, you are eligible for part-time work during study hours, which can help you gain local business experience. This course also supports working towards a post-study work visa or career-based residency pathway after graduation.
Intakes and How to Apply?
Unitec Institute of Technology offers two main intakes every year- February and July. Some certificate and diploma programmes may also have additional intakes, depending on the course. It is best to apply at least 6 to 8 months before the course starts, especially if you are applying from overseas. To begin your journey to study in New Zealand, first choose your course on the Unitec official website. After that, submit your online application with all the required documents, such as academic transcripts, passport copy, and proof of English language ability. Once you receive your offer letter, you can begin your New Zealand student visa process. Make sure you have your fee payment receipt, proof of funds, and medical documents ready for your visa. With a valid New Zealand study visa, you can also work part-time during your studies. Unitec’s international support team is always available to help you during your application process.
Entry and English Requirements
- Academic Requirements: To apply for a diploma or bachelor’s degree at Unitec, international students must have completed high school (12th grade). For postgraduate courses, a completed bachelor’s degree in a related subject is required.
- English Language Requirements: Students must show English ability through test scores. The general requirement for most diploma and bachelor’s courses is IELTS 6.0 (no band lower than 5.5). For postgraduate courses, IELTS 6.5 (no band lower than 6.0) is needed. Unitec also accepts TOEFL, PTE, and other NZQA-approved tests.
- Other Proof of English: If you studied in English for three or more years in school or university, you may not need a test. Unitec checks each case individually.
- Visa Requirement: Meeting these entry and English conditions is important to receive your offer letter and apply for your New Zealand student visa. With a valid New Zealand study visa, you can begin your journey to study in New Zealand confidently.
Tuition Fees and Living Costs
Unitec’s international tuition fees for 2025 vary by programme level, from certificates (NZD 10,391) to master’s degrees (NZD 30,891) per year. For example, diploma and bachelor’s programmes usually cost around NZD 26,391, while postgraduate qualifications, such as the Master of Applied Business, are NZD 30,891 annually. On top of tuition, you’ll need to budget for living costs in Auckland. Unitec recommends having at least NZD 15,000 per year to cover essentials like rent, food, transport, and personal items. Renting a room in a shared flat near campus can cost NZD 130–200 per week, while full flats range from NZD 280–560 per week, plus bills and bond. When applying for a New Zealand student visa, you must show proof of a minimum of NZD 15,000 living funds, in addition to your tuition fees. Planning well for these costs will help you enjoy your stay and focus on your studies in New Zealand with a valid New Zealand study visa.
Scholarships and Support
- Manaaki New Zealand Scholarships: Administered by Education New Zealand and MFAT, this full scholarship covers full tuition, living allowance, travel, insurance, and more for students from eligible developing countries. It helps you study in New Zealand without worrying about money and includes support for research if studying postgraduate.
- International Pathways Award: New students enrolling in a Level 3–6 certificate or diploma full-time (45+ credits per semester) can receive up to NZD 2,000 and mentoring support. You must hold a valid New Zealand student visa and apply between June 27 and August 27, 2025.
- Automatic Learner Study Grants: Unitec offers automatic grants for international students new to the institute at Levels 4–7. These grants directly reduce your tuition fee. no extra application is needed. This helps make your studies more affordable when applying for a New Zealand study visa.
- Postgraduate & Mentoring Support: Masters-level scholarships (for research or creative practice) are offered annually, open from Nov to Jan. Additionally, Unitec’s international team and scholarships advisors offer help with applications, mentoring, and tips to support you throughout your studies.
Career Outcomes
Studying at Unitec Institute of Technology gives you real skills that are useful in the job market. Unitec’s courses are designed with help from industry experts, so you learn what employers need. Whether you complete a diploma, bachelor’s, or master’s degree, you will be job-ready. Many students find work in areas like animal care, IT, business, construction, engineering, and health after graduation. You also gain hands-on experience through internships or industry projects, which improves your chances of finding a good job. If you plan to study in New Zealand, Unitec is a great choice to build a strong future. After finishing your course, you can apply for a post-study work visa under the New Zealand student visa rules. This gives you the chance to work full-time and get experience in New Zealand. A Unitec qualification can also help you move toward residency with a valid New Zealand study visa.
How to choose Right Course?
Choosing the right course at Unitec is an important step if you want to study in New Zealand. Start by thinking about your interests, skills, and long-term career goals. Look at the course content on Unitec’s official website and see which subjects match your passion. If you like animals, go for veterinary or animal welfare courses. If you enjoy problem-solving, IT or engineering may be right for you. Make sure the course also meets the New Zealand student visa requirements. Check the study level, duration, and future job options. Talking to Unitec’s international advisors can help you decide. Picking the right course will make your New Zealand study visa journey smoother and your future brighter.
West Highlander Immigration
West Highlander Immigration offers expert support for international students planning to study in New Zealand. Our team, led by experienced consultants, helps you choose the right course, navigate Unitec’s requirements, and gather all documents for your New Zealand student visa. We assist with applications, interview prep, and ensuring your New Zealand study visa is on track. From guidance on tuition payments to visa lodgement, West Highlander provides reliable, personalized service to make your move to Auckland smooth and confident.