Ara Institute Of Canterbury Civil Engineering

Prepare for an exciting career in civil infrastructure design and development.

Our Bachelor of Engineering Technology (BEngTech) Civil Major is a three year degree comprising of core and elective courses, with a focus on the design and implementation of engineering technology. Choose your electives to specialise in structural, water and water waste, or roading and transportation engineering strands. The BEngTech (Civil) is fully accredited by Engineering New Zealand (EngNZ) and is recognised internationally under the Sydney Accord.



In your first year of study you’ll develop core engineering skills in computing, mathematics, management and the engineering sciences, plus some discipline-specific topics. This forms the foundation upon which you’ll build your degree. Critical thinking, problem solving and innovation will be a key part of your success.

In your second and third years you’ll continue to deepen your understanding in civil engineering and engage in projects to apply your knowledge. A capstone project is run with close ties to industry, with many projects being sponsored by key industry parties. This offers the chance to test your skills against industry standards in a real-world scenario, while building your professional portfolio and developing important industry contacts. Part-time up to 10 years.

Fees for 2021

Domestic costs$7,100 – $7,900 per yearIndicative Student Services Fee$320 per yearInternational costs$23,260 per yearInternational Levy$523.50 per yearValid ToDecember 31, 2021

Academic Requirements

University Entrance: NCEA Level 3 (60 credits at level 3 and 20 credits at level 2 or higher) which must include 14 credits at Level 3 in each of three approved* subjects and:

14 credits at Level 3 in each of : Physics, Calculus and one other subject from the list of approved subjects*

  • Literacy* – 10 credits at Level 2 or above, made up of 5 credits in reading, 5 credits in writing,
  • Numeracy* – 10 credits at Level 1 or above (specified achievement standards, or unit standards 26623, 26626, 26627)

OR New Zealand Certificate in Study and Career Preparation (Level 4) Ara Engineering Pathway or equivalent.



Due to Covid-19 disruption, if you studied and achieved NCEA Level 3 during 2020, you only need 12 credits per Level 3 subject (i.e. total of 36 credits). Literacy and Numeracy requirements remain the same

If you have undertaken examinations other than NCEA (e.g. International Baccalaureate, Cambridge Examination), Ara will assess your qualification for academic entry equivalency.

* NZQA approved subjects: see http://www.nzqa.govt.nz/qualifications-standards/awards/university-entrance/

Alternative Requirements

Still want to study but don’t meet the Academic Requirements?

If you show that you have equivalent skills for tertiary study gained through study, work and/or life experience, you may be able to gain alternative entry.

Note: The number of courses you have to complete for this qualification may be reduced where you have relevant credits from previous study, or evidence of similar learning or experience in the workplace.

English Requirements

What if English is not my first Language?

If English is not your first language, we want to make sure that you will be successful in your chosen programme of study.

  • Please provide a result from a test or qualification on the acceptable alternatives English Proficiency Outcomes Chart.
  • If you are a New Zealand Citizen or Permanent Resident, complete an Admission and Enrolment form and Ara will contact you regarding a free assessment.
  • If you are not a New Zealand Citizen or Permanent resident, book an IELTS or other test through the Ara Examination Centre or in your home country.
  • IELTS scores used must be taken from a single IELTS Test Report Form and are valid for two years from the date of the test.
  • What if I have achieved NCEA Level 3 University Entrance?
  • You do not need to provide additional evidence of English Language skills.


Overall IELTS 6.0 Academic

  • 5.5 Listening
  • 5.5 Reading
  • 6.0 Writing
  • 6.0 Speaking