NZ Diploma in Arts and Design (Level 5)

To see the most relevant information, please let us know if you are an international student.

Are you an International Student?

To see the most relevant information, please let us know if you are an international student.

A photo from last year’s runway show, one of many highlights of the IDEAschool Arts Festival.

Develop your career in the creative industries

Through engaging in a series of real world and in-house projects, utilising various creative disciplines including paint, sculpture, print, photography, graphic design and 3D design, you will obtain the skills, knowledge and attributes needed to think creatively and develop a career as a practicing creative.

With your diploma completed successfully you can continue on to the second year of the Bachelor of Creative Practice.

Look at our works @ ideaschool.ac.nz

A photo from last year’s runway show, one of many highlights of the IDEAschool Arts Festival.

Develop your career in the creative industries

Through engaging in a series of real world and in-house projects, utilising various creative disciplines including paint, sculpture, print, photography, graphic design and 3D design, you will obtain the skills, knowledge and attributes needed to think creatively and develop a career as a practicing creative.

With your diploma completed successfully you can continue on to the second year of the Bachelor of Creative Practice.

Look at our works @ ideaschool.ac.nz

Programme Outline

The project-based learning approach in the diploma places you at the centre of the learning experience and allows for the embedding of theory and practice within the project context. The aim of project-based learning is to facilitate your development of knowledge, creative skills and research skills by beginning the learning journey on any given topic with questions, problems or provocations to be addressed or resolved.

There are four projects at Level 5. These projects are largely prescribed, involve both individual and group learning and include the key foundational creative skills, techniques and theory.

As a graduate of this qualification you will be able to:

  • Produce practice-based creative works from a critically engaged personal standpoint informed by contemporary and historic contexts.
  • Apply broad knowledge and practical and conceptual skills in the production of arts, craft and/or design work.
  • Use investigative tools with creative processes, methods and technologies to develop responses to a brief and solve problems.
  • Use research to support the development of ideas and to inform own work within conventions and contexts in arts, craft and/or design.
  • Critique own work and the work of others, communicate in a range of situations and present own resolved work in simulated contexts.
  • Apply professional practices to manage projects/briefs within defined guidelines and select potential education and employment pathways in arts, crafts and/or design.

Subject areas include:

  • Drawing technology
  • Graphic Design: Adobe Creative Suite industry standard software including Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, Premiere, After-Effects (dependent on projects)
  • 3D Design / Sculpture: wood, clay, metal, plastics
  • Spatial, Object and Architectural Design
  • Printmaking: silkscreen and press printing
  • Painting: acrylics, oils, new media

Career and Study Opportunities

Possible jobs and career opportunities can include:

  • Painter
  • Printmaker
  • Sculptor
  • Illustrator
  • Spatial/interior design intern
  • Furniture design intern
  • Graphic design intern
  • Web design intern
  • Arts administrator
  • Gallery or museum curator intern

Continue your study pathway with a Bachelor of Creative Practice followed by an Honours or Masters degree.

Entry Requirements

The academic entry requirement for the NZ Diploma in Arts and Design (Level 5) is either:

  • University Entrance, as defined by the NZQA; or
  • Evidence regarded as sufficient by the Discipline Leader of the capability to undertake and complete the programme of study; or
  • At the discretion of EIT, where the applicant is over 20 years of age and demonstrates the capability to undertake and complete the programme of study.

All applicants are required to attend an interview (and may bring whānau support).

Applicants must provide a hand-written letter of application and a portfolio of work that represents their level of achievement at the interview.

English Language Entry Requirements

All applicants must demonstrate an acceptable level of English language fluency prior to acceptance in the programme.

For international applicants, ways in which English language fluency may be demonstrated include the following:

Successful study of a programme in which English was the language of instruction (subject to the conditions in the EIT Database for English Language Proficiency (DELP)).
Completion of a New Zealand Certificate in English Language (Level 4 with any endorsement).
IELTS Academic score of 6, with no band score lower than 5.5, achieved in a single test within the two years preceding enrolment.
Accepted international equivalents to the above IELTS scores, achieved in a single test within the two years preceding enrolment (see equivalency tables in the DELP).

Entry with Credit

For information and enquiries about Recognition of Prior Learning and Cross Credit please contact Nigel Roberts, Programme Coordinator, on 06 830 1155, nroberts@eit.ac.nz.

How to Enrol

Step 1 – Check entry requirements

Make sure you have read and understood the entry requirements for your situation and background.

Entry requirements can be different for domestic and international students.

Step 2 – Confirm campus and check key dates

The next intake date(s) for your chosen course and campus are listed in the Course Details panel on this page.

Dates can vary between campuses, so make sure you have selected the campus you wish to study at.

Step 3 – Confirm fees and costs

Visit https://www.eit.ac.nz/fees/ to see the fees for this programme.

Step 4 – Complete any supporting forms

If your course requires any supporting forms, they will be listed below under ‘Supporting Documentation’

Step 5 – Submit your application

You’ll need an up-to-date email address to start your online application.

You’ll also need to know what you want to study – your degree or programme and majors and/or minors, and the courses you plan to take.

You may be asked to submit supporting documentation with your application.

Programme Outline

The project-based learning approach in the diploma places you at the centre of the learning experience and allows for the embedding of theory and practice within the project context. The aim of project-based learning is to facilitate your development of knowledge, creative skills and research skills by beginning the learning journey on any given topic with questions, problems or provocations to be addressed or resolved.

There are four projects at Level 5. These projects are largely prescribed, involve both individual and group learning and include the key foundational creative skills, techniques and theory.

As a graduate of this qualification you will be able to:

  • Produce practice-based creative works from a critically engaged personal standpoint informed by contemporary and historic contexts.
  • Apply broad knowledge and practical and conceptual skills in the production of arts, craft and/or design work.
  • Use investigative tools with creative processes, methods and technologies to develop responses to a brief and solve problems.
  • Use research to support the development of ideas and to inform own work within conventions and contexts in arts, craft and/or design.
  • Critique own work and the work of others, communicate in a range of situations and present own resolved work in simulated contexts.
  • Apply professional practices to manage projects/briefs within defined guidelines and select potential education and employment pathways in arts, crafts and/or design.

Subject areas include:

  • Drawing technology
  • Graphic Design: Adobe Creative Suite industry standard software including Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, Premiere, After-Effects (dependent on projects)
  • 3D Design / Sculpture: wood, clay, metal, plastics
  • Spatial, Object and Architectural Design
  • Printmaking: silkscreen and press printing
  • Painting: acrylics, oils, new media

Career and Study Opportunities

Possible jobs and career opportunities can include:

  • Painter
  • Printmaker
  • Sculptor
  • Illustrator
  • Spatial/interior design intern
  • Furniture design intern
  • Graphic design intern
  • Web design intern
  • Arts administrator
  • Gallery or museum curator intern

Continue your study pathway with a Bachelor of Creative Practice followed by an Honours or Masters degree.

Entry Requirements

Academic Entry Requirements

The academic entry requirement for the NZ Diploma in Arts and Design [Level 5] is either:

  • University Entrance, as defined by the NZQA; or
  • Evidence regarded as sufficient by the Discipline Leader of the capability to undertake and complete the programme of study; or
  • At the discretion of EIT, where the applicant is over 20 years of age and demonstrates the capability to undertake and complete the programme of study.

All applicants are required to provide a hand-written letter of application and a portfolio of work that represents their level of achievement.

The portfolio of work must be submitted as a digital portfolio and contain the applicant’s most recent creative media work. Submissions can be made by email or online document transfer application.

The assessment of this digital portfolio is required to assess the applicant’s suitability for the programme and will determine whether an applicant is offered a place on the programme. Thus, meeting the academic entry requirement is not on its own sufficient to ensure admission to the programme.

The digital portfolio assessment will be conducted by two IDEAschool academic staff.

An offer of a place on the programme will be extended to applicants who meet the entry criteria and demonstrate the potential to successfully complete the programme on the basis of:

  • A hand-written letter of application
  • A portfolio of work that represents the applicant’s level of achievement
  • An interview
  • Evidence of ability to cope with the academic demands of the programme

English Language Entry Requirements

All applicants must demonstrate an acceptable level of English language fluency prior to acceptance in the programme. For international students, ways in which English language fluency may be demonstrated include the following:

  • PTE (Academic) score of 50 with no band score lower than 42
  • IELTS (Academic) score of 5.5 with no band score lower than 5.0 (or equivalent) achieved within the last two years.
  • International equivalents to IELTS accepted by NZQA or successful study of a programme in which English was the language of instruction (conditions apply).

Further information about NZQA English language entry requirements for international students can be found at www2.nzqa.govt.nz/tertiary/english-language-entry-requirements-for-international-students/

How to Apply

Ready to apply? It’s easy!

Complete and sign our international student application form at eit.ac.nz/apply-online-international/

  • Indicate which programme you intend to study.
  • Attach a verified copy of your birth certificate or passport to use as identification.
  • Remember to include all other supporting documents.
  • We will assess your application and let you know the outcome as soon as possible, usually within three to five working days.

On-campus study in New Zealand

Step 1 – Pay your fees

  • After submitting your application, you will receive an Offer of Place letter by email with details of your tuition and other fees payable.
    Please note: If you have applied using the services of an agent, a copy of this information will also be sent to your agent.
  • Pay your fees and apply for your student visa.
  • We will send you a receipt, which you will need when you apply for your student visa.

We recommend you apply at least 12 weeks before your intended start date. You can apply online at www.immigration.govt.nz
If you have any questions about the process, contact your agent or email visas@eit.ac.nz

Step 2 – Prepare to come to New Zealand

Book your flights

When your student visa is approved, book your flights and ensure you meet all government-mandated entry requirements to come to New Zealand. Check the Immigration New Zealand website for the most up-to-date information.

Organise your accommodation

If you haven’t already organised your accommodation, you should now decide which of the accommodation options is most suitable for you. You can find our more about our EIT accommodation options here.

Step 3 – Connect with us

  • Be sure to complete and submit the arrival form sent to you by the International Student Support Officer.
  • Your International Student Support Officer will contact you prior to the start of your programme to let you know what you need to do and keep you up to date on what to expect when you arrive.

Online study

Step 1 – Enrol

  • After submitting your application, you will receive your acceptance into the programme by email alongside instructions on how to enrol.
  • Complete and sign the enrolment form provided to you by our Admissions Team and send it back to internationalapplications@eit.ac.nz
    Please note: If you have applied using the services of an agent, a copy of this information will also be sent to your agent.

Step 2 – Choose your courses and pay your Fees

  • Your course selection form will be sent to you by our team.
  • After completing your course selection form, you will be sent an invoice. You can then pay your fees by bank transfer to EIT’s account. Full account details and payment information will be provided on your invoice.

Step 3 – Connect with us

Your International Student Support Officer will contact you after you enrol to keep you up-to-date with anything you need to know, including details about your Orientation, where you will meet your classmates and all about studying at EIT.

Whether you join us on-campus or online, we welcome you to the EIT student community!

If you need any help you can contact our friendly staff at international@eit.ac.nz

Study at EIT

Disability Support

Support is available for students with physical, sensory, intellectual, and learning disabilities (including dyslexia, dyspraxia and other neurodiversity) and mental health conditions. Support is designed to provide equitable opportunities and is available to all students with permanent or temporary disabilities or health conditions, including when recovering from injury or surgery. Services are available depending upon your needs and range from information and advice to technology solutions and alternative arrangements for test and exams. Our disability peer support group Te Rōpu Āwhina meets regularly on the Hawke’s Bay Campus to share kai, connection and wellbeing.

For more help please email Desley Aranui daranui@eit.ac.nz

Wellbeing Support

Wellbeing support is available to all students. We can help you to identify your goals, support your needs, and connect you with appropriate support on and off campus. We use Te Whare Tapa Whā as our guiding model for holistic support and connectedness.

We have a Rainbow Diversity peer support group Te Roopu Āniwaniwa on the Hawke’s Bay Campus, as well as wellbeing
drop ins and workshops to support you to maintain and improve your wellbeing.

For more information contact Barbara West bwest@eit.ac.nz

Māori and Pasifika Support

You can get advice, mentoring and support for cultural needs and values, te reo Māori, waiata and tikanga, scholarships, iwi and hapū registrations and grants.

Our Pasifika student support team aims to create a trusting and culturally inviting space for students to feel supported and thrive in their education journey. Our team is passionate and dedicated to removing barriers to learning by working with students and their aiga and staff in ensuring diversity and equity is met. We support students with studylink, tutor support, wraparound support and mentoring, cultural competency and much more.

For more information contact:

Pasifika
Valencia Taurima Heperi 
VTaurimaHeperi@eit.ac.nz

Māori pastoral care
Kaihoe Apiata
KApiata@eit.ac.nz

Māori Academic
Opal Horsefield Te Aho
OHorsefieldTeAho@eit.ac.nz

 

Academic Learning Services

Academic Learning Services is here to assist you on your journey towards the successful completion of your studies at EIT. Our aim is for you to become confident, competent and independent learners.

We have dedicated advisors who can assist with your learning.

Find out more email Heather Pilbeam hpilbeam@eit.ac.nz

Scholarships

EIT offers a variety of scholarships across various subjects and programme levels.  Some scholarships are based on your age, some are specific to the subject you want to study.  Not all scholarships are based on your academic ability and anyone wanting to study should investigate what scholarships are available to them.  

You can find a list of EIT scholarships here however there are many more scholarships offered nationally.  Information about these is on an database called “givME”. givME is accessible here, at EIT or at some public libraries. If you would like to come to EIT to look through the giveME database don’t hesitate to contact scholarships@eit.ac.nz or call in for a chat.

Enrol Now

Enrol now for 2026 – programmes filling fast!

Study at EIT

International Student Support

Our International Student Support Officers are here to support you every step of the way. Providing you with the one-to-one help, advice, information and guidance you need to succeed. 

Find out more about our International Student Support Services below:

Auckland Campus
Hawke’s Bay Campus

Academic Services

Academic Learning Services is here to assist you on your journey towards the successful completion of your studies at EIT. Our aim is for you to become confident, competent and independent learners.

We have dedicated advisors who can assist with your learning.

Find out more:

Learning Support Services

Apply Now