Unitec Institute of Technology: Fees, Entry and Intakes for International Students
TL;DR: Unitec Institute of Technology is an Auckland polytechnic offering practical degrees, graduate diplomas and master's programmes in computing, construction, architecture, business and nursing. For 2027, most master's programmes cost NZD 31,327.20 per full-time year, and new international students get an automatic Early Bird study grant of NZD 2,000 to 4,000 if they apply by 18 November 2026 for Semester 1.
Students ask about Unitec often, and most questions are practical: is it still running after the polytechnic reforms, what does it cost, and what do you need to get in? This guide answers each one from Unitec's own pages and Immigration New Zealand. Want to know if your grades qualify? Check your eligibility with Prosper.
What is Unitec Institute of Technology, and is it still operating?
Yes. Unitec is an institute of technology (polytechnic) in Auckland with two campuses: Mt Albert (139 Carrington Road) and Waitakere (Henderson). On 1 January 2026, Unitec and Manukau Institute of Technology (MIT) left Te Pūkenga and became a single, independent legal entity with one shared council. The Tertiary Education Commission lists both among the polytechnics that began operating as stand-alone institutions on that date, and Unitec says its name and brand are retained.
For students, the practical point is simple: Unitec continues to enrol international students and publishes its 2027 fees and intakes. If you want a check you can run yourself, our guide on how to check a New Zealand education provider shows where to look.
Unitec programmes popular with international students
Unitec teaches applied, career-focused programmes. Every level below is on the New Zealand Qualifications Framework; our guide to New Zealand qualification levels explains what each one means.
| Programme | Level | Length | 2027 fee per 120 credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Master of Applied Technologies (Computing) | 9 | 18 months | NZD 31,327.20 |
| Postgraduate Diploma in Applied Technologies (Computing) | 8 | 1 year | NZD 31,327.20 |
| Master of Architecture (Professional) | 9 | 2 years | NZD 31,327.20 |
| Bachelor of Construction (Construction Management) | 7 | 3 years | NZD 27,207.20 |
| Graduate Diploma in Construction Project Management | 7 | 1 year | NZD 27,207.20 |
| Bachelor of Nursing | 7 | 3 years | NZD 31,983.20 |
Fees include GST and the Student Services Fee but exclude insurance and other levies. They are quoted per 120 credits, which is one full-time year. The Master of Applied Technologies is 180 credits, so budget for one and a half times the listed fee, about NZD 46,991 in total. Compare these with New Zealand tuition fees for international students at universities.
Unitec entry requirements for international students
Bachelor's degrees need a secondary qualification that Unitec accepts, set out country by country on its international pages.
Postgraduate programmes (the Postgraduate Diploma and Master of Applied Technologies) need a recognised bachelor's degree in the same or a similar field, with a B- average or higher across Level 7 courses. The Master of Architecture (Professional) needs an architecture bachelor's degree with a GPA of 4.0 (B-), a CV and a portfolio.
English language (IELTS Academic):
- Bachelor of Construction and Graduate Diplomas: 6.0 overall, no band below 5.5
- Postgraduate Diploma, Master of Applied Technologies and Master of Architecture: 6.5 overall, no band below 6.0
- Bachelor of Nursing: 6.5 overall with 6.5 in every band
Check the programme page for other accepted tests. Our guide to New Zealand English language requirements compares the main tests.
Unitec intakes, deadlines and the Early Bird study grant
In 2027, Semester 1 starts on 22 February and Semester 2 on 19 July. Some programmes run on their own dates: the Bachelor of Nursing starts on 8 February 2027, and its applications close on 30 November 2026.
The 2027 International Study Grant (Early Bird) is applied automatically to new full-time international students, with no separate application, and covers the first 120 credits:
- NZD 4,000 for the Master of Architecture and Master of Landscape Architecture
- NZD 3,000 for the Master of Applied Technologies, Master of Applied Business and Master of Professional Accounting
- NZD 2,000 for most bachelor's degrees and graduate diplomas
To qualify, apply by 18 November 2026 for Semester 1 or 26 April 2027 for Semester 2. The grant cannot be combined with other scholarships.
Can you work in New Zealand after studying at Unitec?
A Level 9 master's studied in New Zealand can lead to a Post Study Work Visa of up to three years, as long as you studied full-time in New Zealand for at least 30 weeks. Bachelor's degrees also qualify, with a visa length tied to your study. From 16 November 2026, Immigration New Zealand will also accept Level 7 graduate diplomas for a visa of up to one year, if you already hold a bachelor's degree. Read our New Zealand Post Study Work Visa guide for the full rules.
Applying from Sri Lanka
Unitec's country criteria accept Sri Lankan GCE A/L with three passes in relevant subjects for a bachelor's degree, and GCE O/L with four credit passes for a diploma. For the visa, Immigration New Zealand may ask for your documents to be checked in Colombo; see our guide to IOM document verification for a New Zealand student visa.
Frequently asked questions
Is Unitec merging with MIT? Yes. Unitec and Manukau Institute of Technology became a single independent legal entity on 1 January 2026, with one shared council. Unitec says its name and brand are kept for now.
How much are Unitec's fees for international students? For 2027, Unitec charges NZD 31,327.20 per 120 credits for most master's programmes and NZD 27,207.20 for the Bachelor of Construction and most graduate diplomas, including GST.
What IELTS score does Unitec need? Unitec asks for IELTS 6.0 overall (no band below 5.5) for most bachelor's and graduate diploma programmes, and 6.5 (no band below 6.0) for postgraduate programmes. Nursing needs 6.5 in every band.
Is Unitec a university? No. Unitec is an institute of technology. It awards bachelor's degrees, graduate diplomas and master's degrees on the New Zealand Qualifications Framework.
Does Unitec still have a Waitakere campus? Yes. Unitec lists two campuses: Mt Albert and Waitakere in Henderson. The Bachelor of Nursing is taught at Waitakere.
PS: If an applied master's in Auckland with a work visa route of up to three years fits your plan, the 18 November Early Bird date is the one to watch. Check your eligibility with Prosper and we will tell you which Unitec programme matches your degree.
References
- Government announcement on Unitec and MIT, Unitec, https://www.unitec.ac.nz/government-announcement-on-unitec-and-mit/
- Establishment of institutes of technology and polytechnics, Tertiary Education Commission, https://www.tec.govt.nz/strategic-initiatives/vocational-education-system/changes-to-the-vocational-education-and-training-vet-system/establishment-of-institutes-of-technology-and-polytechnics
- Regional polytechnics to be re-established in 2026, Ministry of Education, https://education.govt.nz/news/regional-polytechnics-be-re-established-2026
- Governance, Unitec, https://www.unitec.ac.nz/about-us/our-people/governance/
- Our campuses, Unitec, https://www.unitec.ac.nz/about-us/our-campuses/
- Master of Applied Technologies (Computing), Unitec, https://www.unitec.ac.nz/career-and-study-options/computing-and-information-technology/master-of-applied-technologies-computing/
- Postgraduate Diploma of Applied Technologies (Computing), Unitec, https://www.unitec.ac.nz/career-and-study-options/computing-and-information-technology/postgraduate-diploma-of-applied-technologies-computing/
- Master of Architecture (Professional), Unitec, https://www.unitec.ac.nz/career-and-study-options/architecture-interior-and-landscape/architecture-and-architectural-technology/master-of-architecture-professional/
- Bachelor of Construction (Construction Management), Unitec, https://www.unitec.ac.nz/career-and-study-options/construction/construction-management/bachelor-of-construction-construction-management/
- Graduate Diploma in Construction Project Management, Unitec, https://www.unitec.ac.nz/career-and-study-options/construction/construction-management/graduate-diploma-in-construction-project-management/
- Bachelor of Nursing, Unitec, https://www.unitec.ac.nz/career-and-study-options/healthcare/nursing/bachelor-of-nursing/
- International fees, Unitec, https://www.unitec.ac.nz/international/study-with-us/international-fees/
- Academic calendar, Unitec, https://www.unitec.ac.nz/application-and-funding/academic-calendar/
- International Study Grant, Unitec, https://www.unitec.ac.nz/international/study-with-us/international-study-grant/
- Country-specific criteria, Unitec, https://www.unitec.ac.nz/international/study-with-us/country-specific-criteria/
- Staying to work after finishing your study, Immigration New Zealand, https://www.immigration.govt.nz/study/after-you-finish-your-study/staying-to-work-after-finishing-your-study/
- Post Study Work Visa eligibility extended from 16 November 2026, Immigration New Zealand, https://www.immigration.govt.nz/about-us/news-centre/post-study-work-visa-eligibility-extended-from-16-november-2026/
