Bachelor of Engineering Technology (Civil)
Christchurch, New Zealand
Bachelor's degree
DURATION
3 years
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Full time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
27 Jan 2026*
EARLIEST START DATE
16 Feb 2026
TUITION FEES
NZD 29,761 / per year **
STUDY FORMAT
On-Campus
* international close date
** international fee | Indicative student services fee: $370.50/year
Ara welcomes international students to join us for a semester abroad (or longer) for a transformative experience of studying in Ōtautahi Christchurch, a living case study of a revitalised, resilient city.
Christchurch, New Zealand, a city reborn from the devastation of earthquakes and tragedy, stands as a living testament to resilience and innovation. This remarkable transformation offers a unique case study for exploring resilient cities.
Ara Institute of Canterbury has been a driving force in Christchurch's recovery. Our graduates and academics have played pivotal roles in the city's rebuild, leveraging their expertise in sustainability, architecture, and design engineering to create a brighter future.
Studying at Ara will allow you to develop core engineering skills in computing, mathematics, management and the engineering sciences, plus some discipline-specific topics. Critical thinking, problem solving and innovation will be a key part of your success.
You will deepen your understanding in civil engineering and engage in projects to apply your knowledge. Projects are 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.
Ara is pleased to be able to assist students financially with a range of scholarships and grants.
We encourage you to make the most of these opportunities, which can save you thousands on fees, help you get through unexpected financial hardship, or facilitate experiences and special projects that increase learning outcomes.
Level 5
Core courses
- Engineering Computing
- Mechanics
- Engineering Communication
- Engineering Maths Level 5
- Engineering Design and Drawing
- Land Surveying 1
- Fluid Mechanics (Civil)
- Geotechnical Engineering 1
- Highway Engineering 1
- Structures 1
- Civil Materials
Level 6
Core courses
- Civil Engineering Detailing and Modelling
- Engineering Management
- Civil Engineering Construction Practices
Elective course(s)
- Structural Steel and Timber
- Structural Concrete
- Hydrology and Erosion Management
- Geothechnical Engineering 2
- Highway Engineering 2
- Traffic Engineering
- Structures 2
- Water and Waste Systems
- Water and Waste Management
- Mathematics 2
Level 7
Core courses
- Engineering Development Project A
- Engineering Development Project B
- Professional Engineering Practice
Elective course(s)
- Building Information Modelling (BIM)
- CAD Visualisation and Presentation
- Design of Structures
- Urban Drainage Systems
- Urban Transport Planning
- Project Management
- Risk Management
Many of our graduates find employment as engineering technologists, which are in huge demand in many areas of civil infrastructure development in areas such as structural, water and water waste, roading and transportation, geotechnical and environmental engineering firms.
The Bachelor of Engineering Technology has been fully accredited by the Engineering New Zealand (EngNZ) and is recognised as meeting international standard requirements. You will also be eligible to join EngNZ as a graduate member.
Study pathways
After successfully completing a Bachelor of Engineering Technology you can complement your qualification with a graduate diploma.
Recommended school subjects
- Maths
- English
- Physics
You will be part of a friendly, inclusive community
Ara is a culturally and socially diverse community where you will enjoy a sense of belonging. You will be treated as an individual (our class sizes are small, so your tutors will know you by name) and you will be supported with an extensive range of student services and specialist support staff.
Our qualifications are world-class class
Ara is a Category 1 institute, the highest rating awarded by the New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA). All of our qualifications are NZQA-approved and recognised internationally. Ara graduates can be found working and making a difference around the globe.
Our tutors are experts
Our tutors come from the industry and have years of on-the-job experience in their speciality area. They are committed to sharing their knowledge with you and inspiring you to achieve your study goals.
We focus on hands-on, real-life learning
Ara is known for its practical, hands-on programmes. You will learn in environments that mimic real workplaces and undertake some form of work-based learning like an internship, industry project or work placement.
You will be work-ready when you graduate
All that you do and learn at Ara will ensure your transition to the workplace is seamless and that you have the confidence and capability to contribute from your first day on the job.