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Ara Institute of Canterbury

Christchurch , South Island ,New Zealand

Graduate Diploma in Computer Aided Design

Further your expertise to meet the demand for CAD professionals in the architecture, engineering and manufacturing sectors.
Our one year qualification will provide the learning to allow you to apply broad knowledge of CAD tools, concepts and practices to provide effective CAD project outcomes. You will complete a combination of courses which provide you with skills and knowledge in:

  • Broad CAD fundamentals
  • Applied practical skills and knowledge
  • CAD system and CAD project management
  • Research and critical analysis

Throughout the year, you will enhance your work readiness through project and problem based learning where you will develop your broad based skills and knowledge in the area of CAD developing processes to ensure that CAD projects are executed effectively.

You will acquire research and evaluation expertise with real world projects where you will work independently and in teams.

You will also use effective written and oral communication for successful CAD outcomes. Part-time up to 4 years.

Campus Information

Christchurch City

The Madras street campus is on the fringe of Christchurch’s CBD and within easy walking distance of shops, cafes, supermarkets, entertainment venues, parks and other attractions. It’s well serviced by public transport, and is just five minutes from the city’s main bus exchange. The Madras street campus is Ara’s largest. In addition to modern, purpose designed facilities, it also has a recreation centre, gym, health centre, a bookshop and a number of on-site cafes.

Intakes

  • Feb
  • July

Application Processing Time in Days: 20

Application Process

More Information required
10 Days
Possible Interview Call from Institution
10 Days
Provisional /Unconditional Offer
20 Days
Visa Process
30 Days

Minimum English Language Requirements

English Level Description IELTS (1.0 -9.0) TOEFL IBT (0-120) TOEFL CBT (0-300) PTE (10-90)
Expert 9 120 297-300 86-90
Very Good 8.5 115-119 280-293 83-86
Very Good 8 110-114 270-280 79-83
Good 7.5 102-109 253-267 73-79
Good 7 94-101 240-253 65-73
Competent 6.5 79-93 213-233 58-65
Competent 6 60-78 170-210 50-58
Modest 5.5 46-59 133-210 43-50
Modest 5 35-45 107-133 36-43
Limited 4 32-34 97-103 30-36
Extremely Limited < 4 < 31 < 93 < 30

Job Opportunity Potential

Our Careers & Employment team provides free advice to current and prospective students, as well as our graduates. We can help you with:

  • Exploring your career options
  • Developing your employ-ability
  • Job search, CVs, interviews and more

PSW Opportunity

  • During study, all students on a student visa can work up to 20 hours per week during semester and full time during vacations.
  • After completing Level 7 Bachelor’s Degree or Higher Qualification, a student will get a three years open post-study work visa.
  • After completing Level 8 Post Graduate courses of 1 year, students get 1 year PSW.

Admission Requirement / Eligibility Criteria

A Bachelor's degree or a Level 7 qualification in a field involving technical design (not including the Diploma in Computer Aided Design Level 6)

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

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
5.5 Writing
5.5 Speaking

  • Course Code: CH4038
  • Course Type: Full Time
  • Course Level: Post Graduate Diploma or Certificate
  • Duration: 01 Year  
  • Total Tuition Fee: 23260 NZD
    Annual Cost of Living: 20000 NZD
    Application Fee: N/A
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