Diploma in Science

Curious about science and how things work? Start your university studies with our Diploma in Science, become familiar with different science subjects and prepare yourself for further study.

The Diploma in Science is a great choice if you’re not sure what to expect from uni or from studying science, or missed out on getting into your dream degree.

You’ll take the same courses as our first-year bachelor’s degree students, and become familiar with different science subjects in a supportive environment with additional academic and student support. Once you’ve completed your diploma you can then move into Year 2 of the Bachelor of Science, which means you can still complete your chosen bachelor’s degree in three years.

Download programme guides

Minimum entry requirements

If you have New Zealand qualifications

  • University Entrance OR
  • 42 NCEA level 3 credits, including UE literacy and numeracy, with:
    • 10 credits in each of three approved subjects OR
    • 12 credits in each of two approved subjects and 14 credits across two further subjects

If you have qualifications from another country

See entry requirements for students from other countries. Select your country from the dropdown menu.

English language requirements

  • IELTS (Academic) 5.5 overall, with a minimum of 5.5 in Writing and all other bands 5.0 or higher

English language requirements

The courses you study are from the Bachelor of Science. You’ll start with Uni101, then pick between Science and Society or Mahitahi | Collaborative Practices. The rest is up to you – we’ll help you map out a path that fits your goals, whether that’s marine science, chemistry or something in between.

After you've completed this diploma, you can then cross-credit your courses and transfer to the second year of the Bachelor of Science. Your diploma courses can also help you decide which subjects you might like to focus on later once you move into our bachelor's degree.

Complete the following course

And choose one of

And choose another six courses from

We'll work with you to help you identify where you want to go and what courses will help you get there.

More information about the Diploma in Science

Email science.admin.team@aut.ac.nz

Quick facts
Programme code:
AK3750
Level:
5
Points:
120
Duration:
1 year full-time / part-time available
Campus:
City Campus
Starts:
23 Feb 2026
13 Jul 2026

Key semester dates
Fees
Domestic
$9,411.60 - $9,621.60 (for 120 points)
($8,190 - $8,400 tuition fees + $1,221.60 student services levy)
International
$40,821.60 (for 120 points)
($39,600 tuition fees + $1,221.60 student services levy)
  • Fees shown are based on a full-time workload for the points indicated next to the fee. The exact fee charged will depend on which courses you select at the time of enrolment.
  • Fees are subject to change year to year. If you are planning for study beyond the current year, fees may vary from those stated.
  • There may also be other fees and charges you need to pay.
  • International students' tuition fees reflect the full cost of tuition. Domestic students' tuition fees are less due to a proportion of the tuition fees being funded by the New Zealand Government.
  • Fees-free study may be available for domestic students

Scholarships

The information on this page was correct at time of publication. For a comprehensive overview of AUT qualifications, please refer to the Academic Calendar.