Pathway programmes - another way into AUT

Start your university studies with one of our pathway programmes. It’s another way into AUT; perfect if you’re not entirely sure what to expect from uni or missed out on getting into your dream degree.

Once you’ve completed your diploma you can then move into Year 2 of your chosen bachelor’s degree, which means you can still complete your degree in as little as three years¹. It’s a great way to try university – in just one year you gain a university qualification, develop the confidence for further study and prepare yourself for a bright future.

Start your studies with one of our pathway programmes

Diploma in Arts

Great for further study in:
Communication studies, Education², Hospitality, Language and culture, Māori and indigenous development, Social sciences and public policy

Diploma in Business

Great for further study in:
Business

Diploma in Computer and Information Sciences

_{From 2025. For study in 2024 consider the Certificate in Science and Technology}

Great for further study in:
Computer and information sciences

Diploma in Design Tītohu mō te Hoahoa

Great for further study in:
Design

Diploma in Engineering

_{From 2025. For study in 2024 consider the Certificate in Science and Technology}

Great for further study in:
Engineering

Diploma in Visual Arts Titohu mō te Toi Ataata

Great for further study in:
Visual arts

_{1. For the engineering degrees, you need to take some Summer School courses to still complete your degree in three years (or four years for the Bachelor of Engineering (Honours)).}
_{2. Bachelor of Arts in Education only. You won't be able to move into the second year of the Bachelor of Education.}

Hear from some of our students

Kasidy Wipani

Samoan, Ngāti Kahungunu ki Wairarapa, Ngāti Tuwharetoa, Ngāti Porou
Diploma in Arts

“I started with a Diploma in Arts because I was on the fence about studying at a university level. I found my last year of high school – during the COVID-19 pandemic – really difficult. I wanted to see if I would enjoy studying at AUT and at university in general, which I certainly have.”

Anna Millar

Diploma in Design Tītohu mō te Hoahoa

“I’ve always wanted to go to uni, but because I was homeschooled, I didn’t have NCEA credits and couldn’t get into the bachelor’s degree. This diploma meant that I was able to still study design, and can finish at the same time as if I had started with the bachelor’s degree.”

Kelepi Liavaa

Diploma in Business

“The diploma gave me a great foundation to then transition into the second year of the Bachelor of Business. I’d recommend it to others who would like a broad introduction to business – it will give you an understanding of basic economic principles and helps you build skills to create opportunities for your future.”

Camila Roa-Nunez

Diploma in Business

“The programme made me feel much more confident in the world of business, allowing me to have a clear understanding of basic business concepts. I hadn’t done business in high school and the diploma prepared me to move into a bachelor’s degree and have discussions about economics, consumer behaviour and finance.”

Lauren Stevens

Diploma in Arts

“I started my studies with the Diploma in Arts before I moved into the second year of the Bachelor of Arts degree. The seamless transition into the bachelor’s degree was particularly noteworthy for me. I consider the diploma an excellent entry point for those seeking something new without committing to a full three-year programme.”

Thanushree Saragadam

Diploma in Business

“I chose the Diploma in Business to gain a taste of university life. This decision allowed me to ease into the academic environment and gave me valuable insights before fully committing. I’d most definitely recommend this programme, especially to those who are like me and aren’t sure yet what to do or are nervous to do a course longer than a year.”

Interested in another study area at AUT?

If the pathway courses above don’t cover the subject you’d like to study at AUT, the programmes below offer even more pathways to prepare you for further study at university. They all cover foundation knowledge related to some of our other bachelor’s degrees, and can help you develop the confidence and academic skills to succeed in your future studies.

Certificate in Applied Science

Prepares you for further study in science, medical laboratory science or health
You need to have completed Year 12 with credits in specific subjects
1 year full-time, part-time available

Certificate in Sport and Recreation

Prepares you for further study in sport and recreation. or health
You need to have completed Year 13
1 semester full-time, part-time available

Diploma in Applied Science

Prepares you for further study in science
You need to have completed Year 12 with credits in specific subjects
1 year full-time, part-time available

Talk to us about your study options

Thinking about studying at AUT? Book a time with us to discuss your study options.

MEET WITH US

International student pathway programmes

Coming to AUT as an international student? If you need help to meet the entry requirements for your chosen AUT programme, we offer:

UniPrep summer programme

Uniprep summer programme

If you’re currently in Year 13, don’t miss our five-week UniPrep programme that’s designed to make it easy for you to transition into university life. Taking place in mid-Jan to mid-Feb, it’s a great chance to meet other Year 13 students, learn study skills to set you up for uni, and enjoy team activities and fun challenges.

Compare AUT bachelor's degrees

Not sure which AUT bachelor’s degree is right for you? Explore the different bachelor’s degrees you can study at AUT and compare their duration and flexibility, and check if you can get relevant workplace experience as part of your studies.

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