Diploma in Visual Arts
If you’d like a taste of design or art, then a Diploma in Visual Arts is for you.
It’s a flexible programme of study with lots of choice. You’ll be introduced to the basics of art and design:
- creative thinking
- visual communication
- specialist skills
- critical awareness.
No portfolio is required, just passion.
The Diploma in Visual Arts is made up of eight courses from the first year of our Bachelor of Fine Arts and Bachelor of Design programmes.
You’ll study with art and design degree students in a range of studio and lecture-based courses. These exciting courses cover everything from critical and contextual studies, to social media, painting, and digital fabrication.
Campus Information
Wellington campus
The Wellington campus is in New Zealand's capital city and is a great place to live. It is a compact city, set between a magnificent harbour and rolling green hills, where shops, exciting galleries and great restaurants are within easy walking distance. The Wellington Campus is centrally located near the city's artistic and entertainment quarters of Cuba Street and Courtenay Place in the heart of Wellington.
Intakes
- Feb
- July
- Nov
Application Processing Time in Days: 30
Application Process
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
Studying courses in the Diploma in Visual Arts can be a good way to develop your portfolio for entry to the Bachelor of Design with Honours or Bachelor of Fine Arts with Honours.
PSW Opportunity
Level 7 (Bachelor’s degree)
- Duration: Equal to length of study (typically up to 3 years)
- Requirement: minimum 30 weeks full time study in NZ
Level 7 (Graduate Diploma)
Eligible for PSWV
Conditions:
- Must also hold a Bachelor’s degree (NZ or overseas)
- Duration: Up to length of study (typically 1 year)
Level 8 (Postgraduate Diploma)
- Duration: Equal to length of study, OR
- Up to 3 years in some cases (if part of higher qualification pathway)
Level 9 and 10 (Master’s degree and Doctoral degree)
- Duration: 3 years
- Condition: Must study at least 30 weeks in New Zealand
- Most eligible international students can work up to 25 hours per week during study and full-time during scheduled breaks, only if their student visa includes work rights.
- Foundation, pathway and short courses have different rules.
- Not allowed for part time students.
Admission Requirement / Eligibility Criteria
- All India Senior School Certificate (AISSC) or Indian School Certificate (ISC) Year 12 with an overall average of 75% and a minimum of 60% in English
- For most undergraduate level programmes, the minimum academic entry requirement is successful completion of a qualification equivalent to the New Zealand Year 13 - NCEA Level 3 University Entrance. International students need to check the equivalency of their secondary school qualification by reviewing the list of Academic Admission Requirements by Country/Region.
- International students who have previously studied at a New Zealand secondary school should refer to the secondary school requirements section.
- International students who have completed 3 x B at level 5 or 6 passes in the New Zealand Diploma of Business may apply for entry into a Bachelor's programme.
- An NZQA transcript as formal evidence of the NZDipBus results is required before credit will be assessed and only papers with a minimum grade of B will be assessed for credit.
- The English language requirements can be met by:
- A minimum IELTS 5.5 (or equivalent) used to gain entry to the NZDipBus or,
- A recent IELTS 6.0 with no band score less than 5.5
- Course Type: Full Time
- Course Level: Under Graduate Diploma or Certificate
- Duration: 01 Year
-
Total Tuition Fee:
33630 NZD
Average Cost of Living: 20000 NZD /year
Application Fee: N/A

