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New Zealand Diploma in IT Technical Support Level 5

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Information Technology · Level 5

New Zealand Diploma in IT Technical Support

Hands-on training in IT infrastructure, networking and technical support, preparing graduates for frontline and second-line support roles.

Duration One academic year (inclusive of holidays)
Total Credits 120 credits
Programme Level NZQF Level 5

Overview

The programme aims to produce graduates who are ready to be launched into the global and New Zealand information technology industry. Graduates will have the following technical and core IT skills:

  • Select, install and configure IT hardware and systems software to meet organisational requirements. Apply a broad operational knowledge of networking, and associated services and technologies, to meet typical organisational requirements.
  • Configure and administer systems and applications to meet typical organisational IT support requirements. Apply a broad operational knowledge of database administration to meet typical organisational data storage and retrieval requirements.
  • Troubleshoot and resolve a range of common system problems using appropriate tools and procedures. Identify common issues related to IT security and apply a range of solutions.
  • Demonstrate an operational knowledge and understanding of IT service management to meet typical organisational customer service requirements.
  • Apply the fundamentals of information systems concepts and practice to support and enhance organisational processes and systems.
  • Apply the fundamentals of interaction design concepts and practice to enhance interface design. Apply the principles of software development to create simple working applications.
  • Apply professional, legal, and ethical principles and practices in a socially responsible manner as an emerging IT professional.

Career Opportunities

  • IT Support Technician
  • Help Desk / Service Desk Technician
  • Technical Support Officer
  • Computer Technician
  • Desktop Support Technician
  • IT Support Administrator
  • Junior Network Administrator
  • Network Support Technician
  • Application Support Analyst
  • Junior Systems Administrator
  • IT Operations Assistant
  • Field Service Technician

Entry Requirements

  • 48 credits at NCEA Level 2, including 12 credits in English or Maori; or
  • The New Zealand Certificate in Information Technology Essentials (Level 4); or
  • A relevant qualification at NZQF Level 3 or above; or
  • Equivalent.

An interview process is available to determine whether any specific support is required and to ensure applicants are well informed about the programme.

  • Candidates under 18 years old who do not meet the entry requirements but can demonstrate equivalent knowledge and skills through other educational attainment and/or work or life experience may be eligible for provisional entry at the discretion of the programme leader or a designated nominee.
  • Candidates aged 18 and over who do not meet the entry requirements, but whose skills, education or work experience indicate equivalent knowledge and skills, may be eligible for special admission at the discretion of the programme leader or a designated nominee.

Applicants must meet the minimum academic entry requirements and have achieved an overall band score (Academic) of 6.0 IELTS (writing, speaking, reading and listening bands no less than 5.5), or an equivalent (see the English Language Test table below). Existing English proficiency may also be evidenced where the medium of instruction in primary and secondary studies was English, or where the applicant has studied full-time for three years in New Zealand, the USA, Canada, Australia or the UK.

You can use the English language tests below to meet ICA's English language requirements. You must satisfy the requirements in one sitting, and results are valid for two years from the date on the test certificate.

  • IELTS (Academic): overall band score of 5.5, with no individual band score less than 5.0, or equivalent
  • Internet-based TOEFL (iBT): score of 46 (with a writing score of 14)
  • Cambridge English: ESOL FCE with a pass at Grade B, or CAE with a score of 52
  • NZCEL: Level 4 (General) or (Employment)
  • Pearson Test of English (Academic): PTE (Academic) score of 42, with no band score lower than 36
  • Trinity ISE: ISE II with no less than merit in any band
  • LanguageCert: B2 Communicator International ESOL Written (LRW) High Pass with no less than 25/50 in each skill, and Spoken (S) Pass.

Students are required to have a computer device (laptop or desktop) with internet access, a web browser and a minimum screen size of 10 inches. For more information on device specifications, please contact marketing@ica.ac.nz or your Head of Department.

Course Structure

  • Computer Hardware and Operating Systems
    Understand the synergy between hardware and operating systems to optimise system performance.
  • Data Communication and Computer Networks
    Covers encoding, protocols and network architectures used in modern data communications.
  • Systems Administration
    Maintenance, configuration, updates, security and backups of organisational systems.
  • Database Design and Administration
    Data modelling, user access control and performance tuning for organisational databases.
  • Web Design Fundamentals
    Layout, typography and UX principles alongside HTML, CSS and JavaScript basics.
  • Programming Principles
    Fundamental guidelines that govern the creation of efficient, maintainable and reliable software.
  • IT Security and Professional Practice
    Safeguarding organisational assets and adhering to professional and ethical standards.
  • IT Project
    A structured project covering planning, design, development, testing and deployment.

Education Pathway

Pathway to Auckland Institute of Studies (AIS) Credit transfer into Year 2 of the AIS Bachelor of Information Technology under ICA's articulation agreement with AIS.
Pathway to Griffith University, Australia Up to 140CP credit transfer towards the Griffith University Bachelor of Information Technology.
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Fees, entry requirements and curriculum details are correct as published by ICA at the time of writing but can change — please contact our Admissions team to confirm current details before applying.

Upcoming Intake Dates

  • 12 Oct 2026
  • 14 Dec 2026
  • 25 Jan 2027

Have Questions?

Talk to our Admissions team about entry requirements, fees or how to apply.

+64 (9) 309 9558 Enquire Now