New Zealand Diploma in Cybersecurity (Level 6)

at ARA INSTITUTE OF CANTERBURY Free Consultation

QUALIFICATION

New Zealand Diploma (Level 6, 120 credits)

Duration

1 year full-time (part-time available)

Location

City Campus (Madras Street), Christchurch

Fees

NZD $26,572 per year (2026 indicative; confirm current fee)

Entry Score

IELTS: Academic 6.0 overall (no band lower than 5.5)

Next Intake

February and July

Programme Overview

The New Zealand Diploma in Cybersecurity (Level 6) at Ara Institute of Canterbury is a one-year qualification for people who already have an IT diploma or the first year of an IT degree and want to specialise in security.

Ara lists Datacom, Spark and Computer Concepts among graduate employers. The diploma also leads into Ara's Bachelor of Information and Communication Technologies.

What You'll Study

Information System Security
Cryptography
Network Security
Cybersecurity Management
Ethical Hacking and Testing
Cybersecurity Data Analysis
Cybersecurity Project

Why Choose This Programme?

Specialist skills in one year: seven security courses, including ethical hacking and a project.
Two intakes: start in February or July.
Pathway to a degree: leads into the Bachelor of Information and Communication Technologies.

Ready to apply? Book a free consultation, read our study in New Zealand guide or browse all courses.

Career Pathways

Sector	Roles
Security operations	Cybersecurity analyst, SOC analyst or incident response support analyst.
Risk and administration	Information security administrator or security risk analyst.
Testing	Junior penetration tester.

Entry Requirements

A Level 5 or 6 New Zealand diploma in IT (technical support, information systems or software development), or the first year of an IT degree, or equivalent. Alternative entry may be available.
English: IELTS (Academic) 6.0 overall with no band lower than 5.5, or equivalent.
Need help with your English test? See our IELTS and PTE coaching.