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What credit total do I need to plan for to earn a graduate diploma in New Zealand?

27 Oct 2026 · Answered by Swathi Boppana · 1 min read
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A graduate diploma in New Zealand typically requires at least 120 credits, of which 72 must be at level 7. It is designed for degree graduates as a bridging qualification to postgraduate courses. Check the official university page for current requirements before you apply.

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A graduate diploma in New Zealand requires at least 120 credits, and at least 72 of them must be at level 7. It lets degree graduates take a significant body of study at an advanced undergraduate level.

Graduate Diploma Credit Requirements

QualificationMinimum creditsLevel 7 credits
Graduate diploma120At least 72
Graduate certificate60At least 40
Bachelor's degree (levels 5 to 7)360At least 72

What the Graduate Diploma Is For

  • It is a bridging qualification to postgraduate courses.
  • It helps you broaden knowledge in a familiar subject while building knowledge in a new area.
  • It is designed for degree graduates.

My Advice

Use the graduate diploma if you want a bridge into postgraduate study. Credit rules can vary by institution, so confirm the exact total on the official university page.

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