About the programme
The Graduate Diploma in Information Technology (GDIT) is an NZQF Level 7 qualification at Auckland Institute of Studies (AIS) for people who already hold a bachelor's degree and want to build skills in a particular area of IT. It is worth 135 credits and runs for 12 months, or three full-time trimesters.
Two groups of students are the intended audience. One is graduates from non-IT fields who need practical knowledge of a specific branch of information technology. The other is holders of an IT degree who want to concentrate on a specialist topic to widen their career options in the industry.
Students complete eight courses within one of three specialist topics. Software Development covers programming or database fundamentals, object-oriented programming and the development of desktop, web and mobile applications. Networks and Security focuses on networking, server administration, advanced networking and network system security. Information Systems deals with databases, systems analysis and design, ERP systems, management information systems and e-business strategy. Requirements modelling and IT project management are part of all three topics.
The last course is either an intensive IT project or an IT internship. The course plan is prescribed and can differ between intakes, and applicants should check whether the Networks and Security or Information Systems topics are running. Every GDIT student receives a personal laptop along with the required Microsoft software at no extra charge.
The diploma is a fit for anyone who wants to change direction or add a hands-on IT specialisation to an existing degree within a single year.
Entry requirements
- A bachelor's degree at least equivalent to the New Zealand pass standard
- IELTS 6.0 with no band below 5.5; alternatives are TOEFL iBT 60 with writing 18 (test format restrictions apply), PTE Academic 50 with no band below 42, or NZCEL (Academic) Level 4
- Applicants without a degree but with a suitable combination of a lower qualification and work experience may be granted special admission by the Academic Board
What you study
- COMP513 Fundamentals of Computer Programming or COMP514 Fundamentals of Computer Databases
- SOFT605 Object Oriented Programming
- SOFT703 Web Applications Development
- SOFT708 Mobile Applications Development
- CONE618 Server Administration
- CONE709 Network System Security
- INFO620 Enterprise Resource Planning Systems
- COMP617 Requirements Modelling (all topics)
- COMP701 Information Technology Project Management (all topics)
- COMP721 Intensive Information Technology Project or COMP723 Information Technology Internship
Careers after graduation
- Software development (Software Development topic)
- Computer networking and network security (Networks and Security topic)
- Business information systems (Information Systems topic)
Post-study work visa
Generally not available for this qualification
Depends on the qualification, the length of study and other Immigration New Zealand requirements.
This description is based on the official programme page, checked on 09/09/2026. Ask an NIU adviser about fees and intake dates — the programme page on the AIS website