See important dates for the academic year, including orientation, enrolment, study breaks, exams, and graduation.

Please note: we will consider late applications if places are still available. International students should start the application process as early as possible to allow sufficient time to apply for a visa.

University of Auckland qualification

Minimum requirements listed here are the likely grades required and do not guarantee entry. We assess each application individually and applicants may require a higher grade to be offered a place.

3.5 - Grade Point Average in a Bachelors degree

Calculate your Grade Point Average (GPA)

You must have completed a Bachelors degree at this University with a grade point average of 3.5 or higher in 60 points above stage II.

If you do not meet the above entry requirements, but have other relevant experience and think you would be successful in postgraduate study, please contact us to discuss alternative pathways into our programmes. 

You'll also need to meet other requirements, including time limits and total points limits. See Postgraduate enrolment.

If you are an international applicant whose first language is not English, you must provide evidence of your English proficiency.

If you are a domestic applicant, you will generally be considered proficient in English.

6.5 - IELTS Academic score required

No bands less than - 6.0

See alternative English language requirements

For more information about the requirements and English proficiency tests, please see Postgraduate English language requirements.

Tertiary qualification from another institution

Minimum requirements listed here are the likely grades required and do not guarantee entry. We assess each application individually and applicants may require a higher grade to be offered a place.

3.5 - Grade Point Equivalent in a Bachelors degree at a recognised university (or similar institution)

Calculate your Grade Point Equivalent (GPE)

You must have completed a Bachelors degree at a recognised university (or similar institution), with a grade point equivalent of 3.5 or higher in 60 points above stage II.

Transfer of Credit - You can apply for transfer of credit for tertiary courses completed elsewhere as part of your Application for Admission. For more information see External transfer of credit.

If you have completed study at another New Zealand University, get an estimate of the transfer credit you may be eligible for, using our Transfer Credit Calculator.

Alternatively, in exceptional circumstances, if you have extensive relevant practical, professional or scholarly experience which is deemed equivalent to the above standard, then you may be considered for admission to the PGCertDes degree.

As part of your application for admission, you will need to supply a written statement and curriculum vitae of relevant experience. We will contact you directly about supplying these once your application is received.

Written Statement

Your written statement should address your reasons for wanting to participate in the programme and how you see this contributing to your future career aspirations. Your statement should be approximately 500 words in length.

Curriculum Vitae (CV)

Your CV should include descriptions and examples of relevant work experience and any other activities considered appropriate for your application (for example: participation in design projects (professional and amateur), involvement in community activities, details of any academic and/or professional design awards/prizes).

An interview will also be needed to assist in the assessment of your application. Once you submit your application for admission and your written statement and curriculum vitae, we will contact you directly about scheduling an interview (in-person, telephone, Skype, or Zoom).

If you do not meet the above entry requirements, but have other relevant experience and think you would be successful in postgraduate study, please contact us to discuss alternative pathways into our programmes.