The qualification will give you the essential knowledge and skills required to enter employment as an architectural technician and be able to work on small and medium scale building projects of limited complexity through all stages to completion under the supervision of an experienced architectural technician, designer or architect. 

This qualification is designed for people intending to work as architectural technicians, and also provides recognition of knowledge and skills for those already working in the role. As an architectural technician you will be able to produce working drawings that meet the requirements of New Zealand legislation, Codes of Practice, and New Zealand and Australian Standards. 

Study with Limited-Time Zero- Fees Offer 

Take the next step towards your qualification with up to two zero-fees courses * 
For a limited time, Open Polytechnic is offering up to two zero-fee courses to learners who submit a new enrolment application for courses within our Construction or Architectural Technology programmes starting from August to December 2026.

What is the offer?  

Up to two zero fees courses 
Available for courses starting from August to December 2026
Available to learners who submit a new enrolment application during the offer period. Closing dates for applications are published on the webpages linked below. 
Eligibility, and terms and conditions apply. 

Study and completing your qualification: 

You can study these programmes full or part –time and over the next 6 years and you must complete all the required courses to graduate with your diploma. 
Whether you're starting your qualification or continuing your studies, there's never been a better time to get moving towards your career goals. 

How to apply for a new enrolment with this limited time 2026 zero fees offer 

Choose the programme below that you are interested in studying, and apply to enrol in one or two courses that start in or before December 2026. 
Complete the online application before the closing date (e.g. December applications must be submitted on or before midnight 8th December 2026) and on the ‘payment method’ page, enter the following information.  
Contract ID:  2026 zero fees offer 
Contract Name:  2026 zero fees offer  

Our teams will review your application and ensure you meet the Entry requirements for this programme and the eligibility criteria for this offer. If you are, the 100% fee waiver will be applied. 
By using the offer code to enrol, you agree to the eligibility criteria and terms and conditions of this offer Terms and Conditions of Enrolment. 
 
* Eligibility Criteria, Terms and Conditions specific to this limited-time 2026 Zero Fees offer for NZ2416/NZ2420 here

What you will learn

When you graduate with this qualification you will be able to:

• Apply comprehensive knowledge of construction principles and methodology to evaluate design for small and medium building projects in a design, building or construction related environment.
• Carry out feasibility studies for small, medium and large buildings.
• Establish the clients' requirements, develop and communicate a concept and building design, and prepare approval documentation for a building project in accordance with a clients' brief.
• Evaluate the performance of and select materials and finishes to be used in the building process.
• Prepare, organise and present architectural documentation for small and medium buildings using manual and digital technologies in accordance with the legislative and regulatory environment.
• Apply knowledge of the roles and responsibilities, documentation and administrative requirements, including the tendering process to construction contract management processes.
• Apply organisational principles, use digital technologies and industry best practice to communicate effectively with parties to a construction contract.  
   

Career opportunities 

If you complete the New Zealand Diploma in Architectural Technology (Level 6), you could work as an architectural technician in construction companies, architectural practices, architectural design companies, or local councils. You’ll work under the supervision of an experienced architectural technician, designer, or architect on a variety of construction projects.