av大平台

av大平台 logoHome
Students on a university campus

Chemical Engineering degrees in New Zealand

Highlighted course

Looking for graduate level options? See Masters degrees in Chemical Engineering in New Zealand

Study a Chemical Engineering degree in New Zealand in 2025

Chemical engineering is the branch of engineering that is concerned with turning raw materials into useful products, for example food, drinks, metals, and beauty products. You will utilise chemistry, physics, mathematics and economics to use, transform and transport chemicals, materials and energy.

An undergraduate degree in chemical engineering will give you a foundation of knowledge in the area. You will study modules on material science, organic chemistry and physical chemistry, among others. Throughout your degree, you will develop your practical skills and theoretical knowledge, preparing you for employment.

Your degree will be delivered in a mixture of modes. These will include lectures and seminars, as well as practical and laboratory sessions. You may be required to take part in a work placement module or year.

Depending on where you choose to study, you may be able to specialise towards the end of your degree. This specialisation can influence where you choose to work after you have graduated. Common specialisations include:

  • Biochemical Engineering
  • Process Design
  • Plant Design
  • Polymer Chemistry
  • Raw Materials

If your degree required you to write a dissertation in your final year, this will give you an opportunity to further explore a favoured area of chemical engineering.

The accreditation of your chemical engineering course will depend on your institution, as well as the content of your degree. Typically, you can expect to be awarded a Bachelor of Engineering (BEng), or a Bachelor of Science (BSc).

In some countries, you may be required to gain professional accreditation before you are able to work as an engineer. Some degree courses are accredited or approved by a professional body of chemical engineering. Your institution will be able to provide you with more information about this.

Generally, an undergraduate degree in chemical engineering will take three to four years to complete. Foundation degrees, diplomas and certificates can last up to two years, when studied full-time.

Once you have successfully completed your degree, you can choose to either seek employment in your chosen area, or further your studies. Continuation of your studies could be in the form of a postgraduate degree, such as a masters or a PhD, or a graduate diploma or certificate.

The most common destination for chemical engineering graduates is working within jobs directly related to their degree. You might work as a chemical engineer, energy engineering and petroleum engineer. As well as this, you could work in the processing industries, managing and developing chemical processes.

If you choose to work within an industry not related to chemical engineering, you will be able to make use of your transferable skills. Skills gained include problem solving, project management, attention to detail, and research skills.

An undergraduate degree in chemical engineering will give you a foundation of knowledge in the area. You will study modules on material science, organic chemistry and physical chemistry, among others. Throughout your degree, you will develop your practical skills and theoretical knowledge, preparing you for employment.

Your degree will be delivered in a mixture of modes. These will include lectures and seminars, as well as practical and laboratory sessions. You may be required to take part in a work placement module or year.

Study in New Zealand

New Zealand would be an excellent choice for any international student looking to study abroad. With a diverse and extremely friendly population, students from all over the world would feel welcomed, and find it easy to integrate into their local student community. New Zealand's higher education system has a reputation for encouraging students to think for themselves and participate in cutting edge research projects. As an international student in New Zealand, you will have access to 8 highly ranked universities, all ranked in the top 500 of the QS World University rankings.

See our detailed guide to studying in New Zealand for international students.

Sign up to av大平台.com

Sign up to av大平台.com, the home of quality study abroad advice.

Sign up now
Students with books and test tubes

Other Undergraduate Engineering courses in New Zealand

International study advice

Read our selection of advice articles for those looking to start on their study abroad adventure. Covering topics from study visas, applications, funding and choosing the right course and institution:

World map on a blackboard
Deciding to study abroad: The first steps

Read av大平台's suggestions on your first steps when deciding where to study abroad, with helpful tips to make your decision easier.

A camera, a visa and a world map
International Study Visas

Find out more about international student visas for studying abroad, as well as how, where and when to apply for yours.

Person holding a compass
How to choose the ideal study destination for you

In this article we look at how to approach choosing where in the world you would like to study.

Students reading a book
English Language Testing for International Students

Find out more about English language tests, your options and what is required as an overseas student.

More Advice and Guidance for Studying Abroad