- Duration
- Full-time: half year
- Part-time: Varies
- Next start date
- 2025 Semester Two – 21 July
- 2026 Semester Two – 20 July
- Available locations
- City
- Points
- 60
- Programme type
- Postgraduate
Programme overview
New Zealand is a recognised leader in ensuring best practice in geothermal development. Being in Auckland – a three-hour drive away from most of the country’s high temperature geothermal systems – makes us perfectly suited to offer postgraduate study in this field.
This highly practical programme focuses on providing the necessary applied knowledge and skills required to pursue a career in the geothermal industry. It includes two field trips to the Taupo volcanic zone, and learning from our highly-regarded staff, all of whom are members of the Geothermal Institute and GNS Science.
Programme structure
This is a demanding programme with a high workload. It is only available during Semester Two. You will be expected to attend an average of four hours of lecture and two hours of tutorials each day, with additional work to be addressed during parts of your weekends.
You will need to complete:
- Two 15 point compulsory courses focusing on a general overview of the geothermal industry and related technologies.
- A 15 point research report on some aspect of geothermal exploration, development or exploitation, based on a study using field, lab, or theoretical methods.
- One 15 point elective from the PGCertGeothermTech schedule. The lectures and examinations for these occur during weeks 8 to 13. Parts of this programme can therefore be completed in six-week blocks.
- You must attend two week-long field trips to the Taupo volcanic zone, and complete a technical report after each trip. There will also be several day trips dedicated to visiting geothermal companies and sites of geological or geothermal interest.
You'll also need to meet other requirements, including time limits and total points limits. See Postgraduate enrolment.
Sample programme structure
Semester Two (Geothermal Exploration elective)
Compulsory 45 points
-
- Code:
- GEOTHERM 601
- Name:
- Geothermal Resources and their Use
- Type:
- Compulsory core course
- Points:
- 15 pts
-
- Code:
- GEOTHERM 602
- Name:
- Geothermal Energy Technology
- Type:
- Compulsory core course
- Points:
- 15 pts
-
- Code:
- GEOTHERM 689
- Name:
- Geothermal Project
- Type:
- Research project
- Points:
- 15 pts
Elective 15 points
-
- Code:
- GEOTHERM 603
- Name:
- Geothermal Exploration
- Type:
- Elective course
- Points:
- 15 pts
Sample programme structure
Semester Two (Geothermal Engineering elective)
Compulsory 45 points
-
- Code:
- GEOTHERM 601
- Name:
- Geothermal Resources and their Use
- Type:
- Compulsory core course
- Points:
- 15 pts
-
- Code:
- GEOTHERM 602
- Name:
- Geothermal Energy Technology
- Type:
- Compulsory core course
- Points:
- 15 pts
-
- Code:
- GEOTHERM 689
- Name:
- Geothermal Project
- Type:
- Compulsory core course
- Points:
- 15 pts
Elective 15 points
-
- Code:
- GEOTHERM 620
- Name:
- Geothermal Engineering
- Type:
- Elective course
- Points:
- 15 pts
2025 entry requirements
My highest qualification is from:
Programme requirements
Minimum programme requirements
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.
-
Study optionTaught 60 pointsGrade requiredGPA Grade Point Average 4.0
Bachelor of Engineering (Hons) or Bachelor of Science (Hons)
Further programme requirements
Taught 60 points
You must have completed a BE(Hons) or a BSc(Hons) in an earth or physical science field. You will need a GPA of 4.0.
Other pathways to study
In some circumstances, you may be admitted with a lower GPA if you have at least three years of work experience in the geothermal energy field.
Programme requirements
Minimum programme requirements
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.
-
Study optionTaught 60 pointsGrade requiredGPE Grade Point Equivalent 4.0
One year of postgraduate study in engineering or science
-
QualificationIELTS Academic International English Language Testing SystemScore required6.5
No bands less than 6.0
Further programme requirements
Taught 60 points
You must have completed a four-year engineering degree, or one year of postgraduate study in science following an undergraduate degree, in an earth or physical science. Your study must have been at a recognised university (or similar institution) and you will need a GPE of 4.0.
Other pathways to study
In some circumstances, you may be admitted with a lower GPE if you have at least three years of work experience in the geothermal energy field.
How much does a Postgraduate Certificate in Geothermal Energy Technology cost per year?
2025 fees
- Domestic students
- NZ$6,063.60*
- International students
- NZ$32,479*
Fees are set in advance of each calendar year and will be updated on this website. Fees are inclusive of 15% GST, but do not include the Student Services Fee, course books, travel and health insurance, or living costs. Amounts shown are indicative only. In addition to the tuition fees, there is a Student Services Fee of $8.88 per point, estimated at $532.80 for full-time study (60 points). Fees will be confirmed upon completion of enrolment into courses.
*Please note: amounts shown are indicative and estimates only.
Find out about financial support information
Scholarships and awards
Find out about the scholarships you may be eligible for.
Student loans and allowances
Are you a New Zealand citizen or resident? You could be eligible for a student loan or allowance.
Cost of living
Get an idea of how much accommodation and general living in Auckland will cost.
Key dates
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.
Application closing dates
- Semester Two 2025
- 4 July 2025
Start dates
Here are the start dates for the programme.
| Semester Two | Starts – 15 July |
|---|---|
| Ends – 11 November |
| Semester Two | Starts – 21 July |
|---|---|
| Ends – 17 November |
Other important dates
See important dates for the academic year, including orientation, enrolment, study breaks, exams, and graduation.
Where could this programme take you?
This programme consistently achieves its aim to provide the best technical skills applicable to the field – we have trained over 1,500 students who are employed around the world as leaders in the geothermal industry. You may also gain wider industrial and technical perspectives to enable the pursuit of further research.
Jobs related to this programme
- Analyst
- Geothermal drilling supervisor
- Geothermal project manager
- Reservoir engineer
- Rig manager
- Site geologist
Student career planning service
Once you become a student at the University, you can get help with planning and developing your career from Career Development and Employability Services.
Key Information for Students
Compare qualifications and academic information across different New Zealand institutions.
Do you need help?
Can’t find the answer in AskAuckland?
Need to speak to someone?
You can phone us directly.
- Auckland
- 923 5025
- Outside Auckland
- 0800 61 62 63
- International
- +64 9 373 7513