Top Courses for Mechanical Engineers in New Zealand: Top Universities, Skills and Job Roles

Mechanical Engineers in New Zealand are in high demand because this job category falls into a shortage of skills in New Zealand. The government of New Zealand extends benefits for mechanical engineering degree holders from other countries to work in their country since more than NZD 50+ billion dollars have been invested solely for infrastructure development till 2025 starting from 2021 and the country lacks enough engineers with a certain level of expertise to give direction to these ongoing developments.  

Students who attain a degree in mechanical engineering from New Zealand Universities are offered a post-study work visa which is valid for 3 years and can be extended if the applicant applies and waits for permanent residency. You can get more information at: 

• Post Study Work Permit in New Zealand for Indian Students 
• How to get PR in New Zealand after study? 

Mechanical Engineers Prospects in New Zealand Highlights 

Read: New Zealand Student Visa Guide 

Top Courses for Mechanical Engineers in New Zealand 

Here are a few of the best courses after undergraduation in mechanical engineering from New Zealand: 

Check: Cost of Studying in New Zealand 

Top Universities for Mechanical Engineering in New Zealand 

There are just 5 universities in New Zealand that offer courses in Mechanical Engineering, their rankings are as follows: 

Thus, out of 5 universities in New Zealand that offer Mechanical Engineering courses, only 4 are ranked and recognized by QS Subject - 2021 Rankings for Mechanical Engineering. Moreover, some universities only offer UG courses or both UG and PG courses while some also offer a diploma in Mechanical Engineering. 

Read more: Cost of Living at New Zealand for International Students 

Mechanical Engineering Skill Shortage in New Zealand 

Reason why mechanical engineering jobs fall into skill shortages in New Zealand is due to the following: 

• As per the Government of New Zealand’s budget for 2021, NZD 4 billion has been invested only for infrastructure which would include roads, public transport, hospitals, etc.  
• The New Zealand Government is also focused on rebuilding Canterbury's infrastructure after the 2010 earthquakes. 
• Investment to run and maintain industries related to growth, especially dairy industries. 
• Since Auckland is a major attraction for students and hence a major chunk of the GDP comes from here, thus, this is also on the list for a high level of development. 
• Mechanical engineers are required not just for New Zealand’s development but also for its industries in the agricultural and construction sectors.  

Check: High Demand Jobs for Students in New Zealand 

Skills or Knowledge Required for Mechanical Engineers in New Zealand for Jobs 

The following skills are required by mechanical engineers to get a job in New Zealand based on their experience or training that is between 3-4 years: 

• Mechanical processes knowledge 
• Knowledge in subjects of physics, electronics, and thermodynamics 
• Knowledge of gases 
• Knowledge about New Zealand’s or commonly proposed safety regulations and quality standards 
• Mathematical modeling skills 
• Knowledge of legislations like the Resource Management Act, the New Zealand Building Code, local by-laws or town planning regulations as well. 
• Computer skills - CAD software 
• Communication skills for presenting and writing reports 

In terms of experience, mechanical engineers must have knowledge of working with machines, know about electric or electronic related working, the experience of understanding the typical working of a factory or industrial unit, must know technical drawing or even have the understanding of working with tools.  

Read: Part-time work options in New Zealand for international students 

Top Jobs for Mechanical Engineers in New Zealand 

Mechanical engineers in New Zealand are paid as per their areas of expertise and specialization undertaken at the UG or PG level. As per the trends,  

• Mechanical engineers with 1 year’s experience earn between NZD 50,000 - NZD 56,000 annually. 
• While 2-5 years of experience holding mechanical engineers are entitled to earn between NZD 57,000 - NZD 77,000. 
• Managerial level positions held by mechanical engineers earn around NZD 110,000 - NZD 180,000 per year.  

The following are the top job roles held by mechanical engineers in New Zealand along with their corresponding annual average salaries and hourly salary:  

The employers for mechanical engineers in New Zealand are mostly in private sector companies or those relating to consultancies. Following are sectors where maximum mechanical engineers are recruited in New Zealand: 

• Manufacturing 
• Building / Construction / Building services 
• Product development 
• Aviation / Boat building / Transport 
• Agriculture  
• Water and Wastewater management 
• Energy 

Check: Popular Job Sectors in New Zealand 

Mechanical Engineers in New Zealand are in high demand and hence, those with valid experience can apply for a job in New Zealand as the chances of getting a job are very high in New Zealand for Mechanical Engineers. The minimum experience is 3-4 years and the starting salary is NZD 50,000 which can go up to NZD 180,000 if one reaches manager-level positions.