The aim of the Graduate Diploma is to give people who already have a degree, or extensive business experience, and opportunity to extend their knowledge in a specialised field, without having to complete a degree.

The Graduate Diploma aims to produce graduates who have the following generic skills, knowledge and personal qualities:
- A sound understanding and awareness of the New Zealand business environment, and its place in an international context
- The academic credentials necessary for post-graduate studies
- Effective oral and written communication skills
- The ability to work effectively in group situations
- The ability to use current information technology in business
- Good analytical and research skills
- An enquiring and critical attitude of mind capable of applying theoretical concepts in solving practical problems
- Self direction and the ability to balance work and recreation
- Ethical awareness
- Cultural sensitivity
- Political astuteness and environmental awareness
- Practical business, skills which will lead to the ability to add value to a business, either as an employer, employee or business owner.

Further educational opportunities may include pathways to become a Chartered Accountant, or graduates may be eligible to enrol in postgraduate study.

To be eligible for admission to this programme, all applicants must meet three admission requirements:
* Requirements for either General, Special, or Discretionary admission
* Any additional Programme specific requirements
* English language requirements
General Admission:
To be admitted to this programme all applicants must be at least 16 years of age on the date the programme starts, and meet one of the following requirements:
University Entrance:
NCEA Level 3
Three subjects at level 3, made up of:
14 credits in each of three approved subjects
Literacy - 10 credits at Level 2 or above, made up of:
5 credits in reading
5 credits in writing
Numeracy - 10 credits at Level 1 or above, made up of:
achievement standards - specified achievement standards available through a range of subjects, or
unit standards - package of three numeracy unit standards (26623, 26626, 26627- all three required).
Or
Satisfied the criteria for entrance to a New Zealand University with an equivalent to the above from another secondary qualification.
Or
Successful completion of an approved qualification at Level 4 or above with a relevant pathway.
Special Admission:
Applicants who have attained the age of 20 years on or before the first day of the semester in which study for the programme is to commence and who do not meet the general admission requirements stated above and who believe that they have the level of preparedness for study at this level may apply for special admission.
In assessing whether to grant special admission the primary focus will be on the applicant's ability to demonstrate a likelihood to succeed in the programme.
All decisions will be at the discretion of the Relevant Academic Authority.
Discretionary Admission:
Applicants who do not meet the general admission requirements stated above and who believe that they have the level of preparedness for study at this level may apply for discretionary admission.
In assessing whether to grant discretionary admission the primary focus will be on the applicant's ability to demonstrate a likelihood to succeed in the programme.
All decisions will be at the discretion of the Relevant Academic Authority.
English Language Requirements:
All applicants (international and domestic) for whom English or te reo Māori is not a first language need to provide evidence that they have the necessary English language proficiency required for the programme.
International applicants must provide evidence that they have the necessary English language proficiency required for the Programme as outlined in the table for internationally recognised English proficiency outcomes for international students from one test taken in the preceding two years, or an equivalent described in NZQA Rules and on Delivery Site English Language Requirements for International Ākonga webpage.
All applicants must provide evidence that they have the necessary language literacy proficiency required for the Programme as demonstrated by the equivalence of:
10 NCEA literacy credits at Level 2 or above, made up of:
5 credits in reading
5 credits in writing
Applicants who are unable to provide evidence of the above may be required to demonstrate capability using an approved proficiency test or an equivalent described in NZQA Rules.
International applicants must provide evidence that they have the necessary English language proficiency required for the Programme as outlined in the table for internationally recognised English proficiency outcomes for international students from one test taken in the preceding two years, or an equivalent described in NZQA Rules and on Delivery Site English Language Requirements for International Ākonga webpage.