Dickinson (21), a science student at the University of Otago, finished 23rd in the 10-day competition, won by German pilot Michael Buchthal, earlier this week.
Dickinson, who comes from Wellington, finished ahead of the only other New Zealander in the 50-strong field, experienced London-based pilot Ben Flewett.
The world championships were held around the Italian Alps, based in Rieti, Italy.
Dickinson, making his first appearance at the championships, had flown in the same area last year at the junior world championships.
He took up gliding with his father, Warren, in 2002.
Halfway through the competition, Flewett managed to get himself up to eighth position.
He then played a high-risk game, getting out ahead then gambling on possible lift sources in poor thermal conditions.
Unfortunately, that strategy failed, leading to Flewett experiencing land-outs and some poor placings, and a 27th placing at the end of the competition.
German pilot Mario Kiebling finished second, with Peter Hartmann, of Austria, third.
