Are you a New Zealand resident or international student? If you’re a New Zealander or citizen please use Domestic enrolment. If you live outside of New Zealand or are not a Resident or citizen or hold a visa to work and study in New Zealand, use International enrolment.
This page has school and government updates about the COVID-19 situation plus helpful links to trusted organisations
All NZSE and Seafield campuses reopened 18 May 2020
NZSE and Seafield campuses reopened on 18 May 2020, this includesATC Military and Vocational Prep Campuses.
Our first and foremost priority remains the health and well-being of our staff and our students, therefore we will be making some changes to our campuses to keep things as safe as possible:
We will be ensuring all facilities are cleaned regularly, with a particular focus on any surfaces or items that are likely to come into frequent contact with different students.
Wash or sanitise your hands regularly. Hand sanitiser will be available at entry to sites and classrooms, lecture theatres etc
There will be seating arrangements implemented in classrooms to ensure distancing
Please ensure you keep your distance from other people around campus
If you are sick, please stay home and do not come to school
Where can I get the latest information? www.covid19.govt.nz is the first place you should go for official information. Here you’ll find more information on COVID-19, how to protect yourself, the Alert System, latest Government updates, information for communities and other resources.
Latest updates
Immigration New Zealand
Immigration New Zealand has now received 21,341 expressions of interest (EOI) from people who believe they meet exceptions to the border closure. Of the 20,922 EOIs decided so far, 4,029 meet the criteria and have been invited to apply for a visa.
Welfare assistance for foreign nationals
The Department of Internal Affairs (DIA) is working with New Zealand Red Cross to deliver welfare assistance for foreign nationals experiencing serious hardship due to COVID-19. Read more on the INZ website here. How can people apply for support?
From 1 July 2020, people who have found themselves in a tough position due to COVID-19 can check their eligibility and apply through here. What will the assistance pay for?
Under the Programme, assistance may be provided to help people who are eligible and need it most meet basic, urgent and immediate needs. Find out more about your eligibility criteria and what you can get assistance for on the INZ website here.
Information for offshore applicants
The New Zealand border remains closed to all but New Zealand citizens and residents. There are a limited number of exceptions, but most people do not meet the current strict border restrictions. As you may be aware, processing of visa applications for offshore applicants has been on hold to date. This is because legally INZ is not able to grant a visa to individuals who are unlikely to meet entry requirements. Read more on the INZ website here.
Domestic and International Hardship Fund for Learners
Are you a Domestic or International student studying with NZSE and suffering from financial hardship due to COVID-19?
The New Zealand Government has created the Hardship Fund for Learners (HAFL) for both domestic and international students to provide financial assistance for our students whose studies have or are being affected by COVID-19.* This means financial assistance may be available to you under a number of categories – rent, food, travel etc.
A hardship fund for international students has been established to address urgent, temporary needs, for example temporary inability to access cash or because of reduced part-time employment.
For more information and how to apply, please visit our Hardship Fund for Learners page HERE.
*Conditions Apply
Immigration and visa updates
Visa Extensions Holders of a work, student, visitor, limited or interim visa with an expiry date of 2 April to 9 July 2020 inclusive who were in New Zealand on 2 April 2020 will have their visas automatically extended to 25 September 2020. Confirmation of extensions will be emailed to all visa holders. Visit Immigration New Zealand for more information. Relaxing visa conditions for essential services The Government has agreed to relax visa conditions for a short period to allow temporary migrant workers and international students to further assist with our essential services during the COVID-19 response. This decision will help essential businesses to keep operating while New Zealand remains at Alert Level 2.
International students working in healthcare roles International Students currently employed in healthcare roles (including aged residential care) can work more than 20 hours per week. This is in order to support the public health response to COVID-19.
International students working in supermarkets International students currently employed by supermarkets owned by Woolworths New Zealand Limited, Foodstuffs North Island Limited or Foodstuffs South Island Limited, can work more than 20 hours per week.
For more information, please visit Immigration New Zealand website here.
Tertiary students support package
The government has announced a $130m support package for domestic tertiary students available to students from 16th April, 2020.
If you’re enrolled in full-time study and under the age of 55, you can borrow up to $2,000 to help with your course-related costs this year (increased from $1,000)
Support payments will continue even if you are unable to study online for up to eight weeks
Ensuring students receive partial tuition fee refunds if courses are discontinued
Ensure that if students are unable to complete a course of their studies due to COVID-19, it will not affect their entitlement fees-free tertiary study.
If you’re feeling low or anxious about yourself or others in your bubble, have a look at The Lowdown website. The website has information to help young New Zealanders recognise and understand depression or anxiety, including: Helpful information on anxiety and depression.
Helpful information on anxiety and depression
Guidance on other issues relevant to young people, such as bullying and family relationships
Quick steps to help build healthy mental well-being.
Information for anyone worried about a friend
A moderated forum for young people to share stories and experiences and provide peer-to-peer support
