International - How to apply

International Requirements and Information

General Entry Requirements

You will need to apply for a student visa from Immigration New Zealand, and you will also need to pay the tuition fees in full before applying for a visa for New Zealand. If you apply from another country, you may be able to get an ‘Approval in Principle’ before paying course fees.

You must be 18 or older, and provide evidence of skills and interests relevant to the course you wish to take. If English is not your first language, you must demonstrate proficiency in English language.

English Language Requirements

Level 4 Certificates – IELTS 5.5 Academic (no bands lower than 5.0)
Level 5 Diplomas – IELTS 5.5 Academic (no bands lower than 5.0)
Other Diplomas and Degrees (Level 6 or 7) – IELTS 6.0 Academic (no bands lower than 5.5)

Equivalent results from alternative international English language tests are accepted: TOEFL (paper or iBT), Cambridge English Examinations, NZCEL, Pearson Test of English (Academic), City and Guilds IESOL, LanguageCert.

See this NZQA guide of up-to-date requirements for each New Zealand programme level and test.

Medical and Travel Insurance

International students must have appropriate and current medical and travel insurance while studying in New Zealand.
We can purchase your international Student Travel Insurance through our approved partner Southern Cross. Talk to us for more information.

Student Visa Work Rights

International students enrolled in full-time study with NZSE College are allowed to work part-time for up to 20 hours a week and full-time during all scheduled holidays. Visit Immigration New Zealand or talk to us for more information.

Fees Protection Policy

The New Zealand Government requires all private training establishments registered with the New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA), to have some form of protection for fees paid to them in advance.

As a student of NZSE College your fees are deposited into the Public Trust’s student trust account and paid by Public Trust to the school throughout the duration of your study on a monthly basis. For further information visit Public Trust.

This means, in the unlikely event that NZSE College is unable to provide the course in which you are enrolled (this could be because of closure, insolvency, loss of NZQA accreditation or course withdrawal), the balance of your un-utilised student fees (including accommodation and living expenses if paid in advance) will be protected. You will have the choice to receive any remaining fees back into your account or have the amount paid directly to an alternative provider of your choice where you intend to continue your studies.

International Student Refund Policy

International Student
Refund Policy

NZSE College has policies and procedures relating to refunds as required by the Education Act 1989. Detailed information on time-frames for refunds and how much may be refunded can be found in our Student Handbook.

Grievance Procedures

If you ever feel unhappy about aspects of your studies, the first thing to do is to talk to international staff on campus, your tutor or the Academic Director. We also have free counsellors who can be booked if you need extra support. We’re here to help!

If you feel the issues have not been addressed, you may enter a formal process with NZQA for academic matters. Detailed instructions are found in the Student Handbook and a Code of Practice summary is provided at Orientation.

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International - How to apply

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International Requirements and Information