Educational Institutions
Universal College of Learning (UCOL)
Considering study opportunities in New Zealand? UCOL is a large New Zealand government funded Institute of Technology located in the lower half of the North Island. UCOL's history originated in 1906 as the Palmerston North Technical Institute and has grown into a large regional Institute of Technology offering a wide range of postgraduate, undergraduate degrees, diplomas and certificates.
Manawatu - Wanganui
The Manawatu and Wanganui districts are popular with international students.
Manawatu - Wanganui
The Manawatu and Wanganui districts are popular with international students.
Wairarapa
Wairarapa is close to Wellington, and a popular place for fishing, surfing, cycling and wine tours.
UCOL is proud of its academic standing and respectability in the New Zealand Tertiary Education sector. Alumni of UCOL’s degree and diploma programmes have achieved significant success in commerce and the professional environment both in New Zealand and offshore.Many alumni have undertaken further educational study both in New Zealand and in countries such as the United States and UK, achieving high honours at the masters and doctoral level.We are proud of the fact that we produce graduates who are work ready, problem solvers and creative thinkers for this is an integral part of UCOL’s educational philosophy.
Over 10,000 students study at UCOL each year on either a full time or part time basis.There is a positive learning environment supported by excellent learning resources including student computer studios open seven days a week, free internet access, library support and an active students association.
UCOL has three main campuses close to main shopping centres; Palmerston North (population 78,000), Wanganui (population 45,000) and Masterton (population 22,000).All of these cities are relatively small by world standards, adding to the friendly environment which our international students enjoy so much.Recreational activities including sporting and cultural opportunities are very close at hand. For the more adventurous there are extreme sporting opportunities such as bungee jumping, skiing and water sports all within two hours drive from each campus.
Academic Programmes
All UCOL courses are government approved and accredited by our New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA).This means that there is a high degree of quality assurance and benchmarking of standards both within New Zealand and in an international context. UCOL also is a signatory to the New Zealand Ministry of Education Code of Practice for the Pastoral Care of International students. The iconic programmes that attract international students are computer graphic design, nursing, health sciences, business, computing, information technology and fashion design.
Degrees:
Bachelor of Information and Communications Technology (Applied)
Bachelor of Nursing
Bachelor of Nursing for Registered Nurses
Bachelor of Applied Science (Medical Imaging Technology)
Bachelor of Exercise & Sport Science
Bachelor of Fashion Design
Bachelor of Fashion Design (Honours)
Bachelor of Applied Visual Imaging
Bachelor of Fine Arts
Bachelor of Computer Graphic Design
Bachelor of Computer Graphic Design (Honours)
Post Graduate Diploma of Computer Graphic Design
Masters of Computer Graphic Design
Certificates and Diplomas:
Included are courses in:Business & Administration; Information Systems & Computing; Health, Science & Nursing; Sport, Fitness & Recreation; Tourism & Travel; Technology, Trades & Industry; Hospitality; Fashion; Art & Design
Academic Year:
The academic year at UCOL consists of two half-year semesters. The first semester is from February to June.The second semester is from July to November.There is a three week holiday between the two semesters.
Support and Accommodation
UCOL’s international staff are dedicated to helping international students adapt to living in New Zealand. This guarantees that international students can be assured there will be orientation programmes, support networks to assist international students progress through their academic programmes and a range of other support such as advice with accommodation, collection from the airport on arrival, assistance with banking and settling in to the UCOL and the New Zealand environment.
Types of Accommodation
UCOL can offer students two types of accommodation.
Home Stay:
Homestay is where a student lives with a New Zealand family. UCOL can arrange this type of accommodation before you leave your own country. The average cost of home stay is $175.00 per week.
Students Flats (Wanganui only):
Wanganui UCOL has a limited number of student flats available.The cost is $100.00 per week which covers all the bills except telephone, bedding and food.
Private Rental Accommodation
Flatting:
Flatting means that you wish to rent a house and share it with friends. A flat may have one bedroom, or may be a house with as many as five or six bedrooms. You will be responsible for your share of all the costs. Many students enjoy the challenge and independence of sharing a flat with other students.
Private Hostels:
In a hostel you will have your own room and may have your own bathroom and telephone. You will be provided with a bed and bedding and will share laundry and cooking facilities. Prices vary according to the facilities provided.Palmerston North has private hostels that are within 5 minutes walk from the Palmerston North campus.
Temporary Accommodation:
Finding a suitable place to rent can take 2-4 weeks. We can arrange short term homestay accommodation for this time.
(Please contact the International Student Coordinator for further information on these accommodation options.)
Things You’ll Love About UCOL:
· Lecturers who are passionate about what they teach
· A focus on small classes
· Lecturers with strong industry and professional experience
· Hands-on learning
· Huge range of courses, both on campus and online
· Personal Education Planners
· Health and childcare facilities
· Vibrant and fun campus environments
