Aoraki Polytechnic

Welcome to Aoraki Polytechnic, New Zealand

At Aoraki Polytechnic we are proud to offer international students the opportunity to study with us and value the contribution international students bring to learning.

Aoraki Polytechnic is a New Zealand government owned and registered tertiary education institution with a long history of delivering tertiary education on the East coast of the South Island of New Zealand.

Aoraki Polytechnic aims to supply international students with a study and lifestyle experience which supports the long term success of our students in a supportive, real New Zealand environment.

Number One in New Zealand for successful course completion

New Zealand Government owned and accredited. Aoraki Polytechnic offers a diverse range of Certificate and Diploma programmes with many career and Degree or further study pathways.

A range of City & Guilds, ITEC, and NZQA qualifications

Aoraki Polytechnic can tailor a range of education, training and New Zealand experience packages for groups. Students will gain a mix of practical skills and use specialised industry equipment.

Aoraki Polytechnic provides programmes from level 1 to 6 which are recognised as pathways to higher study, work and residence.

English language classes, conversation groups, experienced tutors, small classes, and a safe and secure learning environment ensure that you are supported to succeed in your programme of study

A dedicated team in the International Department provide support specifically for international students to settle in to life and study in New Zealand including accommodation support, insurance processing, orientation for new students, community connections and ongoing support throughout your study

The 20% ratio for international students means you will get the opportunity to study and learn alongside New Zealand students in a New Zealand learning environment with at least 80% of our students being domestic students

Exciting and friendly: see where they filmed the Lord of the Rings, visit the amazing and exciting activities and regions of the South Island and improve your English while learning about another culture.

Combine the advantages of the safety and security of a small city life where people greet each other with a smile with the opportunities for adventure in the region through the outdoor, healthy lifestyle of a region surrounded by Ski fields, lakes and mountains to create a lifestyle experience which you study.

Aoraki Polytechnic offers a range of accommodation options for international students studying at Aoraki Polytechnic.

Applicants are asked about their accommodation preferences and a homestay family or hostel room can be selected for them from our range of providers.

Aoraki Polytechnic checks and regularly inspects homestay accommodation. Alternative accommodation can be arranged in hostel in Timaru. Aoraki Polytechnic arranges payment to these two types of accommodation on behalf of students.

In addition, Aoraki Polytechnic can provide advice for students looking for accommodation in flats which are then the responsibility of students to maintain.

Is English your second language? Do you wish to improve your English?

With a long history of working with speakers of English as a second language, Aoraki Polytechnic offers students the opportunity to increase English language skills on quality assured, New Zealand registered English Language programmes.

Aoraki Polytechnic offers academic language programmes from elementary to advanced. All English language programmes are delivered in small, mixed nationality groups and taught by qualified English language tutors.

You can complete up to 4 levels in one year:

While you develop your English language skills, you can take advantage of the range of course activities designed to expose you to the diverse opportunities available in the community.

English language skills are of great benefit or required for:

Arts and Design

Take control of your future and turn your creative talents into a career

Business and Tourism

Open up a world of opportunities within New Zealand and across the world

English Language

Improve your English language skills in an English speaking country

Health and Education

Health and education careers are on the New Zealand Skills Shortage list

Hospitality

Enter an industry that offers a broad range of careers

Information Technology

IT professionals are in ever-increasing demand in New Zealand and worldwide

Outdoor Education and Sport

Fees for international students cover the programme fee for study. They also include services to help support your learning, arrival and time in New Zealand.

In addition, you are responsible for:

Our insurance provider covers all overseas students enrolled at Aoraki Polytechnic for Travel, Medical Expenses and Personal Effects, as per the requirements of the Code of Practice for the Pastoral Care of International Students.

Airport Pickups

We will arrange friendly, reliable and experienced drivers to meet you at the airport, in either Timaru, Christchurchor Dunedin.

Accommodation Placement

As part of your study you may use and borrow from the Aoraki library. The library supports your information and research needs by providing a wide range of resources including: helping you find resources, catalogue and online database, AV viewing, study areas, computing, printing and photocopying facilities.

Café

The Timaru campus has a centrally located student café, which is a great place to meet other students. Here you can buy food, watch TV, or play games such as table tennis and foosball.

Computer Rooms

Aoraki Polytechnic has computer rooms and computers in the library available to students. Access to computer rooms is controlled by the student ID card.

You will receive some disk storage and a weekly quota of internet access. Use of printers and photocopiers, including colour options, require printing credits that must be prepurchased.

Specialist Facilities

Our vocationally oriented courses include a range of specialist equipment and facilities to ensure students are well prepared for employment. These specialist facilities include:

Immigration New Zealand is encouraging students to apply early for their visa, in order to avoid processing delays. Click here for more information.

Click here to find out more about studying, living and working in New Zealand

While you study

Aoraki Polytechnic's student support service, named Access Aoraki, is a place to find assistance with your study needs.Access Aoraki includes the following support:

We can arrange a peer tutor to help with settlement, language and study issues. We try to arrange peer tutors that can speak your first language and have experience in your culture.

Language software packages in your first language are available.

Classes to improve your English, including conversation classes with English speaking students are held on campus.

Sound enhancement, magnifiers, ergonomic equipment, alternative seating arrangements, dictaphones and much more are available for use if required.

For help with study skills, referencing and essay and report writing. Study Hubs can also be provided to assist groups of students needing help in a particular subject area.

A student counselling service is provided for help with personal problems.

Aoraki Polytechnic has agreed to observe and be bound by the Code of Practice for the Pastoral Care of International Students published by the Minister of Education. Copies of the Code are available on request from this institution or from the New Zealand Ministry of Education website.

Full details of visa and permit requirements, advice on rights to employment in New Zealand while studying, and reporting requirements are available through the New Zealand Immigration Service, and can be viewed on their website.

Most international students are not entitled to publicly-funded health services while in New Zealand. If you receive medical treatment during your visit, you may be liable for the full costs of that treatment. Full details on entitlements to publicly-funded health services are available through the Ministry of Health, and can be viewed on their website.

The Accident Compensation Corporation (ACC) provides accident insurance for all New Zealand citizens, residents and temporary visitors to New Zealand, but you may still be liable for all other medical and related costs. Further information can be viewed on the ACC website.

International students must have appropriate and current medical and travel insurance while studying in New Zealand.

For more information about what we can offer to you, please contact us on +64 3 687 1800 or email us at [email protected]