Te Tono Mai
How to apply
Join UCOL as an international student
We’re thrilled you’re interested in completing your study with us here in New Zealand. Whether you’re studying for the first time or continuing your studies, UCOL is here for you every step of the way.
If you already know which UCOL programme you want to study, you can begin your application today - either directly or with assistance from one of our trusted UCOL agents.
LINK TO AGENT PDF (to be briefed into marketing)
Follow our simple step-by-step guide to the right to apply. If you have any questions or need help along the way, just reach out to us here. Be sure to mention you're an international student, and one of our dedicated team members will be in touch to support you.
Are you under 18? If you’ll be under 18 years old when your programme begins, you’ll need to provide some additional documentation. Check out our guide for international students under 18 to make sure you’re fully prepared.
Application Checklist
Prepare the following certified documents before you apply:
Proof of English language proficiency, e.g. IELTS, TOEFL, PTE
Official identification, e.g. passport, birth certificate
Academic transcripts and certificates from previous study
Other documents as specified on the specific programme page
Click to enlarge
Accept Your Offer of Place
If you meet all the requirements, you will be sent an Unconditional Offer of Place. Accept your Offer of Place by signing the letter and returning it by email to InternationalStudent@ucol.ac.nz.
You may be sent a Conditional Offer of Place. This means we require more information from you before you can be accepted. You must send us the requested information that shows you meet the conditions of entry before you can apply for your student visa.
Apply for a student visa
After you have returned your signed Offer of Place, the next step is to apply for your student visa. Visit www.immigration.govt.nz to apply for your visa online.
There is a range of different student visas available in New Zealand. Learn about them here.
UCOL is an approved provider for pathway visas under the Immigration New Zealand pilot programme. A pathway visa allows international students to undertake up to three consecutive programmes of study on a single visa. The visa is valid up to a maximum of five years.
Pay Your Fees
If you are applying for your visa offshore, you can either pay your tuition fees before or after your visa has been Approved in Principal (AIP) using the information provided on your Offer of Place letter. UCOL will send you a receipt after your payment is received. Send this receipt to Immigration NZ as evidence that you have paid your tuition fees, and your student visa will then be emailed to you.
Read and understand the UCOL refund policy for International students.
Insurance
All international students planning to study at UCOL must have medical and travel Insurance - a compulsory requirement of the Education (Pastoral Care of Tertiary and International Learners) Code of Practice 2021 (the Code).
All international students are automatically enrolled in UCOL’s preferred medical and travel insurance, Studentsafe. Travel cover commences 31 days from your programme start date and full cover commences on your day of departure to travel to New Zealand. The insurance cost will be included in your Offer of Place letter.
If you choose to purchase your own medical and travel insurance, you must show your policy to UCOL staff upon your arrival at UCOL to ensure it meets the minimum standards of the Code, including (a) your travel to, from and within New Zealand, (b) medical care in New Zealand, (c) repatriation or expatriation as a result of serious illness or injury, (d) death, including travel costs of family members, repatriation or expatriation of the body, and funeral expenses.
Student Discipline Procedure and Academic Statute
As part of the Code, students need to be aware of the UCOL disciplinary procedures and the UCOL Academic Statute.