Deciding to study overseas is a big decision to make as it has such a huge impact on your day-to-day life. There are so many things to consider such as where to live, making friends, transport, obtaining a visa, setting up a bank account, kiwi culture and customs, the cost of living, just to name a few. NZSA value the contribution that international students make to the school and are continually looking at ways in which we support and make the transition to study in New Zealand easier for our international students. We want you to feel confident in your decision to study in New Zealand and for it to be one of the most rewarding and enriching experiences of your life.

The staff at NZSA are very friendly and helpful and will assist you with any enquiries you may have regarding studying in New Zealand and can provide information about:

• The Code of Practice for the Pastoral Care of International Students
• Any additional welfare and support services that are available
• Transportation
• Using the New Zealand banking system
• New Zealand laws, customs and culture
• Student work opportunities
• Touring in the Auckland / Wellington regions and around New Zealand

Preparing for Your Interview

It is important that you have compiled and familiarised yourself in preparation for the interview discussion with the following:

• Any previous academic achievement
• Cross / Transfer Credit Possibilities / RPL credits
• Life experience / Aspirations
• Reasons for wanting to enrol
• Student: Code of Conduct / Responsibilities/ Grievance procedures / Welfare / Support
• Study requirements: Course / Language / Assessment / Attendance requirements
• Fees: Refund / Protection / Withdrawal policies and procedures
• Enrolment policy
• Academic progress / Assessment
• Details of orientation programme and support services
• Grievance procedures
• Code of Pastoral Care
• Health and travel insurance
• Accommodation

Code of Practice for the Pastoral Care of International Students

Please read and be advised of the complete wording of section 5.3 of the code by visiting the following websites listed below:

• Code: The New Zealand School of Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine 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 at: www.minedu.govt.nz/goto/international
• Immigration: Full details of visa and permit requirements, advice on rights to employment in New Zealand while studying and reporting requirements can be viewed on the New Zealand Immigration Service website: www.immigration.govt.nz
• Eligibility For Health Services: 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. This can be viewed on their website at: www.moh.govt.nz
• Accident Insurance: The Accident Compensation Corporation 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 at: www.acc.co.nz
• Medical And Travel Insurance: International students must have appropriate and current medical and travel insurance while studying in New Zealand. Most international students are not entitled to publicly funded health services while in New Zealand unless they are: A resident or citizen of Australia; or A national of the United Kingdom in New Zealand; or The holder of a temporary permit that is valid for two years or more.

If you do not belong to one of these special categories and you receive medical treatment during your visit, you will be liable for the full costs of that treatment. We require that you have insurance that will cover the cost of medical treatment in New Zealand for the duration of your stay in New Zealand. We also require that you obtain insurance to cover your travel to and from New Zealand.

Visa

Please Note: It is important to present your receipt and acceptance letter to the New Zealand Embassy, Consulate or High Commission in your respective country as part of the visa application requirements.

You must have the following information before New Zealand Immigration service will process a visa.

• Letter of acceptance and duration of your course(s).
• Documentation showing all fees have been paid.
• Name and ID number of our institution.
• Student ID number.
• Name of course(s) you are enrolled in.
• Documentation showing New Zealand accommodation details.

Accommodation

You must already have a place to stay in NZ before the NZ Immigration Service will process your visa. We do not provide accommodation for students ourselves. Please go to our website www.acupuncture.co.nz for possible help with accommodation or phone one of our support staff on +64 4 473 9005 for advice on arranging a place to stay.

Language

Students must have achieved a minimum of 6.0 on the IELTS scale of English or the equivalent. All courses and their subjects are taught in English and all written and verbal reports, presentations, projects, assessments, etc., are required in English.

Work Permits

For international students prior arrangements between the New Zealand Immigration Service and the student must be made. Visit the New Zealand Immigration Service website for more details. www.immigration.govt.nz

Please Note: Courses are full-time (18 hours /week x 44 weeks /year), please allow an additional 15-20 hours a week for study.