The Code sets out the minimum standards of advice and care that are expected of education providers for international students. View the Code here
Avatar is required by NZQA to have formal processes for certain practices specified in The Code. One way to ensure we meet our obligations for international students is to have policies and procedures defined within our quality management system (QMS). All policies and procedures are available to students at any time. If you would like to have access to the QMS, please contact Louise or Sheila.
The following list shows specific policies and procedures that are relevant to international students:
Louise Cummings is the contact person for international students. Louise is available 24/7 and can be contacted by phone call or text on 027 746 6493.
If it very important that you are aware that your enrolment can be terminated by Avatar in certain situations. These situations are defined within QMS policy and procedure Termination of Enrolment: International Students are included the following:
If you are considering working whilst you study in New Zealand then please click on the below links to give you the necessary information to qualify to work and also to know your rights and obligations as an employee in New Zealand.
Employment Rights and Obligations – New Zealand Immigration
New Zealand Study/Work – New Zealand Immigration
Click here for information on visas required to study/work in New Zealand
All International Students must have appropriate insurance before arriving in New Zealand that covers all of the below items:
Avatar recommends to students that they use Uni-Care’s New Zealand Student Plan. Uni-Care is a division of Crombie Lockwood and provides insurance packages specially designed to meet the needs and requirements of international students in New Zealand. Avatar provides students with Uni-Care’s information on their NZ student Plan.
Accommodation is provided to students of Avatar Institute of Learning from Maida Vale Retirement Village who are your landlord.
Accommodation Policy is available and it explains the key rights and responsibilities of you the student (tenant) and the landlord (Maida Vale). These rights and responsibilities are extracts from the NZ government’s tenancy website and have been amended to contextualise for Avatar’s students.
Key rights and responsibilities
Location of Accommodation: 20 Pohutukawa Place – within Maida Vale Retirement Village grounds where Avatar Institute Training School is located.
Next street to Avatar Institute of Learning, 29c Warkworth Grove, Bell Block – 5 mins walk to Training School.
144 Henwood Rd– 5 mins walk to Training School.
Short term private board will be available if your clinical placement is in the above areas, or alternatively the student can source their own accommodation.
For advice and information about New Zealand’s tenancy legislation including their rights and responsibilities as a tenant in New Zealand, please click the below links
Key rights and responsibilities
Internet is provided onsite for course use only. Internet for personal use can be purchased from the main office at Maida Vale.
If you have any concerns about your course or learning experience at Avatar, please tell us. We are interested in what you have to say and we welcome all feedback. If there is something bothering you or hindering your progress, let’s work together to put it right. We can’t help you if we don’t know.
If you feel you have raised your concerns with us and you feel we haven’t responded to your concerns satisfactorily to have the right to raise your concerns with the following agencies, New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA) or istudents – Dispute Resolution Service (DRS) for international students:
NZQA 0800 697 296
NZQA responds to complaints about alleged non-compliance with the Code of Practice. Make a complaint.
For financial and contractual disputes, refer to the Disputes Resolution Service.
Disputes Resolution Service (DRS) 0800 006675
DRS is an independent dispute resolution scheme established by the New Zealand Government. Their objective is to encourage swift settlement of contractual and financial disputes between international students and their providers in New Zealand. View the Complaint Form.