All international students enrolled with a New Zealand education provider are covered by the Ministry of Education’s ‘Education (Pastoral Care of Tertiary and International Learners) Code of Practice 2021’ also referred to as The Code.

This legislation outlines the expected practices of tertiary providers when enrolling international students, and responding to the distinct wellbeing and safety needs of international tertiary learners. As well, the level of care that must be provided to international students while they live and study in New Zealand.

Covid-19: New Zealand

For information about entering and leaving New Zealand with regard to Covid-19, visit: https://covid19.govt.nz/international-travel/

For general updates, refer to the Ministry of Health website: https://covid19.govt.nz/

Visas

For information on New Zealand visas click here

For information on the Visitor Visa required to study/work in New Zealand click here

New Zealand Employment Information

If you are considering working whilst you study in New Zealand, check the necessary requirements first. Use these links for information, and 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

Employment New Zealand

Insurance

All international students must have appropriate insurance before arriving in New Zealand that covers all of the below items:

• The student’s travel – to and from New Zealand; and within New Zealand; and if the travel is part of the course, outside New Zealand; and
• Medical care in New Zealand, including diagnosis, prescription, surgery, and hospitalisation; and
• Repatriation or expatriation of the student as a result of serious illness or injury, including cover of travel costs incurred by family members assisting repatriation or expatriation; and
• Death of the student, including cover of travel costs of family members to and from New Zealand; and costs of repatriation or expatriation of the body; and funeral costs.

Avatar recommends 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.

Another option is Orbit Protect.

Student Support

Louise Cummings is the contact person for international students: training@avatarinstitute.co.nz

Here’s a snapshot of life as an international student at Avatar Institute of Learning! Many thanks to Avatar graduate, Zara Zudaya for her video creation.