FAQS
Do you speak my language?
If you prefer, you can talk to us in your own language. We have first language support from most parts of the world ready to respond in person, by email, by phone, or via video conference (SKYPE).
Is it safe in New Zealand?
New Zealand is one of the safest countries in the world. Like every country, there is some crime, but if students are sensible, the rate of risks are very low. New Zealand has often being voted one of the most peaceful countries in the world to live in. According to the 2015 Global Peace Index we are one of the top five safest countries in the world.
Is it safe to pay my fees from overseas?
ATMC NZ is registered with the New Zealand government (NZQA), and is required to hold student fees in a Trust Account. International students are entitled to a refund if they withdraw from a programme or training scheme as per section 235A of the Education Act 1989, and if:
|
Course length |
Withdrawal period |
Refund amount |
|
For courses of two days or less |
None |
Any refund is at the PTE’s discretion |
|
For courses of more than two days but under five weeks |
Before the course starts and up to the end of two calendar days of the course commencing |
A minimum of 50% of the amount the student paid in respect of the course |
|
For courses of five weeks or more but less than three months |
Before the course starts and up to the end of five calendar days of the course commencing |
A minimum of 75% of the amount the student paid in respect of the course |
|
For courses of three months duration or more |
Before the course starts and up to the end of the tenth working day of the course commencing |
A minimum of 25% of the amount the student paid in respect of the course |
| Withdrawal after the tenth working day of the course commencing | No refund |
If a student withdraws after the withdrawal period it will be at ATMC NZ’s discretion whether a refund will be granted. The percent retained will vary depending on the period student attended class and costs incurred such as processing costs associated with the withdrawal and refund to the student.
Please note: Requests to withdraw should be made by filling out the withdrawal form which is available from Student Services. Students are liable for the cost of any additional services requested.
- Withdrawal means notifying Immigration New Zealand which could result in automatic cancellation of a student visa
Do I need to get a VISA to study in New Zealand?
Yes, if you are not a New Zealand citizen or permanent resident of New Zealand.
If you are not a New Zealand citizen or permanent resident before you arrive in New Zealand to begin your studies,, you need to make sure you have a current passport and then apply for the correct visa or permit. International students should make sure they leave themselves plenty of time to allow for their visa application to be processed.
For more information about applying for a visa, please contact our friendly marketing staff or visit the NZ Immigration website at: http://www.immigration.govt.nz/migrant/stream/study/canistudyinnewzealand/
What other documents will I need to apply for a visa?
You may need a:
- Medical certificate
- Police certificate
- A bank statement proving that you have the funds available to support yourself.
For details, visit the New Zealand Immigration website.
Do I need Health and Travel Insurance?
International students are legally required to purchase a full and comprehensive medical and travel insurance policy. This can be made available by ATMC NZ at a cost. Our preferred provider for compliant Health and Travel insurance is www.orbitprotect.com.
The Health and Travel Insurance policy covers:
- The student’s travel, the full duration of their travel to and from New Zealand; and within New Zealand.
- 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:
- the travel costs of family members to and from New Zealand
- the costs of repatriation or expatriation of the body; and
- any funeral expenses
The above is taken from the Education (Pastoral Care of International Students) Code of Practice 2016, Section 16.5.
ATMC NZ can arrange insurance cover for you upon payment of the required fee.
Ensure you keep all receipts from medical treatment or medicines.
How much does Health and Travel insurance cost?
Our preferred provider for compliant Health and Travel insurance is www.orbitprotect.com.
New Zealand has an excellent healthcare system and your insurance policy will allow you to access top medical facilities:
Please note the below table is a guide for approximate cost of compliant insurance as per the Code.
Period Prime Policy
6 months $242
12 months $454
2 years $908
Can I drive in New Zealand?
If you have an international drivers license, you can drive here for up to one year from the day you arrive in New Zealand. If you stay longer, you will need to change it into a NZ license – for some nationalities that means sitting a theory test only, and for others both theory and a practical driving test.
For more information about driving in New Zealand, please visit the NZ Transport Agency website at: http://www.nzta.govt.nz/licence/residents-visitors/driving-nz.html
If I have a complaint with ATMC NZ that is unresolved what should I do?
If you have followed the complaints procedure but still find that your issue is unresolved you can raise it with iStudent Complaints. https://www.istudent.org.nz/