Coming to Aotearoa New Zealand

Introducing Aotearoa New Zealand

You will enjoy our spectacularly beautiful scenery, multi-cultural society, and warm and friendly people.

Although New Zealand is similar in size to Japan or the UK, our small population makes us one of the least crowded countries in the world.

Our geographical isolation in the southern hemisphere, where our nearest neighbours are Australia and the Pacific Islands, makes for a distinctive mix of people, history, culture, and world-renowned natural beauty.

Our many beaches, lakes, subtropical forests, and mountains are clean, unspoiled, easily accessible, and offer endless possibilities for outdoor activities.

Before You Arrive

By choosing to study overseas, you are about to embark on a unique and life-changing journey. Moving to a new country is an exciting prospect, but we know it can also be a little daunting - especially if you have never lived away from home before.

Before you arrive, you're bound to have questions about what you can expect from life in Aotearoa New Zealand. On this page we hope you'll find practical information to help you prepare for your journey.

Student Visa

A student visa allows you to study in New Zealand full-time. You can apply for a student visa from Immigration New Zealand.

You should apply for your student visa as soon as you have been accepted and given an Offer of Place by NorthTec as in some cases the application process may take a number of weeks.

Insurance

International students must have medical and travel insurance while studying in New Zealand.

NorthTec will automatically arrange insurance cover for the duration of your enrolment with Uni-Care, our default provider, to protect you while travelling to or living in New Zealand in case you need medical care or lose or damage personal items.

You can find details of the NZ student plan policy, including information on cover of pre-existing medical conditions, on the Uni-Care website.

The amount of the premium will be quoted in your offer of place and enrolment at NorthTec will not be confirmed until it is paid in full. Your insurance certificate, including information on cover and how to claim, will be given to you on your arrival at NorthTec or can be emailed overseas on request.

If you choose to arrange your own insurance cover, you must provide NorthTec with a copy of your insurance certificate and policy summary (translated into English in case of overseas cover) for verification of acceptable cover. For information on minimum cover requirements and a list of NorthTec-approved alternatives contact NorthTec International.

Finances

In New Zealand banks are the safest place to keep your money, and it is quick and easy to open a bank account.

NorthTec International will provide information and support for you to open a bank account in New Zealand during the International Student Orientation. Contact NorthTec International if you have an questions about this process.

To open an account in New Zealand, you will need to supply the following documents to the bank:

• A passport
• Proof that you are a full-time student, such as a letter from NorthTec or a tuition fees receipt  
• Proof of a residential address in New Zealand
• Inland Revenue Department (IRD) number – (your tax number).

Large established banks with branches throughout New Zealand include the Bank of New Zealand (BNZ), ANZ, Kiwibank, Westpac and the ASB.

Bank opening hours are usually Monday to Friday 9.00am - 4.00pm. All large banks have internet banking facilities and Automatic Teller Machines (ATMs) are widely available.

Credit cards are widely used and accepted in New Zealand. New Zealanders also use debit cards, known as EFTPOS (electronic fund transfer at point of sale).

Employers do not normally like to pay employees in cash, and most will expect you to supply your bank account details to them so your wages can be paid directly into your bank account.

Accommodation

We are happy to provide assistance in finding suitable accommodation. You can request homestay accommodation or help finding accommodation as part of your study application.

Find out more about accommodation options.