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Wintec | Te Pūkenga brings the Institutes of Technology and Polytechnics (ITPs) and the arranging training activities of certain Industry Training Organisations (ITOs) together to create a national network. This gives our students more choices and flexibility in what, where, and how they learn.

Why you should study at Wintec

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Broad range of course offerings
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Dedicated international centre
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Accommodation options to suit your needs
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Tutors who have worked in industry
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Amazing facilities
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On campus security night and day

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News

Wintec welcomes international students with Waitomo Caves adventure

30 international students studying with Wintec were welcomed recently to the country with a trip to one of New Zealand’s best natural attractions.

The group, consisting of students from around the world, was treated to a glowworm-studded experience at the Waitomo Caves.

Wintec international students pose for photo on day trip to Waitomo Caves.

Wintec international students pose for photo on day trip to Waitomo Caves.

The student cohort comprised a range of students from Manaaki Short Term Training Scholarship (STTS) recipients from Pacific countries (Papua New Guinea, Tonga, Solomon Islands, Tuvalu, Kiribati, Vanuatu, Samoa) and exchange students from Poland and Spain to international students from India, China, Sri Lanka, and more.

Wintec’s International Student Support team organised the trip to welcome students and show them the beauty of New Zealand firsthand.

The visitors also got the opportunity to explore other native attractions in the King Country region, including the Marokopa Falls, the Ōtorohanga Kiwi House, and the Mangapohue Natural Bridge Walk.

Karen Kemsley, Wintec International Student Services Manager, said it is important that international students feel safe, informed, and welcome during their studies in New Zealand.

“Our job is to make sure ākonga (students) have a positive experience during their academic journey with us.

“Studying away from home is exciting, but also a little bit scary. We offer a variety of support services to help make things a little easier for our international students, ranging from accommodation and emergency assistance to organising fun activities and breaking down Kiwi slang.

“The day trip was a fantastic way for students to connect with the land, meet new friends, and experience the local culture. The day was packed with excitement, from exploring the stunning natural limestone bridge to spotting their very first Kiwi birds,” Karen said.

In their feedback, international student Sithma Methmini Illangasinghe from Sri Lanka said “I absolutely loved the trip. The staff were amazing and took really good care of everyone.”

Samoan STTS recipient Tamara Sootaga said, “Waitomo Caves was the highlight of my trip. I'm very happy I was able to enjoy such a beautiful, beautiful place.”

Another way the Wintec International Student Support team helps to make students feel welcome is through kai (food).

Weeks following the day trip, the team hosted a BBQ for Manaaki STTS students at Wintec’s City campus.

Thomas McDonald, Wintec International Exchange and Scholarships Advisor, said “It was a great opportunity for this cohort to come together at the end of a busy day of studies to relax and get to know their support team and each other better.

“Wintec and Hamilton can seem like big, crowded places compared to the islands some of these scholars call home, for example, the islands of Tuvalu have an estimated population of only about 12,000 people!

“A barbecue fosters positive relations and ensures these ākonga are a part of the Wintec community, feel safe and supported, and know who to go to when they might need help.”

Short Term Training Scholarship recipients studying with Wintec work the BBQ

Short Term Training Scholarship recipients studying with Wintec and International Exchange and Scholarships Advisor Thomas McDonald work the BBQ

Pastoral support is key for visiting scholars who have moved to a new country, leaving behind their family support networks.

Wintec is responsible for international students’ welfare and strongly adheres to the Education (Pastoral Care of International Students) Code of Practice.

The Code sets standards for educational providers, ensuring international students are well informed, professional standards are met, and their wellbeing and achievement are supported.

What are Manaaki Short Term Training Scholarships?

The Manaaki STTS provides financial support to professionals from eligible Pacific countries and Timor-Leste to learn new skills in New Zealand. Scholars can use these skills to improve their own country.

The scholarship is funded through the International Development Programme, and administered by Education New Zealand Manapou ki te Ao, on behalf of the New Zealand Government.

To learn more about our international student services, click here.

Events

  • All Subjects Information Session

    Are you considering your study options for 2025 or in the future? Our All Subjects Information Session provides the perfect opportunity to find out how you can get started!

International Prospectus

The International Prospectus contains programmes we recommend for International Students. For current programme information, please refer to the programme web pages.

Homestay

Homestay is where you stay with New Zealand families, in their homes. Our Homestay hosts are carefully selected for their kind and caring nature.

You will get to improve your English by talking to them; you will also be able to enjoy family activities, celebrations, religious practices, and sporting events.

When living in a homestay, the host will provide you with:

  • A clean, comfortable home with a happy and relaxed atmosphere
  • A private, furnished bedroom with a bed, study space, and storage
  • Pillows, sheets, blankets, and towels
  • A heater (if required in winter)
  • Access to Wi-Fi internet
  • Access to shared spaces; kitchen, lounge, dining, laundry, backyard
  • Fully catered; meals, lunches, and snacks

Are you moving out of your homestay?

If you are thinking of leaving your homestay, click the button below for the check out form, what you need to do and a handy guide to help you transition.

Student Village

Only a five minute walk from the Wintec City Campus and downtown Hamilton, the Wintec Student Village offers a relaxed atmosphere, a pastoral care environment and a range of social and cultural activities through the year.

Bedrooms include a bed, study desk, cupboards and a wardrobe, with access to a phone, internet, kitchenette (excluding oven), separate toilet and shower. There is a shared full kitchen, TV lounge, games room and laundry.

Three main meals are provided on weekdays and two main meals on the weekend.

Wintec Apartments

Wintec Apartments offer a modern, self-catered style of accommodation situated in a three-level apartment complex building located on the Wintec City Campus. Wintec Apartments include four apartments per level, each containing 5 or 6 rooms, separate shower and toilet facilities, plus full kitchen and dining facilities.

Each level of the building offers a large common room/ study area, with shared laundry facilities and storage for bicycles and other large items available on the lower ground floor.

Services include access to a telephone for local calls and full access to high-speed wireless internet available free to students staying in the apartments. Security features include - swipe card access into your own apartment and into your individual room, sitewide CCTV, and Wintec security patrols.

Accommodation costs

Click the button below to find our accommodation options and information including current fees and shuttle fees.

Apply for accommodation

International students applying to live in Student Village, Wintec Apartments, or a Homestay, must follow the process below.

Please note: Students under the age of 18 must live in Wintec-approved accommodation, either in Homestay Accommodation, in the Wintec Student Village, or with an approved caregiver.

  1. Complete one of the application forms below:
  1. Answer ALL questions in this form and sign and date the form.
  2. Email the form to: international.accommodation@wintec.ac.nz
  3. Wintec will email to confirm we have received the application. Email us if you do not receive this email.
  4. A detailed confirmation email is sent once the accommodation is booked and confirmed.

Airport transfers

If you require an airport pickup to be arranged, please complete the form below and email to the international accommodation address below two weeks before you arrive in New Zealand. If your travel plans change, please immediately notify our accommodation team.

Our international accommodation email address is international.accommodation@wintec.ac.nz.

All students aged under 18 must be collected by a Wintec assigned shuttle service and taken to their Wintec approved accommodation (unless other arrangements have been approved by Wintec).

Airport Shuttle Form pdf, 1518 KB

Fees*

International Fees Flyer pdf, 192 KB
*GENERAL DISCLAIMER
Although care has been taken to ensure the accuracy, completeness and reliability of the information provided, the user of the information agrees that the information is subject to change without notice. Wintec (Waikato Institute of Technology) will not accept liability for any errors or omissions contained in this brochure nor for any subsequent actions that may arise as a consequence of decisions made based upon its contents.

Refunds

Refund policy

By accepting a place in a programme or paying fees at Wintec, a student enters a contract with Wintec for the period of the programme.

The student is required to pay the fee for one year or the length of the programme (if less than one year). No refund will be given after the course or programme has commenced.

If there are insufficient numbers or enrolments, the programme may be cancelled and a refund will be given.

Click here for more information about refunds

Application process

1. Submit an application

If you are applying to study through an agent:

Apply to study at Wintec by completing an International Application Form. 

Please complete ALL sections of this form, attach the required verified documentation and sign and date the declaration at the end. As programmes are very popular, please apply early while spaces are still available.

Your agent will arrange for your completed application to be sent to Wintec.

If you are not applying through an agent please send your completed International Application Form and verified or notarised supporting documents to international@wintec.ac.nz. You can learn more about supporting documents here.

Alternatively, you can post a completed application form with supporting documents to:

Student Enrolment and Information Centre
Wintec
Private Bag 3036
Waikato Mail Centre
Hamilton 3240
New Zealand

 

Please note: It is compulsory for all International Students to have appropriate and current Medical and Travel Insurance while studying in New Zealand. It is a Wintec requirement for International Students to be covered from the day the student leaves their home country to the expiry date of their Visa plus one week. Proof of current Medical and Travel Insurance is required before your enrolment can be finalised.

 

Now that you've applied to study at Wintec, here's what happens next:

Form in envelope

Receive your offer letter

Congratulations, you’ve been given an offer of placement. (If your offer is conditional, once the condition(s) of the Conditional Offer Letter are met, a new Unconditional Offer Letter will be issued to sign).

Form

Sign offer

Sign the Acceptance Page of the Offer Letter, with all applicable boxes ticked and return to our Enrolment Team: international@wintec.ac.nz.

Receipt

Immigration

Take your offer letter to Immigration NZ to obtain your student visa approval in principle. Find your nearest Visa Application Centre.

Coins

Pay fees to Wintec

Note: A Fee Receipt cannot be issued until Wintec has receive an Acceptance Form, Payment of all applicable fees, The INZ Officers name, email address and your student’s INZ application number.

Tick box

Place confirmed

You will receive a Paid Offer Letter and programme induction information. You can find pre-departure information in the Wintec Orientation Handbook.

Airplane taking off

Travel plans

You’ll need to notify the Wintec Accommodation Officer of your accommodation requirements and travel plans by emailing:
international.accommodation@wintec.ac.nz.

Arrow pointed up

Accommodation and airport transfers

Our international centre team can arrange accommodation placements and airport pickup. There are three options for accommodation, homestay (living with a family), Student Village or Wintec Appartments. Learn more about accommodation and airport transfers.

Airplane taking off

Arrive in New Zealand

Once you’ve arrived in New Zealand, visit Wintec and complete your enrolment at the Student Enrolment and Information Centre. See campus maps.

Entry requirements

English language requirements

All Wintec mainstream programmes have an English language requirement for students whose first language is not English.

TABLE for Internationally recognised English Proficiency Outcomes​

Concurrent programmes:
IELTS 5.5 with a minimum of 5.0 in all bands, or equivalent

Programmes level 4 and below:
IELTS 5.5  with a minimum of 5.0 in all bands, or equivalent

Programmes levels 5 to 7:
IELTS 6.0 with a minimum of 5.5 in all bands, or equivalent

Programmes level 8 and above:
IELTS 6.5 with a minimum of 6.0 in all bands, or equivalent

Additional requirements:
2 year validity period for all assessments. External bodies may influence some programme specific IELTS levels. You must provide evidence of your proficiency in the English language.

Gaokao Scores for 2021 enrolment

Click here

Academic entry requirements

Wintec has set minimum requirements for academic entry to programmes for International Students. 

The requirements are listed by country.

CLICK HERE TO VIEW ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

Visas, permits and immigration

All International students must hold a valid student visa for the duration of their studies.

Full details of visa requirements, advice on rights to employment in New Zealand while studying and reporting requirements are on the New Zealand Immigration Services website, www.immigration.govt.nz.
To apply for your student visa you will need supporting documents (ie Paid Offer, Attendance, and Academic Transcript) these documents can be applied for through the Student Enrolment and Information Centre at either the City or Rotokauri campuses. 
 
Alternatively please complete the International Document Request Form and email it through to international@wintec.ac.nz.

Medical and travel insurance

All International students enrolling with Waikato Institute of Technology (Wintec) (including group students) MUST have appropriate and current medical and travel insurance while in New Zealand. Your insurance must cover you from the beginning of your studies until at least the expiry date of your student visa. This is a New Zealand Government requirement as outlined in the Code of Practice for the Pastoral Care of International Students and under Immigration New Zealand policy.

You will be automatically enrolled into the Wintec insurance scheme and a policy charge will be added to your tuition fees invoice at your enrolment. Details of the Wintec insurance scheme may be found here​ ​. Students who have opted to purchase an alternative approved policy will have this charge removed when you have presented your policy to Wintec at the Student Enrolment and Information Centre.​

Meet the team

Senior management team

Girish Nair

Girish Nair

International Director

Karen Kemsley

Karen Kemsley

International Student Services Manager

staff profile placeholder

Mark Liu

Transnational Education Manager

Student Support team

Unmesha Veetil

Unmesha Veetil

International Student Services Advisor

Li Li

Li Li

International Student Services Advisor

Cassandra Wallace

Cassandra Wallace

International Student Homestay Advisor

Market managers – student recruitment

Balraj

Balraj Sharma

International Market Manager – South Asia: India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Middle East, and Africa

Graeme-Rennie

Graeme Rennie

International Market Manager – Philippines

Susan Ye

Susan Ye

International Market Manager – Greater China, Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, Singapore, and Malaysia

International Centre

From the moment you arrive in New Zealand, our dedicated International Centre team is here to provide all the help and support you need. At Wintec, you will not be just another student at a tertiary institute, you will be an important part of a lively community learning with and about each other.

We can help you with your accommodation needs, getting you settled into your studies, emergency assistance and pastoral care.

We also organise events and activities throughout the year to make you feel at home and celebrate your cultural diversity.

International  
Girish NairInternational Director
Market Managers - Student Recruitment 
Graeme RennieInternational Market Manager – Philippines
Balraj SharmaInternational Market Manager – South Asia: India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Middle East, and Africa
Susan Ye
International Market Manager – Greater China, Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, Singapore, and Malaysia
Student Services 
Karen KemsleyInternational Student Services Manager
Unmesha VeetilInternational Student Services Advisor
Li LiInternational Student Services Advisor
Cassandra WallaceInternational Student Homestay Advisor

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