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International

Wintec is your gateway to a world-class education in New Zealand. As one of the largest institutes of technology in New Zealand, Wintec provides high-quality, vocational, and professional education in the Waikato region. We host approximately 850 international students annually from more than 30 countries. 

Why you should study at Wintec

subject
Broad range of course offerings
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Dedicated international centre
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Access to student support
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Accommodation options to suit your needs
work
Tutors who have worked in industry
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Practical learning style
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Amazing facilities
security
On campus security night and day

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International student stories

News

  • Chinese education leaders visit Wintec

    Wintec continues to grow its relationships in China through its nearly decade-long partnership with the China Education Association of International Exchange (CEAIE), which was recently highlighted by the hosting of representatives from multiple Chinese tertiary institutions and the CEAIE. The visiting group met with Wintec leadership and kaimahi (staff) at Wintec’s City campus to discuss New Zealand’s vocational education sector and identify opportunities for further collaboration.

  • New scholarship for Chinese students coming to Wintec

    Wintec has teamed with Hamilton City Council to offer new international scholarships to students from Chengdu University in China. The Hamilton–Chengdu Cultural Exchange Travel Scholarships will provide $10,000 in travel support to Chengdu students coming to Hamilton, New Zealand, to study with Wintec.

  • Japanese university marks 15th study tour to Wintec

    Nursing and medical students from Shimane University in Japan completed a two-week, short-term training programme with Wintec in New Zealand earlier this year. The visiting students are the 15th study group to travel to Wintec from the Japanese university, marking a significant milestone in the 17-year relationship between the two tertiary education providers.

Events

  • Ngā Rā Tūwhera | Wintec Open Day

    Explore your future study options at Ngā Rā Tūwhera | Wintec Open Day! This annual event hosts people from around the Waikato region and beyond across our City and Rotokauri campuses in Kirikiriroa, Hamilton.

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, 257 KB

Fees*

International Fees Flyer pdf, 190 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

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

View the NZQA 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 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.

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

Girish Nair

Girish Nair

International Director

International Market Managers – Student recruitment

Balraj

Balraj Sharma

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

Jun Kim

Jun Kim

International Market Manager – Korea, Japan, Latin America, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Pakistan, Pacific, Philippines, and Europe

Susan Ye

Susan Ye

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

International Student Support team

Karen Kemsley

Karen Kemsley

International Student Services Manager

Unmesha Veetil

Unmesha Veetil

International Student Services Advisor

Li Li

Li Li

International Student Services Advisor

Juan Marin

Juan Marin

International Student Services Advisor

Cassandra Wallace

Cassandra Wallace

International Student Homestay Advisor

TRANSNATIONAL EDUCATION – OFFSHORE CAMPUSES and ARTICULATION PATHWAYS

Mark Liu

Mark Liu

Transnational Education Manager

Helen Anderson

Helen Anderson

Offshore Quality and Qualifications Manager

INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT

Farrah Jin

Farrah Jin

International Short Course Manager

Chris Stuart

Chris Stuart

VET Technical Analysis and Design Manager

Athena Rhodes

Athena Rhodes

International Business Development Coordinator

INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS Support

Julian Weshaa

Julian Weshaa

International Marketing Advisor

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
Balraj SharmaInternational Market Manager – South Asia: India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Middle East, and Africa
Susan Ye
International Market Manager – Greater China, Thailand, Vietnam, and Cambodia
Jun KimInternational Market Manager – Korea, Japan,  Latin America, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Pakistan, Pacific, Philippines, and Europe
Student Services 
Karen KemsleyInternational Student Services Manager
Unmesha VeetilInternational Student Services Advisor
Li LiInternational Student Services Advisor
Cassandra WallaceInternational Student Homestay Advisor
Juan MarinInternational Student Services Advisor
Thomas McDonaldInternational Exchange and Scholarships Advisor
Transnational education – Offshore campuses and articulation pathways
Mark LiuTransnational Education Manager
International business development
Farrah JinInternational Short Course Manager
Chris StuartVET Technical Analysis and Design Manager

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Below are some of our frequently asked questions. If you are unsure or have any further questions, please email us.

New arrival students

Enrolment and application process

Can I complete the enrolment process online or from offshore?
Unfortunately, you can not complete the enrolment process online or from offshore. You must complete your enrolment in person. 

When and which campus should I visit for my enrolment process? 
Visit us once you arrive in New Zealand, come to the Student and Enrolement Centre in A Block at the City Campus or the Student Information desk in the Hub at Rotokauri Campus. Our Student Enrolment team will help you complete your enrolment.

What documents should I bring with me to complete my enrolment?
You will need to bring your passport and visa with you. The Student Enrolment team will help you complete the enrolment process. View the Campus maps here to find the addresses, and click here to find the open hours.

Visas
How can I get an update on my visa application/process? 

To get an update on your visa, contact Immigration New Zealand or a licensed immigration advisor. Contact Immigration New Zealand (INZ) here, and to find licensed Immigration advisors, click here. If you applied through an agent, please contact your agent directly.  

If my visa is delayed and I am going to miss my programme start date, what should I do?
Please email our Student Enrolment and Information Centre (SEIC) at international@wintec.ac.nz as soon as possible to inform them of this. They will contact you directly and assist you with the next steps.  

 

Travel preparation
How should I prepare for travel to New Zealand once I have received my visa?

We organise pre-arrival online sessions to help you prepare for your travel and email you a “Welcome to Wintec” letter. Please check your email and attend the sessions. If you miss the pre-arrival online sessions, you can find information on the New Zealand | NauMai NZ website to help you prepare. 

When should I fly to New Zealand?
We suggest you arrive two weeks before your programme start date to complete your enrolment, settle in, open a bank account, prepare for your studies, explore the campus, and familiarise yourself with Hamilton City.
Accommodation and shuttle services
Can I get help with accommodation or an airport shuttle? 
Yes, please email International_Accommodation@wintec.ac.nz, and our team will contact you directly to organise what you need.
Banking and taxes 
How do I open a New Zealand bank account?

To open an account, you will need your passport, visa, and proof of address in New Zealand. You can apply for a proof of address letter at the Student Enrolment and Information Centre. Then, you can make an appointment online or by visiting the bank. Make sure you take the required documents with you on the day of your appointment. 

How can I get an IRD number (New Zealand tax number)?
To get an IRD number, please follow the instructions on the Inland Revenue - Te Tari Taake website.
Programme information
How do I find the start date for my programme and which campus I will be studying at?
Your offer letter highlights your programme study date and campus. Please check your offer letter for details. If you are still unsure, please use the search function at the top right-hand corner to find your programme. The information can be found under the ‘ABOUT THE PROGRAMME’ and ‘YOUR FIRST DAY’ tabs.
International orientation, programme inductions, and preparing for your first day

Where can I find information about the International Student Orientation, and is it compulsory to attend?
Yes, attending the orientation is compulsory. As per the New Zealand government’s requirement, all new international students must attend the International Student Orientation. You can find the orientation information here. You will receive an email with these details closer to the scheduled date. Please check your email regularly. If you do not receive the information, email internationalhelp@wintec.ac.nz.

I have received information about the International Student Orientation and a programme induction; are these the same thing? 
These are different, and you need to attend both. The International Student Orientation is for new international students. It provides an excellent opportunity to learn about student life and New Zealand culture, connect to the international student community, learn about campus facilities, and available resources like Moodle, the library, and the student toolkit.
A programme induction is for domestic and international students who study at the same Centre and/or programme. At induction, you will get to know your programme requirements, meet your classmates, and tutors.

How can I get my timetable and student ID card?
Within three working days of completing your enrolment, you will receive a ‘Welcome to Wintec’ email. This will include a link to your timetable. After you have received the welcome email, you can go to the Student Enrolment and Information Centre to get your Student ID card.

Health and wellbeing
If I am feeling overwhelmed or need help when I arrive, who can I connect with or talk to if I have questions?
You are welcome to talk to our International Student Support team. Please come to B Block reception at the Hamilton City Campus and ask to see an International Student Advisor, or email internationalhelp@wintec.ac.nz and one of our advisors will contact you directly. 

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