International Students

More information is available in the current International Prospectus/Handbook. Please contact the Auckland Administration office on 09 522 5522 ext 0, or email info@massagecollege.ac.nz for the latest copy and all applications.

Also please take a minute to view our "Welcome to New Zealand" video

Below is a copy of our International Prospectus available for download.

What is the difference between an International Student and a Domestic Student?
A domestic student is any student who holds a New Zealand Passport, or who has been granted permanent residency by the New Zealand Immigration Department. Citizens of Tokeloau, Niue, or the Cook Islands are considered to be New Zealand Citizens, and Australian Citizens living in New Zealand have the status of New Zealand Permanent residents. Domestic Students receive considerable funding from the NZ government for their education. All other students are deemed to be International Students, that is, a foreign student studying in New Zealand. International Students must pay course fees that are not subsidised by funds from the NZ government. Once enrolled, an international student has the same right to stay enrolled and to tuition as a domestic student.

I am an International Student, where can I find information from Government websites that will help me understand the conditions of studying in New Zealand?
CODE:  The New Zealand College of Massage has agreed to observe and be bound by the Code of Practice for the Pastoral Care of International Students published by the Minster of Education. Copies of the Code are available on request from this institution or from the New Zealand Ministry of Education website at http://www.minedu.govt.nz

IMMIGRATION:  Full details of visa and permit requirements, advice on rights to employment in New Zealand while studying, and reporting requirements are available through the New Zealand Immigration Service, and can be viewed on their website at  http://www.immigration.govt.nz/

ELIGIBILITY FOR HEALTH SERVICES:   Most international students are not entitled to publicly funded health services while in New Zealand. If you receive medical treatment during your visit, you may be liable for the full costs of that treatment. Full details on entitlements to publicly-funded health services are available through the Ministry of Health, and can be viewed on their website at http://www.moh.govt.nz

ACCIDENT INSURANCE:  The Accident Compensation Corporation provides accident insurance for all New Zealand citizens, residents and temporary visitors to New Zealand, but you may still be liable for all other medical and related costs. Further information can be viewed on the ACC website at http://www.acc.co.nz

The New Zealand College of Massage prospectus frequently mentions NZQA. What does that mean?
NZQA stands for the New Zealand Qualifications Authority. This is the body that administers qualifications, provides assurance about their quality, and oversees the examination system. All courses at the New Zealand College of Massage have been validated and/or approved by NZQA. Upon course completion, the College registers course results with NZQA, so that students are also accredited with the NZ National Certificate and/or Diplomas in Massage. More information can be obtained from the NZQA website at http://www.nzqa.govt.nz

Are there any obligations for me to have medical or travel insurance?
All International students must have appropriate and current medical and travel insurance while studying in New Zealand. You must show full documentation confirming this, at the time of enrolling. The Code recommends insurance of $600,000 to $1,000,000.

Do I have to have a student visa and student permit to study at NZCM?
Not always. It depends on which programme you want to enroll in. You need a student visa and student permit if you wish to enroll in any of these courses: · Diploma in Therapeutic Massage · Diploma in Massage and Sports Therapy · Diploma in Massage and Neuromuscular Therapy · Bachelor of Health Studies (Massage and Neuromuscular Therapy) · Certificate in Relaxation Massage (This is because they are fulltime and/or longer programmes. Student visas are granted for students to study fulltime courses in New Zealand that are longer than three months.)

It takes 4-6 weeks or 30 working days for immigration to process student visa applications.
Visas are required prior to commencing study. All the other courses at the College are either part time, or are less than three months in duration. To enroll in these you require a Visitor’s Visa. Or if you have a Work Visa, you may have to apply for alteration to conditions for that Visa to allow you to study in NZ. Consult the New Zealand Immigration Service or your Embassy.

How do I apply for a course or programme at the New Zealand College of Massage?
After reading the international prospectus, and making your choice, fill out the appropriate International Application Form. All application forms can be obtained from the Auckland Administration Office. The forms have information about course fees, and list the documentation that is required.

I want to study a fulltime course and need a Student Visa and Permit. How do I apply for this Visa?
First you send us: your application form, all supporting documentation that is required and your fees (these fees are kept in a Trust Account until your enrolment is finalised). Then the College will contact you to arrange a time for you to be interviewed, usually by telephone. If you are not accepted you will receive a letter outlining steps you will need to take before you can re-apply, e.g. English language course. Fees paid, which have been held in a trust account, will be refunded minus a $50 application fee. If you have been accepted you will receive an Offer of Place letter and Course Information Pack which will include your timetable for the year, your first day of attendance at the College, and a financial statement, showing that all fees have been paid. You can then take your Offer of Place letter and fees receipt to Immigration to apply for a Student Visa to come to New Zealand and/or a Student Permit to study at the NZ College of Massage. You then send back your Acceptance Form and Visa details.

What is the cost of tuition and all other course-related costs while I am studying at NZCM?
The tuition fees are listed on the appropriate application forms.
Additional Course Costs · $500 - $1000 approximately

• massage table · $300 approximately 
• text books · $300 approximately
• linen and oils/wax for home practice and clinical work

• $7600 rent ·
• $ 350 laundry ·
• $3000 food ·
• $1500 clothing ·
• $ 500 power ·
• $1000 entertainment ·
• $1000 transport ·
• $ 550 insurance

Where can I live while I am studying? Does the College provide accommodation?
The College does not have accommodation on site, but there is a good variety of student accommodation available in both the Wellington and Auckland areas.

Accommodation can be found at www.auckland.ac.nz/accommodation for Auckland, or by emailing unicomm@xtra.co.nz for Wellington.

More information is detailed in the International Prospectus and Student Handbook.

To download a copy of the Ministry of Education Guide to Living and Studying in New Zealand please click on this link.