International Students

Admission Information

NZQA Level 3 and 4

Domestic students click here

Admission Requirements

Application Criteria for this programme (International Students):

  • International Applicants must be 18 years or older
  • No previous welding experience needed, but practical experience preferred.
  • Applicants should have sufficient physical stamina to be able to weld for several hours per day and be able to perform the mechanical tasks required to complete the course unit standards.
  • Applicants must have the correct visa to study in New Zealand.
  • Applicants must have IELTS English test score of 5.5 band with no individual score lower than 5.0. or PTE 43 to 50 or equivalent (See English Language Requirements).
  • All International Students are required to have Insurance for he duration of their stay in New Zealand (See Insurance)

International Student Insurance

Health and travel insurance while studying in NZ is important to avoid unwanted, high costs relating to medical care and life events.

The Welding Academy requires all enrolled international students to have approved health and travel insurance for the duration of their enrolment (regardless of their visa type).  This is a requirement under the NZQA Code of Pastoral Care of Domestic Tertiary and International Learners 2021.

The Welding Academy recommends getting insurance with Southern Cross Travel Insurance. https://www.scti.co.nz/our-policies/international-student/insurance

English Language Requirements

Test

Level 3 Course

Level 4 Course

IELTS

General or Academic score of 5 with no band score lower than 5

General or Academic score of 5.5 with no band score lower than 5

TOEFL (pBT)

Score of 500 (with an essay score of 4 TWE)

Score of 530 (with an essay score of 4.5 TWE)

TOEFL Internet-based test (iBT)
(see note 2)

Score of 35 (with a writing score of 14)

Score of 46 (with a writing score of 14)

Pearson Test of English (Academic)
(see note 2)

PTE (Academic) score of 36 with no band lower than 36

PTE (Academic) score of 42 with no band lower than 36

Cambridge English Qualifications
(see note 2)

B2 First or B2 First for Schools with a score of 154. No less than 154 in each skill

B2 First or B2 First for schools with a score of 162. No less than 154 in each skill.

OET
(see note 2)

Minimum of Grade C or 200 in all sub-tests

Minimum of Grade C or 200 in all sub-tests

LanguageCert
(see note 2)

B1 Achiever International ESOL Written (LRW) PASS with no less than 25/50 in each skill and Spoken (S) PASS

B2 Communicator International ESOL Written (LRW) PASS with no less than 25/50 in each skill and Spoken (S) PASS

Trinity ISE
(see note 2)

ISE I with no less than distinction in any band

ISE II with no less than pass in any band

Note 1: The listed outcomes represent the minimum scores or grades for each test or qualification that qualify a student for enrolment at each programme level. Students with higher scores or grades than required for a particular programme level may still enrol at that level. Where the entry requirements for a programme are for a higher English proficiency outcome than is listed in the relevant row of the Table for the programme level in which the student is being enrolled, the student must meet that higher level.

Note 2: All test scores must be from a single report except:

  • TOEFL iBT where the test scores must be from a single report for a single test date, and the My best Scoresoption must not be used
  • Language Cert where the test scores must be from a single report for Written (LRW) and a separate individual report for Spoken (S).

 

Learn more about NZQA rules

Enrollment Process

How to apply

If you are happy to start the Enrolment process, click here to receive and Application to Enrol Form.

Check entry requirements

  • Before you apply, please check that you meet the entry requirements.

 

Apply to study at the Welding Academy

  • You can apply yourself or use an agent to apply for you.

 

Apply yourself

  • You can apply yourself using the online application form on this website. Go to the International Student section click ‘Apply now’. Our international team are available to help you with your application.
  • If you are waiting for results from current study or English tests, you can still apply to the Welding Academy now and send grades through when you have them.

 

Apply via an agent

  • You can engage an agent to apply on your behalf. An agent will help you with all aspects of your application, find an authorised agent.

 

Provide application documents

  • After you apply, you will be required to provide proof of your identification and some information about your prior study and work experience.

 

Required documents:

  • Certified* copy of personal details page from passport or birth certificate
  • Original or certified* copies of all previous tertiary transcripts and certificates (showing all subjects attempted in all years of study and the grades awarded)

* “Certified” means a Welding Academy agent or public notary has seen the original and has stamped and signed a copy of that document to confirm it is a correct copy of the original document. If you are in Christchurch, you may bring the original document to us for a staff member to copy and stamp. Certified/notarised translations of original documents are required when these are not in English.

You may also need to provide:

  • Statement of Purpose – letter stating why you would like to study with us.
  • CV/Resume including detailed descriptions of any relevant work experience showing tasks performed and responsibilities
  • Work related references

 

Confirmation of application and offer

  • We will acknowledge your application and start the assessment process.
  • If you meet the entry requirements you will receive an Unconditional Offer of Place to study at Unitec, which includes an invoice and instructions on how to pay the tuition fees.
  • If some documents are missing, you may receive a Conditional Offer of Place, and an Unconditional Offer will be made when all requirements are met.

 

Pay tuition fees, apply for Visa and Insurance

  • Pay your fees after you receive your Offer of Place letter. A receipt will be provided when the funds have been received by The Public Trust.
  • When you have your Unconditional Offer and paid your fees, you can apply for your Visa.
  • You will also need to have Medical and Travel Insurance before the course commences.

 

Visa Information

Step 1: Organise your Student Visa and immigration requirements

Applying for a Student Visa

If you wish to study in New Zealand you must have a valid student visa. The Government of New Zealand issues student visas for full time study on the understanding that you have sufficient funds for study and living expenses for the duration of your stay in New Zealand. There are regulations that must be met before a student visa can be issued and these vary from country to country. Information about how to apply for your student visa can be obtained from your Immigration Agent. Student visas can take significant time to issue, please ensure that you leave sufficient time to obtain your visa.

All student visa applications are assessed by the New Zealand Government according to:

  • Evidence of funds to support yourself
  • Medical/Health requirements
  • Character requirements
  • Letter of Offer from the Welding Academy (or Confirmation of Enrolment if you are renewing your visa)
  • Proof of payment of Welding Academy fees through the Public Trust

 

Keeping and Understanding a Student Visa

All International students must comply with current visa conditions and regulations determined by Immigration New Zealand. For more detailed information on current visa conditions and regulations visit the Immigration New Zealand website – immigration.govt.nz/ migrant/stream/study.

Finances

You must maintain enough money to pay for tuition and living expenses for the duration of your stay in New Zealand.

Student Visa Conditions

Student visas are granted subject to a number of mandatory and discretionary conditions. International students are required to comply with these conditions while studying in New Zealand.

Academic Progress

Students must complete their Level 3 course with in the 26 week time allocation for the course, before embarking on the Level 4 course. The Level 4 course must be completed within the 26 week time allocation for the course.  Failure to achieve this will lead to students being “at risk” of not completing the programme within the expected duration as stated in your offer letter and the Confirmation of Enrolment.

Attendance

International students must attend at least 90% of all scheduled classes. If illness or personal problems prevent you from maintaining 90% attendance at classes during the semester you must seek advice from a Student Adviser as soon as possible.

Providing your contact details in New Zealand

Students must advise the Welding Academy of your home address and phone number in New Zealand within seven (7) days of arriving in New Zealand. Also, if you change your address or phone number during your stay in New Zealand, you must advise the Welding Academy within seven days.

Useful Links

Immigration New Zealand – https://www.immigration.govt.nz/new-zealand-visas/options/study

Get in touch with our immigration agents

Fees and Payments

  • To secure your student visa, you must pay the tuition fees for your entire duration of your study with the Welding Academy, before your programme of study begins.
  • All Fees are paid into the Public Trust – https://www.publictrust.co.nz/student-fee-protection/for-students/
  • Pay your fees after you receive your Letter of Offer of a Place. A receipt will be provided when the funds have been received by The Public Trust.
  • When you have paid your fees, you can apply for your Visa.
  • Details on where to Pay your Fees will be sent to you with your Letter of Offer
  • You will also need to have Medical and Travel Insurance before the course commences.

Medical and Travel Insurance:

  • International students are required to have Medical and Travel Insurance for the duration of their stay in New Zealand. Please contact your immigration agent for further details.

Other expenses

  • No hidden extras, your fees include all course costs including theory books and course materials, plus one full set of Personal Protection Equipment (PPE).

Living Costs:

Course fees for international students

NZ$13,250

Level 3

NZ$14,750

Level 4

No hidden extras, your fees include all course costs plus one full set of Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) which includes:

Welding Helmet

Safety Glasses

Steel Cap Boots

Overalls

Gloves

Ear Plugs

Dust Masks

Enrolment procedures
Terms & Conditions