How to apply
Applying is easy
Click on the “Apply now” button and fill out the form or get in touch with us about applying. You can also apply through an international agent. Please make sure you are familiar with all requirements for international students, listed below. You can contact us for more information.
Visas - What You Need To Know
How to apply for Visa
You will need to apply for a student or visitor visa from Immigration New Zealand, and you will also need to pay the tuition fees in full before applying for a visa for New Zealand. If you apply from another country, you may be able to get an ‘Approval in Principle’ before paying course fees.
You must be 18 or older, and provide evidence of skills and interests relevant to the course you wish to take. If English is not your first language, you must demonstrate proficiency in the English language.
See this NZQA Guide for up-to-date requirements for each New Zealand programme level and test.
Please find full information on visas and how to apply through the Immigration New Zealand website here.
Short Courses: Visa Requirements
If you are planning to study at Seafield School of English for up to 3 months in total, you do not need a Student Visa. In this case, you will need to apply for a Visitor Visa, or depending on your nationality, you may not need to apply for a visa before arriving in New Zealand.
Long Courses: Visa Requirements
If you are coming to New Zealand to study for more than three months, you will need to apply for a Student Visa.
Part-time work
International students enrolled in full-time study with Seafield School of English with a student visa can work part-time for up to 20 hours a week and full-time during all scheduled holidays. Visit Immigration New Zealand or talk to us for more information.
Medical and Travel Insurance
International students must have appropriate and current medical and travel insurance while studying in New Zealand. Seafield requires that students have medical and travel insurance before travel and during their studies at Seafield and living in New Zealand. Seafield will, if required, arrange standard international student cover through Southern Cross Healthcare at the cost of the student.
International Requirements and Information
General Entry Requirements
You will need to apply for a student visa from Immigration New Zealand, and you will also need to pay the tuition fees in full before applying for a visa for New Zealand. If you apply from another country, you may be able to get an ‘Approval in Principle’ before paying course fees.
You must be 18 or older, and provide evidence of skills and interests relevant to the course you wish to take. If English is not your first language, you must demonstrate proficiency in English language.
English Language Requirements
- Level 4 Certificates – IELTS 5.5 Academic (no bands lower than 5.0)
- Level 5 Diplomas – IELTS 5.5 Academic (no bands lower than 5.0)
- Other Diplomas and Degrees (Level 6 or 7) – IELTS 6.0 Academic (no bands lower than 5.5)
Equivalent results from alternative international English language tests are accepted: TOEFL (paper or iBT), Cambridge English Examinations, NZCEL, Pearson Test of English (Academic), City and Guilds IESOL, LanguageCert.
See this NZQA guide of up-to-date requirements for each New Zealand programme level and test.
Medical and Travel Insurance
International students must have appropriate and current medical and travel insurance while studying in New Zealand. We can purchase your international Student Travel Insurance through our approved partner Southern Cross. Talk to us for more information.
Student Visa Work Rights
International students enrolled in full-time study with Seafield School of English are allowed to work part-time for up to 20 hours a week and full-time during all scheduled holidays. Visit Immigration New Zealand or talk to us for more information.
Fees Protection Policy
The New Zealand Government requires all private training establishments registered with the New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA), to have some form of protection for fees paid to them in advance.
As a student of Seafield School of English your fees are deposited into the Public Trust’s student trust account and paid by Public Trust to the school throughout the duration of your study on a monthly basis. For further information visit Public Trust.
This means, in the unlikely event that Seafield School of English is unable to provide the course in which you are enrolled (this could be because of closure, insolvency, loss of NZQA accreditation or course withdrawal), the balance of your un-utilised student fees (including accommodation and living expenses if paid in advance) will be protected. You will have the choice to receive any remaining fees back into your account or have the amount paid directly to an alternative provider of your choice where you intend to continue your studies.
International Student Refund Policy
Seafield School of English has policies and procedures relating to refunds as required by the Education Act 1989. Detailed information on time-frames for refunds and how much may be refunded can be found in our Student Handbook.
Grievance Procedures
If you ever feel unhappy about aspects of your studies, the first thing to do is to talk to international staff on campus, your tutor or the Academic Director. We also have free counsellors who can be booked if you need extra support. We’re here to help!
If you feel the issues have not been addressed, you may enter a formal process with NZQA for academic matters. Detailed instructions are found in the Student Handbook and a Code of Practice summary is provided at orientation.
