Pre-arrival information sessions
To welcome you, we have a series of information sessions that will help you prepare for study at Wintec and student life in Kirikiriroa, Hamilton. These sessions are held online using Microsoft Teams. The Teams link will be included in your welcome letter, which will be sent to your email closer to the session dates.
International Student Orientation
Orientation is designed to welcome all new international students to Wintec and get you all ready to start on your study journey. It is a great way to meet new friends and learn essential information about student services and campus facilities.
There are compulsory sessions that you need to attend as part of our International Orientation. It is compulsory for all new international students to attend the sessions. Your attendance will be recorded on the day.
An invitation with the date and location of your specific orientation will be sent to either your email or your agent. Please check your emails regularly.
For students arriving before 28 January 2025
| Date | Time | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Tuesday 28 January 2025 | 8.45am-4pm | Events Room 1, The Hub, Hamilton City Campus |
For students arriving after 28 January 2025
| Date | Time | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Wednesday 12 February 2025 | 8.45am-4pm | rk.Gg.25, G Block, Rotokauri Campus |
| Tuesday 18 February 2025 | 8.45am-4pm | Events Room 1, The Hub, City Campus |
| Friday 28 February 2025 | 8.45am-4pm | Events Room 1, The Hub, City Campus |
You will receive a great goodie bag and also enjoy a free lunch.
International student events
Regular social events are run throughout the year, giving you the perfect opportunity to meet new friends and take a well-earned break from study. These events include everything from BBQs and lunchtime get-togethers to cinema movie nights and on-campus celebrations for important cultural holidays. We also organise day trips to some of our country's most visited destinations.
Trips can include:
- Hobbiton and Mount Maunganui
- Taupo with jet boating and bungy jumping
- The geothermal wonders of Rotorua including the Luge
- Cathedral Cove and paddleboarding in the Coromandel
- Snowboarding and
Skiing (overnight trip)
- Waitomo's famous glow worms
- Raglan (Bridal Veil Falls and Ngarunui (Ocean) Beach)
In addition, you will be invited to a range of engaging workshops to help you get the most out of your time at Wintec and in Aotearoa, New Zealand. These include advice on finding employment, staying safe in New Zealand, and caring for your wellbeing.
Take a look at our upcoming events below.
Semester 1 and 2 events
| Event | Date | Time | Venue | Register |
Spring Festival This special occasion celebrates family reunions, shares hope for good fortune and welcomes a bright new year. It is an important celebration in Korea, Vietnam, China, and other Asian countries, also known as the Chinese New Year or Lunar New Year. Join us for tea, delicious food, and fun activities. | Tuesday 25 February 2025 | 12pm-1pm | The Hub, City Campus | No registration required |
Spring Festival This special occasion celebrates family reunions, shares hope for good fortune and welcomes a bright new year. It is an important celebration in Korea, Vietnam, China, and other Asian countries, also known as the Chinese New Year or Lunar New Year. Join us for tea, delicious food, and fun activities. | Wednesday 26 February 2025 | 12pm-1pm | The Hub, Rotokauri Campus | No registration required |
Midday Mingles Bring your lunch and hang out with the International Student Support team. We will answer your questions, share information, and help you broaden your networks. | Every Friday from 7 March to 11 April 2025 | 2pm-1pm | The Globe area in the Hub, City Campus | No registration required |
Balloons Over Waikato Join us and enjoy the magic of Hot Air Ballooning, where balloons and pilots from around Aotearoa New Zealand and the world take to the Waikato Skies. | Wednesday 19 March 2025 | 7am | Inners Common, Hamilton Lake | Registrations will open closer to the event date |
Day trip: Rotorua Join us for a fun-filled day that includes the Luge and the Gondola. Rotorua is known for its geothermal activity—bubbling mud pools, geysers, and colourful terraces. Join us for a tour of this tourist hotspot. | Saturday 22 March 2025 | 8am-6pm | Registrations will open closer to the event date | |
Hamilton City Official Welcome Join the fantastic event with the Hamilton City Mayor, the Executive team from Wintec, the University of Waikato, local school principals, and many new international student fellows. This event is an excellent showcase of our community’s commitment to welcoming and supporting you as a new international student in Hamilton. It is also a wonderful occasion to celebrate diversity, cultural exchange, and the enriching experiences that come with it. | Tuesday 25 March 2025 | 10am-11.30am | The Atrium, City Campus | Registrations will open closer to the event date |
Workshop: StudentSafe Insurance Are you losing money by not claiming on your insurance? Learn how to make the most of your travel and medical insurance and get better value for your money. | Thursday 27 March 2025 | 12pm-1pm | TBC, City Campus | Register here |
Workshop: Volunteering in the Waikato Presented by Volunteering Waikato, it is a great opportunity to learn about volunteering in Waikato and how it can jumpstart your career in New Zealand. Discover how volunteering can jumpstart your career in New Zealand. | Wednesday 2 April 2025 | 12pm-1pm | TBC, City Campus | Registrations will open closer to the event date |
Eid al-Fitr celebration Come and enjoy some Halal food with us for the Eid al-Fitr celebrations in the City Campus Hub. | Thursday 3 April 2025 | 12pm-1.30pm | The Hub, City Campus | No registration required |
Ten-Pin Bowling Get ready for fun and strikes! We are thrilled to invite you to our bowling activity at the Sky City Tenpin Bowling lanes. Whether you- are a seasoned bowler or new to the game, this activity promises a fun time of laughter and friendly competition. | Friday 11 April 2025 | 2pm-4pm | Bowl and Social, Skycity Hamilton | Registrations will open closer to the event date |
Easter celebrations Join us for a fun activity and Easter eggs. | Thursday 17 April 2025 | 12pm-1pm | The Hub, City Campus | No registration required |
Workshop: Employment Skills This workshop provides a good opportunity to gain valuable skills and insights to boost your employability and kick-start your career journey. | TBC | TBC | TBC, City Campus | Registrations will open closer to the event date |
Day trip: Hobbiton and Mount Maunganui Join us for a fun one-day trip! Experience the movie set from The Lord of the Rings in Hobbiton and enjoy time at Mount Maunganui, where you can take in stunning beach views, explore natural tracks, and much more. | Saturday 10 May 2025 | 8am-6pm | TBC, City Campus | Registrations will open closer to the event date |
Employment event Join a panel discussion with some of the Waikato's top employers. This diverse group of employers from different industries in Aotearoa New Zealand will provide valuable insights about effective job-hunting strategies and how to navigate the local employment landscape. Meet the employers and learn from real-life experiences. They will also offer expert advice on enhancing your CVs all tailored for an international student audience. | Tuesday 13 May 2025 | TBC | TBC, City Campus | Registrations will open closer to the event date |
End of the Semester BBQ Join us for a sizzling celebration as we wrap up Semester 1 with a delicious BBQ, fun games, music, and awesome vibes! Do not miss out on this fantastic opportunity to relax, enjoy good food, and celebrate with friends. | Tuesday 10 June 2025 | 12pm-1pm | Student Street, Rotokauri Campus | Registrations will open closer to the event date |
Workshop: Volunteering in the Waikato Presented by Volunteering Waikato, it is a great opportunity to learn about volunteering in Waikato and how it can jumpstart your career in New Zealand. Discover how volunteering can jumpstart your career in New Zealand. | Wednesday 20 August 2025 | 12pm-1pm | TBC, City Campus | Registrations will open closer to the event date |
Workshop: StudentSafe Insurance Are you losing money by not claiming on your insurance? Learn how to make the most of your travel and medical insurance and get better value for your money. | Thursday 28 August 2025 | 12pm-1pm | TBC, City Campus | Registrations will open closer to the event date |
Moon Festival We come from different places but always look up at the same moon. This festival has different names in different countries including Moon Festival, Chuseok, Tsukimi, and Tết Trung Thu. It is a special time for families and friends to come together and celebrate reunions, the harvest, worship the full moon, and pray for blessings. Join us for fun activities, taste moon cakes, and scented tea. | Tuesday 7 October 2025 | 12pm-1pm | The Hub, City Campus | No registration required |
Moon Festival We come from different places but always look up at the same moon. This festival has different names in different countries including Moon Festival, Chuseok, Tsukimi, and Tết Trung Thu. It is a special time for families and friends to come together and celebrate reunions, the harvest, worship the full moon, and pray for blessings. Join us for fun activities, taste moon cakes, and scented tea. | Wednesday 8 October 2025 | 12pm-1pm | The Hub, Rotokauri Campus | No registration required |
Diwali Festival Illuminate your afternoon with the vibrant spirit of Diwali! Join us for a joyous celebration of Diwali, the Festival of Lights. Enjoy dazzling dance performances, upbeat and fun music, and delicious Diwali food. Plus, do not miss the chance to participate in beautiful henna art. | Tuesday 21 October 2025 | 12pm-1pm | The Hub, City Campus | No registration required |
Diwali Festival Illuminate your afternoon with the vibrant spirit of Diwali! Join us for a joyous celebration of Diwali, the Festival of Lights. Enjoy dazzling dance performances, upbeat and fun music, and delicious Diwali food. Plus, do not miss the chance to participate in beautiful henna art. | Wednesday 22 October 2025 | 12pm-1pm | The Hub, Rotokauri Campus | No registration required |
End of the Semester BBQ Join us for a sizzling celebration as we wrap up Semester 2 with a delicious BBQ, fun games, music, and awesome vibes! Do not miss out on this fantastic opportunity to relax, enjoy good food, and celebrate with friends. | Tuesday 18 November 2025 | 12pm-1pm | Fishpond behind B Block, City Campus | Registrations will open closer to the event date |
International Prospectus
The International Prospectus contains programmes we recommend for International Students. For current programme information, please refer to the programme web pages.
International student accommodation
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.
- Complete one of the application forms below:
Under 18 Accommodation Application Form
pdf, 688 KB
International Accommodation Application Form
pdf, 1283 KB
- Answer ALL questions in this form and sign and date the form.
- Email the form to: international.accommodation@wintec.ac.nz
- Wintec will email to confirm we have received the application. Email us if you do not receive this email.
- 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, 211 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.
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.
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:
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).
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.
Immigration
Take your offer letter to Immigration NZ to obtain your student visa approval in principle. Find your nearest Visa Application Centre.
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.
Place confirmed
You will receive a Paid Offer Letter and programme induction information. You can find pre-departure information in the Wintec Orientation Handbook.
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.
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.
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 hereAcademic entry requirements
Wintec has set minimum requirements for academic entry to programmes for International Students.
The requirements are listed by country.
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.
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
International Director
International Market Managers – Student recruitment
Balraj Sharma
International Market Manager – South Asia: India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Middle East, and Africa
Jun Kim
International Market Manager – Korea, Japan, Latin America, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Pakistan, Pacific, Philippines, and Europe
Susan Ye
International Market Manager – Greater China, Thailand, Vietnam, and Cambodia
International Student Support team
Karen Kemsley
International Student Services Manager
Unmesha Veetil
International Student Services Advisor
Li Li
International Student Services Advisor
Juan Marin
International Student Services Advisor
Cassandra Wallace
International Student Homestay Advisor
Thomas McDonald
International Exchange and Scholarships Advisor
TRANSNATIONAL EDUCATION – OFFSHORE CAMPUSES and ARTICULATION PATHWAYS
Mark Liu
Transnational Education Manager
Helen Anderson
Offshore Quality and Qualifications Manager
INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT
Farrah Jin
International Short Course Manager
Chris Stuart
VET Technical Analysis and Design Manager
Athena Rhodes
International Business Development Coordinator
INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS Support
Julian Weshaa
International Marketing Advisor
Sarah Richards
International Travel and Accommodation Coordinator
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 Nair | International Director |
| Market Managers - Student Recruitment | |
| Balraj Sharma | International 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 Kim | International Market Manager – Korea, Japan, Latin America, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Pakistan, Pacific, Philippines, and Europe |
| Student Services | |
| Karen Kemsley | International Student Services Manager |
| Unmesha Veetil | International Student Services Advisor |
| Li Li | International Student Services Advisor |
| Cassandra Wallace | International Student Homestay Advisor |
| Juan Marin | International Student Services Advisor |
| Thomas McDonald | International Exchange and Scholarships Advisor |
| Transnational education – Offshore campuses and articulation pathways | |
| Mark Liu | Transnational Education Manager |
| International business development | |
| Farrah Jin | International Short Course Manager |
| Chris Stuart | VET Technical Analysis and Design Manager |
