Frequently asked questions
Below are some commonly asked questions. If your question isn’t listed, please contact our Admissions Team.
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Programs
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Are NZTC programs internationally recognised?
All programs on offer at NZTC are approved by the New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA); the New Zealand government body that oversees quality assurance for New Zealand qualifications delivered both nationally and internationally.
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Who can study at New Zealand Tertiary College?
We welcome students from all backgrounds and cultures, hailing from within New Zealand and abroad. Some of our students begin studying with us straight out of high school, while others have worked in the health and wellbeing sector for a number of years. Whatever their background, our students are passionate about health and wellbeing, making a difference to the lives of their clients and their families.
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What qualifications do I need to work as a healthcare assistant?
Standardised qualifications have become available for healthcare assistants and caregivers; these qualifications align with the New Zealand Government’s pay equity settlement agreement. New Zealand Tertiary College offers these NZQA approved qualifications which range from entry level to advanced support. Visit our Health and Wellbeing programs page to explore your options.
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How do I become a healthcare assistant?
A caring nature and a love of helping others is a good starting point. To gain some basic experience you may find volunteering is a good step to introduce yourself to what may be expected of you. To gain more formal knowledge you have the option to begin your studies with a New Zealand Certificate in Health and Wellbeing (Level 2) and/or the New Zealand Certificate in Health and Wellbeing - Health Assistance Strand (Level 3).
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What does a healthcare assistant do?
The role of a healthcare assistant can vary depending on the type of facility you work in, such as Residential Care, Hospital, Hospice, Home and Community Care and Rehabilitation facilities. General tasks include assisting clients with day-to-day tasks such as dressing and washing, helping clients attend appointments and ensuring they take medications or carry out prescribed exercises.
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I am a healthcare assistant / caregiver working full time. Am I able to study while I work?
Yes. NZTC has a unique learning platform that allows you to access resources and course content from anywhere at any time, providing you with the flexibility to study at a time that suits your lifestyle.
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Application Process
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Am I an international or domestic student in New Zealand?
You are considered a domestic student if you reside within New Zealand and are either a New Zealand or Australian citizen, or you hold a New Zealand residence class or Australian permanent resident visa. If you are not a domestic student, you can study with us as an international student.
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How do I apply?
Simply click the Apply Now button at the top of this webpage, register and follow the prompts within our dedicated application system NZTCapply.
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When should I apply to study?
We recommend submitting an application via NZTCapply at least two months in advance of your preferred start date. Applicants are encouraged to familiarise themselves with the entry requirements of their chosen program, prior to applying.
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I’ve just submitted an application via NZTCapply, what happens next?
If you have recently submitted an application to study, we look forward to supporting you. The Admissions Team will email you a Student Identification number and a list of documentation that is required, to support your application. On occasion you may be required to provide further documentation, which could result in longer processing times.
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How long does the application process take?
There are a number of factors which determine our application processing times and NZTC can only offer guidelines around this. We encourage applicants to be mindful of this when selecting preferred start dates.
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Can I take photos of my documents with my smartphone and email them to you?
NZTC accepts documents that have either been scanned or photographed using a smartphone. Please ensure these are high quality images or you may be requested to re-submit them. Alternatively, you can download an application on your phone which enables you to scan the documents as PDF files, using your smartphone.
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How do I verify my documents?
During the application process you may be required to provide verified copies of documentation. Approved people in NZ to verify documents include the following; Justice of the Peace, Public Trust, a Solicitor/Barrister, Court/Deputy Registrar, a Notary Public of New Zealand or a Member of Parliament.
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How long do I have to wait to receive my Offer of Place?
Each program has different entry criteria on which you will be assessed. An Offer of Place can only be issued once these requirements have been satisfied.
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What is the best way to contact NZTC while my application is still processing?
The Admissions Team are happy to take your email enquiries. Contact NZTC Admissions
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Program Requirements
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What is Blended Learning?
This mode of learning blends the flexibility of online learning with work experience. All students have access to NZTC Online for learning including course materials, research and support materials, and assessment submission and return.
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Are there set study times during the week?
NZTC has a unique learning environment that allows students to access resources and course content from anywhere at any time, providing you with greater flexibility. Undergraduate programs are considered full-time and all courses and assessments must be completed within the given time frames.
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Can I go at my own pace or do I have to adhere to the program schedule?
The length of each course varies depending on the program you are enrolled in. Students are required to complete an assessment following completion of each course.
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How are the courses assessed?
All courses are internally assessed and include theory-based assessments. There are no exams.
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What support will I receive once I become a student?
Once you become a student at NZTC you will have access to a range of support services including pastoral, academic skills, IT and Māori and Pasifika.
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What if I need to take a break from studies?
Students who are enrolled in study may request to withdraw temporarily. Requests are made through our Pastoral Support Team.
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Financial Support
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Are my tuition fees safe?
In the unlikely event that NZTC is unable to deliver the program you have enrolled in, NZTC has protected your fees with a Public Trust. Fees deposited and protected by the Public Trust are held in the Common Fund which has an unsecured guarantee from the New Zealand Government. The student fee protection for NZTC is fully compliant with NZQA rules. Should access to your fees be necessary, you may contact the Public Trust on 0800 494 733 or email feeprotect@publictrust.co.nz
This arrangement has been accepted by NZQA as meeting the requirements of the Education and Training Act 2020 and the Student Fee Protection Rules 2021.
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Is there any financial support available?
If you are a full-time New Zealand citizen or permanent resident studying in New Zealand, you may be eligible for a student loan or allowance through StudyLink to help with your compulsory fees, course related costs and living costs. The student allowance is a weekly payment for full-time students to help with day-to-day living costs. For more information see the StudyLink website - www.studylink.govt.nz
You may also be eligible for Fees Free. More information can be found here https://www.feesfree.govt.nz/
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Will I receive a refund if I cancel my enrolment?
New Zealand Tertiary College's refund policy complies with the Education and Training Act 2020. Refer to our Student Withdrawal and Refund Policies on the fees pages of the qualifications.
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Can I pay for my studies after I start?
If you are not using a loan company to subsidise your study, it will be your responsibility to make payment prior to commencing your first course. Once you have accepted your place, you will be invoiced and required to pay your fees. When we have received your fees, you will be issued with a Student Acknowledgement Form which you will need to sign, initial on each page and send back. You will not be able to start your program until this form has been returned.
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When do I need to apply for my StudyLink loan?
We highly recommend applying for your student loan during the application process with NZTC. Once you receive your Offer of Place and your invoice, you will need to provide this evidence to the loan company. If you apply for your Student Loan too late, this may delay your start date.
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