There are various ways by which students can get support and guidance at WELS. These include academic counselling, Pastoral Care, and careers advice and assistance in securing study-related jobs through iCareer.
Academic Guidance
For academic guidance, you should consult your teacher or Head of Department or Director of Studies.
Pastoral Care
WELS has agreed to observe and be bound by the Code of Practice for the Pastoral Care of International and Domestic Students published by the Minister of Education. Copies of the Code are available on request from this institution or from the New Zealand Qualifications Authority website.
https://www.nzqa.govt.nz/providers-partners/tertiary-and-international-learners-code/
The WELS Code of Practice 2023 Self Review Summary can be found here.
Know the Code – videos
https://www.nzqa.govt.nz/providers-partners/tertiary-and-international-learners-code/know-the-code/know-the-code-videos/
If you have any questions or problems on your first day or during your time at PEETO, we have many people who can help you:
Talk to the homestay staff about your host family.
Talk to the academic staff about your study plans.
Talk to the administration staff about your visa, insurance, or changing your course.
Talk to the student service staff if you don’t feel well and need help.
We also have first language support staff available on call who can speak Chinese, Korean, Arabic, and other languages. Just let us know and we will be happy to assist. If you wish to speak another language, we can find someone to help you.
Employment and Job search
Our team will give you all the support to make your job search easy!
To work in NZ, it’s very important that you have the correct visa. Please visit the Employment New Zealand website to get information about working in New Zealand and employment rights.
https://www.employment.govt.nz/
The current minimum wage is $21.20. Anyone currently being forced to work in New Zealand illegally for less than the minimum wage and/ or excessive hours is advised to call the Labour Inspectorate on 0800 20 90 20. You can also contact Crimestoppers anonymously: 0800 555 111.
Public Transportation Pass / Student ID
Once you arrive at PEETO, we will issue you a Student ID card which can give you various discounts. We can help you to find the cheapest way to buy your public transportation pass.
First Language Support
Our friendly Student Services team speak a range of languages to help you with your life in NZ
Free Internet
FREE Internet and WiFi are available at our school for your use!
Bank Accounts
We can show you how easy it is to open a New Zealand bank account.
Fee Protection Policy
WELS has established a Student Fees Protection Trust Fund held by the Public Trust. All fees paid by students are protected from any wrongdoing by or insolvency of the Institute. WELS agrees to comply with Section 253 of the Education Act 1989 and the Student Fee Protection Rules 2013 about
the protection of student fees:
1. All student fees of $500 or less (GST Inclusive) are required to be deposited in the
business account of WELS.
2. All student fees more than $500 (GST Inclusive) are required to be deposited in the
Student Fees Trust Account of the Institute in advance. Fees are drawn down after
commencement in stages as the course is completed.
3. Funds held in this trust account can only be released after the student has been at the Institute for:
3.1. 5 calendar days for all courses under 13 weeks and after the Trustee has given their permission for the funds to be released.
3.2. Eight calendar days for domestic students on 13 weeks or more courses.
3.3. Ten working days for international students on courses of 13 weeks or more, and after the Trustee has given their permission for the funds to be released.
4. The student will pay their fees into the Public Trust account and authorises the Trustee to administer the Student Fee and any accumulated interest according to the Trust’s provisions and terms and by the payment schedule produced by the Institute. The student should also understand that authorisation cannot be revoked after signing this document.
Please visit the Public Trust website for more information:
Public Trust
www.public trust.co.NZ
Phone: 0800 494 733
E-mail: feeprotect@publictrust.co.nz
Address: PO Box 31543 Lower Hutt
Immigration& Student visa information
A Student Visa is required to allow an international student to enter New Zealand and study full time. Most student visas are multiple entry, which allows the student to travel in and out of the country several times before the visa expires. A Student Visa allows the student to stay in New Zealand and study and states the expiry date and conditions of the visa. These conditions will include details about:
- The student’s course of study
- The educational provider and location in NZ
- Any restrictions (such as not being allowed to work)
A Student Visa is usually granted upon entry to New Zealand. If you are already in New Zealand at the time of your placement at WELS or if you wish to extend your Student Visa, you must apply to Immigration services.
(Remember, students on a Student Visa must have a 100% attendance level)
For more information on the procedures for studying in New Zealand, see the Guide for Studying in New Zealand available from
https://www.immigration.govt.nz/new-zealand-visas/options/study
When you have completed your visa application, you can send it to:
Immigration New Zealand
PO Box 22 111
Christchurch 8142
Phone Immigration New Zealand on
0508 55 88 55
You can find more details at (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 www.moh.govt.nz.
All international students are required to declare any medical or learning needs before enrolment. Please note that international students are not eligible for special needs funding.
If you need to take any medicine long term, please check if the medicine is available in New Zealand. If it is not, you may need to talk with your doctor and find another solution for your needs.
Accident Insurance
The New Zealand Accident Compensation Corporation (ACC) 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 www.acc.co.nz
Medical and Travel Insurance
While an international student enrolled with WELS for educational instruction of 2 weeks’ duration or longer, the student must have appropriate insurance to cover—
(a) the student’s travel—
(i) to and from New Zealand; and
(ii) within New Zealand; and
(iii) if the travel is part of the course, outside New Zealand; and
(b) medical care in New Zealand, including diagnosis, prescription, surgery, and hospitalisation; and
(c) repatriation or expatriation of the student as a result of serious illness or injury, including cover of travel costs incurred by family members assisting repatriation or expatriation; and
(d) death of the student, including cover of—
(i) travel costs of family members to and from New Zealand; and
(ii) costs of repatriation or expatriation of the body; and
(iii) funeral expenses.
WELS provides medical and travel insurance through a New Zealand insurance company. WELS has assessed the policies provided by the insurance company. Insurance is compulsory for all international students studying at WELS and will automatically be charged for unless an alternative insurance compliant with the Code of Practice has already been arranged. Please make sure you have declared all of your medical needs prior to your enrolment. Please be aware that insurance arranged by WELS will not cover your previous health issues.
With prior notification and forewarning, failing to present the up-to-date and effective insurance policy as an international student or failing to present it before the required date will be seen as deliberate violation of WELS’s rules and regulations. WELS will exercise its right to suspend or terminate the student’s study and report the case to all relevant departments (e.g. Immigration New Zealand). In this case, the individual student will be fully responsible for any consequences arise.