AIS Code of Practice.

Auckland Institute of Studies is registered by the New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA) as a Private Training Establishment under the provisions of the Education Act 1989 and its subsequent amendments. At its last NZQA review in 2018, AIS received an assessment of “highly confident” for educational performance and “highly confident” for capability in self-assessment, being Category 1.

AIS is a member of a number of industry organisations, including Independent Tertiary Education New Zealand (ITENZ), English New Zealand and the Tourism Industry Association of New Zealand.

Full details of immigration requirements, advice on employment rights in New Zealand while studying, and reporting requirements are available from Immigration New Zealand, and can be viewed at: www.immigration.govt.nz.

International students (including group students) must have appropriate current medical and travel insurance while in New Zealand.

Most international students are not entitled to publicly-funded health services while in New Zealand and may be liable for the full cost of any medical treatment. Full details on entitlements to publicly-funded health services are available through the Ministry of Health, and can be viewed at the Ministry of Health website. 

The Accident Compensation Corporation provides accident insurance for all New Zealand citizens, residents and temporary visitors to New Zealand, but international students may still be liable for all other medical and related costs. Further information can be viewed at www.acc.co.nz. 

International students enrolled in AIS diploma and degree programmes may work up to 20 hours per week and full-time during the summer holidays and semester breaks. Bachelor's degree and postgraduate students also qualify for a three-year post-study work visa after graduation, while graduate diploma and two-year undergraduate students qualify for a one-year post-study work visa after graduation. In some cases English language students and spouses of graduate students may also qualify for work rights.

All student fees are held in an independent trust account – Jolly Duncan & Wells Trustees Ltd, AIS Student Trust – managed by an independent Chartered Accountant. Fees are released periodically in arrears on a pro rata basis in relation to tuition delivered.

For international students in programmes over three months, all payments exceeding up to 25% of the fees paid will be refunded if the student withdraws within the first ten working days of the programme. Thereafter, fees paid are non-refundable. The refund policy is in accordance with the Education Act 1989. Full information is contained in the Enrolment Application Form.

New students must be present for orientation prior to classes commencing. Absence from orientation can negatively impact on a student’s ability to settle into campus and academic life at AIS.

Returning students are able to select courses on-line during the second half of the previous semester.

Students who fail to make satisfactory progress may have their study programmes restricted. Entry to some programmes may be limited for domestic students due to government funding constraints.