1.COLLEGE ENROLMENT PROCESS

If you are ready to take the next step and apply for study at Lifeway College, you will need to fill out an application form, gather the supporting documents and send them to us at our listed mailing address. Additional documentation and information may be required for certain courses; see Lifeway College Enrolment Form for a list of the additional information as required for the course of study you are applying for.

Application Guide for International Students

• Complete the Lifeway College Enrolment Form in full and post it in with the additional documentation including the following:
• A fully completed College enrolment form including a signed copy of the Student Declaration (Student Contract)
• A fully completed Campus enrolment form if accommodation is required.
• Proof of Identification - A current passport is required for all International Students. The original copy must be cited by the College upon your arrival at Lifeway.
• Two recent passport photos.
• Application fee of NZ $100. Payment details on are found on the Lifeway College Fee Schedule .
• Proof of Prior Education & Learning (tertiary and secondary school academic transcripts) outlining your previous training (school or other training courses, polytechnic, university) within the last five years.
• Required reference letters as written by previous employers, tutors or personal associates. Referees may be contacted.
• International Students from non-English speaking countries must provide evidence of suitable English proficiency i.e. a certified IELTS document showing relevant score as required for the course you have chosen to apply for. Lifeway College requires a result of not less than 5.0 for Certificate courses and some Diploma Courses (Christian Ministry Certificate, 3D Animation and Business Diplomas) and 6.0 for the Diploma in Counselling (or equivalent document of verification).
• All additional documentation and evidence as per individual course requirements - these are listed on your application form and may also be found under each course description within this prospectus.

- If you are accepted for study, pending a student visa, Lifeway will provide a letter of provisional acceptance. Use this letter to immediately apply for a student visa through New Zealand Immigration (apply as soon as you can).

If your visa is ‘approved in principle’ by NZ immigration you must send this approval letter with your full course fees to Lifeway College – payment details are found on the Lifeway College Fee Schedule. We will then issue you a letter of acceptance and receipt of payment.

You must then send this letter of acceptance and receipt to immigration and they will issue you a student visa.

Once you have obtained a visa you must provide a copy of your student visa to Lifeway College.

For student visa information visit www.immigration.govt.nz or 0508 558 855

- Book flights in time to be at the College 1 day prior to Registration Day. Please inform the College of your arrival and departure dates and if you require an airport pick-up.

- Apply for Medical and Travel insurance to cover the full length of your stay. Submit a copy of your Medical and Travel insurance to Lifeway before you leave your country.

- Arrive at Lifeway College for orientation and registration

Lifeway College requires that all student show evidence of an approved visa and Medical and Travel Insurance (showing sufficient cover for the duration of studies) prior to their arrival in New Zealand and commencement of study.

Certified Documentation

Please send certified copies of documents and not originals. A certified copy is having a photocopy of your original document signed as being a true and accurate copy by: a Justice of the Peace (JP), Solicitor, Court Registrar, Member of Parliament, Public Trust or a person listed in the Oaths and Declarations Act 1957. For remote New Zealand communities unable to access the above, a school principal, minister of religion or general practitioner (GP) is acceptable. For students overseas: contact your closest New Zealand consulate office.
Lifeway College does not accept any liability for or guarantee the return of any original documents. Before submitting your application, please ensure all required sections of the form are complete, required supporting documents are attached, and you are aware of application fees. Submit your application before the specified closing date for the chosen course.

How do I know if my application has been received?
Lifeway College will contact you once your application has been received. You will be advised either by mail, email or phone if any documentation is missing and must be submitted, and then the application will be assessed.


2.STUDENT VISA REQUIREMENTS
If you are considering studying in New Zealand as an international student then you will need to obtain a student visa. Full details of visa and permit requirements, advice on rights to employment in New Zealand while studying, and reporting requirements are available through the New Zealand Immigration Service, and can be viewed on their website at http://www.immigration.govt.nz.
Apply as early as possible. It takes a minimum of six weeks to process a student visa; in some countries it may require up to three months. Students who choose to study for a short time period (three months maximum) may study under a visitor’s visa and therefore do not need apply for a student visa (i.e. part-time/modular or interest only study). In limited instances students from certain countries may not require a visa at all; check with Immigration New Zealand to see if this applies to you. Otherwise, all international students MUST apply and be granted an entry visa before leaving their home country.
If you are considering studying in New Zealand as an international student, you will need to obtain a student visa. Full details are available through Immigration New Zealand on their website at http://www.immigration.govt.nz/migrant/stream/study/canistudyinnewzealand/whatisrequired/

Obtaining a Student Visa

1. Once you have applied for a course of study at Lifeway and if you are accepted for study (pending a student visa) Lifeway College will provide a letter of provisional acceptance. Use this letter to immediately apply for your student visa.
2. Once your Immigration New Zealand application has been ‘approved in principle’, you need to send this approval together with your full course fees to Lifeway College which will then issue a Letter of Acceptance and receipt for the tuition fees. If you wish to live in a dormitory on campus also send the application for Lifeway Campus and full fees for accommodation and food charges at this time.
3. You will then submit this Letter of Acceptance to Immigration New Zealand and your student visa will be issued.
4. You will then need to obtain appropriate medical and travel insurance for the full period of your study and send proof thereof to Lifeway College before you leave your home country (see the Prospectus on Medical and Travel Insurance).

Although the above steps appear somewhat repetitive, they are designed to save the international student from having to send significant overseas funds until s/he is actually assured that a student visa will be granted.

Failure to obtain a Student Visa
Where a student fails to maintain their student visa and such notice is provided later than eight days after the commencement of the course, the provisions for withdrawal due to ill health or bereavement will apply. Please refer to the refund policies and procedures section of this prospectus for further information regarding tuition fees and refund policies.

How long does it take to obtain the approval of my visa?
It varies from country to country. In China and Japan it can take up to 6 weeks. With in New Zealand it takes about 2 to 3 weeks from the date of submission. Check out the New Zealand Immigration website for more information relating to processing times and costs.

Who should I contact for more information?
You can contact Lifeway College in the following ways:
Email the College Registrar at registrar@lifeway.ac.nz or phone the College on +64-9-425 4054 ext 710
You can contact New Zealand Immigration
www.immigration.govt.nz.

Can I qualify as a domestic studednt?
To qualify as a domestic student and be entitled to the Government tuition subsidy, you must be a citizen of New Zealand (including students from the Cook Islands, Tokelau, or Niue who have New Zealand citizenship) or a permanent resident of New Zealand or a citizen or permanent resident of Australia. You must provide proof of identity and evidence of citizenship or permanent residency. To do so you must produce a certified copy of one of the following with your application:

• Birth certificate with place of birth stated as New Zealand, Cook Islands, Tokelau, Niue or Australia
• New Zealand passport or Australian passport
• A statement of Whakapapa, including date of birth, countersigned by a Kaumatua
• Certificate of citizenship or letter of confirmation
• Overseas passport with residency stamp
  
  Also include if applicable:

• Certification and proof of any name change

Any students qualifying as domestic students pay domestic tuition fees and may be reported as domestic students for the purpose of tertiary tuition funding. Australian students can apply for student loans through Studylink but they can not apply for allowances. To confirm if you come under the domestic category go to: www.minedu.govt.nz.

3.MEDICAL AND TRAVEL INSURANCE

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 http://www.moh.govt.nz.

Accident Insurance:
The Accident Compensation Corporation 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 http://www.acc.co.nz.

Medical and Travel Insurance:
International students (including group students) must have appropriate and current medical and travel insurance while studying in New Zealand. 
Proof of Medical and Travel Insurance needs to be sent to the College before the student leaves their home country. Policies must show a start & end date and life insurance is not an acceptable alternative.
Here is a list of the minimum requirements for appropriate medical and travel insurance cover:

• Medical expenses (comprehensive cover including - emergency medical treatment, dental treatment and mental health services).
• Evacuation and repatriation to your home country
• Cancellation and changes to planned journey
• Personal accident
• Personal liability
• Money and travel documents
• Baggage and personal items
• Rental car excess
• Fire Damages and related loss of property

4.THE CODE OF PRACTICE FOR PASTORAL CARE AND COMPLAINTS

The Code of Practice for Pastoral Care
Lifeway College has agreed to observe and be bound by the Code of Practice for the Pastoral Care of International Students published by the Ministry of Education. Copies of the code are available to download from the Ministry of Education website at: www.minedu.govt.nz/educationSectors/InternationalEducation/

International students in New Zealand have the right to expect a certain level of pastoral care and support. The Code of Practice for the Pastoral Care of International Students, which applies to all educational institutions across New Zealand, sets the guidelines for the pastoral care of international students. Lifeway College has agreed to observe and be bound by the Code of Practice for the Pastoral Care of International Students published by the Minister of Education. 

Who to talk to if you need assistance:
It is not always easy to find the answers yourself. Sometimes it helps to ask a classmate, friend or family member. At other times however, you may wish to talk to a staff member. If you have any questions or require assistance then any member of the staff listed below can assist you:

• Your course lecturer, tutor, or Course Supervisor
• The Lifeway College Registrar
• A member of the International Student Liaison Team
• Your agent (if applicable)

International student services and Liasion Staff:
We consider it to be a personal responsibility to ensure that a student’s time at Lifeway College is a highlight and we want your study to be a favourable and rewarding experience.
If, at any stage, you have any questions, require information, support or assistance our International Student Liaison Team will gladly help you out. The Team provides international students with a central point of contact for all enquiries and general assistance, whether course related or otherwise. Here is a list of list some of the things we can help you with:

• Course information.
• English language assistance
• Visa information
• Fees and application queries
• Local information & recommendations general advice.

For international students needing additional support or assistance with personal wellbeing, College support is available on request.

COMPLAINTS PROCEDURES
Lifeway College will endeavour to address promptly any concerns held by students, whether in respect to staff/student relationships or related to the courses offered. The following applies:

- Any student with concerns about an individual staff member should approach the staff member concerned in the first instance. You may bring a friend or family member to support you.
- Any student with concerns about the curriculum, teaching, other students or general course related matters should approach the Course Supervisor in the first instance.
- If the matter remains unresolved or the student feels unable to approach the person for a stated reason, then the Deputy Director should be approached. Consultation between the student, person concerned and the Deputy Director will occur in an attempt to resolve the situation. If resolution does not occur, a formal complaint will be laid.
- All formal complaints need to be set out in writing to the Deputy Director and should clearly describe the nature of the complaint, making any recommendation felt appropriate. When the formal complaint is against a person that person will be informed and be given the right of reply and a fair hearing.
- The Deputy Director will attempt to resolve the situation. Where necessary the complaint will be referred to the College director, who reserves the right to appoint an external mediator.
- If your concerns are not resolved by the above complaints procedure, you can contact the International Education Appeal Authority (IEAA). The IEAA is an independent body established to deal with complaints from international students about pastoral care aspects of advice and services received from Lifeway College. The IEAA enforces the standards in the Code of Practice. You can contact IEAA by phone on 09 374 5481 or email info.ieaa@minedu.govt.nz.

For more information and a summary of Code of Practice - Click Here!


5.MORE INFORMATION ON TUITION FEES / WITHDRAWAL POLICIES

Payment details on are found on the Lifeway College Fee Schedule. T his section however outlines our policies regarding money transfers, student withdrawals, refunds and student fee protection.

.INTERNATIONAL MONEY TRANSFERS
International money transfers often incur bank transaction fees. Please enquire about the transaction fees with your bank and adjust any transactions to accommodate bank fees accordingly.

TUITION WITHDRAWAL AND REFUND PROCEDURES
Any student who wishes to withdraw from the College must notify the Registrar in writing of their intention to do so; failing this, the College will continue to charge the course fee until such time when the College receives a written notification from the student.
A refund will be granted to any student withdrawing from a course up to and including the eighth day of its commencement.  The amount refundable will be the course fee, less either 10% of the course fee or $500, which ever is the lesser.   If a student chooses to withdraw from study after the first eight days from the commencement date of the course, partial refunds will only be given for verified medical reasons or death of an immediate family member. Upon the College’s acceptance of such withdrawal, a refund will be made of the course fees according to the Student Public Trust Payment Schedule.  The refund will include fees from the remaining period of study less a $200 administration fee.  In all other situations, a student withdrawing from a course after the first eight days will not be entitled to a refund.

FEE PROTECTION POLICY
All tuition fees are deposited into a Trust Account and administered by an independent accounting firm called the Public Trust.  Fees are transferred into the College’s general account on a pro-rata basis after the course start date.  Should Lifeway College close for any reason, the Public Trust will ensure students that have paid training fees in advance will be entitled to a refund on the same conditions as stated in the withdrawal and refund procedure above.

TERMINATION OF STUDENTS STUDY
Students who persistently break rules and have received a written warning may be asked to leave the course, especially where their behaviour is inconsistent with a calling to Christian ministry and/or is seriously affecting the ability of other students to learn.  In these cases the Principal and the designated staff member shall meet with the student for a disciplinary hearing.  The student shall be given 3 days notice prior to the hearing . 

In extreme cases of misconduct the Director may immediately terminate a student’s course of study.  The Director shall interview the student and inform them verbally and in writing of the termination and the reason(s) for it.  Lifeway College will ensure the students welfare in any such situation in regards to destination of student and permission to contact parents or guardians.  International students will be encouraged to contact their parents and guardians and will not be removed from the College until the students welfare and safety is accounted for.
When a student’s course of study is terminated for disciplinary reasons, no refunds shall be given. 


6.COURSE & ACADEMIC QUESTIONS

ENGLISH LANGUAGE REQUIREMENTS
The teaching medium of Lifeway College is English. Non-English speaking students (students for whom English is not their native or first language) must produce certified copies of their official English Language Test Results (IELTS). Results must show suitable evidence of English language ability as required by the specific course (see Prospectus). Lifeway College may accept proof of English competency as attained through prior learning at another institute where English is the teaching medium. Evidence (course certification and/or transcripts showing grades) must be provided and an interview may be required.
All must retain evidence of a suitable level of English language ability (adequate IELTS score). For those students who require further English tuition and language assistance Lifeway College can arrange private English language lessons if required for an additional fee.
The condition of acceptance into another course will be for the student to sit the required IELTS exam (external fees apply). If the desired IELTS score is achieved and the requirements of a course fulfilled, Lifeway will enrol the student in the next intake for the course.

Am I eligible to study at Lifeway College ?
International students must be a minimum of 18 years of age.
The following is a summary of entry requirements into Lifeway College. Each course has a varied entry requirement so please read the course application for other required documentation:
Certificate Level: Less than 12 years schooling, Senior Middle II, O-level or other equivalent qualifications.
Diploma Levels: Certificate Level or an entrance to university qualification, Senior Middle III including math, SAM: 5 passes at an average of 60% including math, A-level: 2 principals (math credit at O-level) or other equivalent qualifications.
B.A. or B.Sc. (Final Year): Final year syllabus to be submitted to Ministry of Education for approval.
Age minimum for international students is 18 years old.

What are the costs? Are scholarships available?
International students: Non refundable registration fee – NZ$100, Courses range from US$5,300-$10,000 (NZ$7,800-$18,900), textbooks and accommodation are separate costs. Lifeway does not offer any scholarships or financial assistance.

How long will my course be?
It depends on the duration of each course. Lifeway offers courses which run from three weeks, 6months, 1 year and up to two years.

Can I further my studies at other universities once I finish my diploma?
Yes, you can move on to other universities for further study once you have obtained your diploma. New Zealand Universities only allow students to cross credit one year or 120 credits of a qualification, on the condition that your enrollment is accepted into that University. For international universities you will need to check their procedures regarding cross crediting.

Is there a lot of studying involved?
All of the courses at Lifeway are accredited and approved by New Zealand Qualification Authority (NZQA). Therefore there is a reasonable amount of study required. The level of study is the same as could be expected of you from any other recognizable institutions.

Are there many tests/exams/assessments?
ESOL: There are informal and formal assessments on a regular basis. These may be during class activities, or specific times set aside for a written or an oral test.
Ministry/Certificate Courses: There are informal and formal assessments on a regular basis. These may be during class activities, or specific times set aside for a written, oral or physical fitness test.
Ministry/Diploma Courses: Each module has assessments and exams.
Media Courses: Each module has assessments and exams. Oral presentations are also required. 3D Animation: Each year is based on building up a 3DA character to submit as a final year presentation.


7. GENERAL QUESTIONS

Is Lifeway College recognized and accredited?
Lifeway College is registered as a private education provider by the New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA) under the provision of the Education Act 1989. The College’s qualifications are approved by the NZQA and the College is accredited to deliver them.

Will I be able to work full or part-time while studying?
To work in New Zealand you must apply and get an approved student visa and arrive to your study destination in New Zealand. Once in New Zealand you will then need to apply for a “Variance of conditions” to your student visa applying for the condition to work. You do not need a job offer and there is no guarantee of approval. Submissions cost NZ$60.00 and you can download a form from the New Zealand Immigration website on www.immigration.govt.nz. If your submission is approved you may get work up to 20 hours per week as well as full time work during the summer holidays.

How far away is the Beach and shops?
Lifeway College is about 5 minutes walk to Snells Beach and Algies Bay or 5 minutes drive to Martins Bay. Goat Island Marine Reserve is about 25 minutes away with lots of beautiful blue fish; snorkel gear can be hired out. Shops are also about five minutes walk away, including “The Warehouse,” a very large shopping center famous throughout New Zealand. Otherwise Warkworth town center is about 10 minutes drive away with many shops, café’s, etc.

What other charges should I be aware of? (Listed in NZ$)
Printing: NZ$0.10 per copy
Textbooks: NZ$80- $130 per subject
Medical Check-up: NZ$30- $60
Stationary, pencils, pens: NZ$30 Stamps:
International Stamp: NZ$2.00
International Postcard: NZ$1 to $2.00

What types of food are available in Snells Beach, Warkworth?
Local fish and chips shop, bakeries, cafes and pizza shops are located in Snells Beach. In the surrounding suburbs, including Warkworth which is situated 10 minutes drive from Lifeway College provides an array of restaurants ranging from Chinese, Indian, Thai and local New Zealand food. Fast food stores like MacDonald’s, Burger King, Pizza Hut and Kentucky Fried Chicken are located 30 minutes to one hour from Lifeway College.

Do I need medical or travel insurance?
Yes. You need both medical and travel insurance. Most insurance companies have packages that cover medical and travel – we advise you get a premium cover as this ensures you are covered over a broader range of circumstances that may arise. At Lifeway we recommend the Student Max cover through Southern Cross Insurance at www.internationalstudent.co.nz

What is the cost of living in Snells Beach ?
In the area of Snells Beach where Lifeway is located a flat or house varies from NZ$100 to NZ$200/week depending on the number of rooms per house and per person. Family accommodation ranges from NZ$250-NZ$400. These prices DO NOT include power, water and food costs. To see what is available go to Web Link: www.finda.co.nz - Snells Beach Rentals.

What are the General Facilities at Lifeway?
Lifeway has newly installed basketball/netball courts available for all students to use. They also have a canteen shop available for students to purchase snacks and nibbles during breaks, along with a café and up and coming bookshop onsite where students and staff are able to purchase food and materials.

SERVICES
What support services are available?
We can help organize airport pickup, accommodation arrangements, academic advice, social, emotional, and spiritual support and more.

How do I open a New Zealand bank account?
To open a bank account you can email the ASB bank in Auckland on custserv@asbbank.co.nz and request information on opening an account in Warkworth (10 minutes from Lifeway College). You can call them on 00-64-9-306-3000 to speak to a customer service operator. Alternately we can assist you in opening an account on your arrival or you can use credit card – Visa or MasterCard.

What kind of account can international students open?
International students can open the same accounts as domestic students. The best option is to open a student account where there are no bank or transaction fees. You may need to show the bank your College letter of acceptance to show proof that you are a student.

Is there public transport from Snells Beach?
Public transport from Snells Beach is limited. Although taxi’s are available to book but can be expensive. Students with cars often give other students lifts into Warkworth where a bigger variety of shops and food stores are. From Warkworth you can buy a bus ticket.

Are there telephone cards that I can buy?
There are several different telephone cards. “Talk Plus” cards have instructions in the most number of languages and range from $5 to $20. “Yabba” cards’ instructions are all in English, but are rechargeable with a credit card. “Kia Ora” cards are from $5 to $20 and they are the cheapest (11 cents per minute) in call rates, but the line is crackly and not rechargeable. They all have card numbers and pin numbers that you enter when you ring up a toll-free number. You may purchase them from the local shop/dairy.

AIRPORT PICK UP
Students need to provide the College with their flight details one week prior to arrival so their pick-up can be organised. A fee applies to airport pick-ups and drop-offs.