International Students

The New Zealand College of Aviation is the training division of the Auckland Aero Club. We welcome applications from any student wishing to gain their Commercial Pilots Licence.

 

 

General Information

An International student is a foreign student who studies in New Zealand on a student study visa. The visa is issued by the New Zealand Immigration Service.
New Zealand is a popular choice for many students wishing to start their flight training. Aside from the friendly people, relaxed lifestyle and undeniably beautiful scenery, it is one of the most cost effective places to train; the New Zealand licence is well recognised internationally. Our training programme is founded on over 81 years of experience and tradition in flight training. We have many success stories of professional pilots who started with zero experience and worked their way through to the level international airline pilot; these pilots still have a great affinity with where their flight training started. Your training will be conducted at one of the busiest airfields in the country, a great place to learn your trade and hone the skills required to be a safe and proficient pilot at any level.

Approved Courses

NZCA Module 1 Private Pilots Licence
60 hours flight time, 6 theory papers, PPL Flight Test. On completion of this licence students will be able to pilot a fixed wing aircraft for recreational use and to carry non fare paying passengers.
Duration: 12 weeks
All International students applying for this course will require a visa. A student visa cannot be obtained for a course of this duration. A student may choose to apply for a visitor's visa and proceed with PPL training, however if training is not completed within the 12 week time frame then training cannot be continued.

NZCA Module 2 Commercial Pilots Licence
150 hours flight time, 6 theory exams, CPL Flight Test. Module 1 must be completed before Module 2 can commence. Allows pilot to fly for hire or reward; suitable for students who are looking at a career in scenic or agricultural flight operations.
Duration: 40 weeks

NZCA Module 3 Instrument Rating
45 hours flight time, 3 theory papers. This can be completed in either a single engine or multi engine aircraft. Those students seeking a career with an airline will have to complete a multi engine instrument rating. Once completed the pilot will be able to fly without visual reference and will be able to navigate in cloud.
Duration: 12 weeks

NZCA Module 4 C Category Instructor Rating
Students must have completed module 2 before commencing this module. Includes 25 hours advanced dual flight instruction, 45 hours theory briefings, instructional techniques course and practical Flight Test.
Duration: 12 weeks

Visa and Immigration Requirements

All international students studying in New Zealand on a course that last more than 12 weeks must have a valid student visa/permit. It is of great importance that a student does not let his/her visa expire; renewal is easy and we can help you with this process if necessary.

Immigration Requirements:
It is a student visa requirement that all students pay their course fees in full in order to obtain a student visa. A receipt will be issued by NZCA upon payment. NZ Immigration will require a copy of this receipt to proceed with your visa application. NZ Immigration will require confirmation of your accommodation, your letter of offer, receipt of payment of course fees and a police clearance from your home country before issuing your student visa. The visa process usually takes 6 – 8 weeks
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.
www.immigration.govt.nz

Code of Practice

The New Zealand College of Aviation has agreed to observe and be bound by the Code of Practice for Pastoral Care of International Students published by the Minister of Education. Copies of the Code are available on request from this institution or from the New Zealand Ministry of Education website at www.minedu.govt.nz

Medical Cover and Insurance

International Students require appropriate medical and travel insurance while studying in New Zealand. A student may choose to arrange their own insurance or on acceptance they can ask for an insurance application form to be sent and NZCA will arrange this for you.

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 the 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.

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 www.acc.co.nz.

Information, health and other support services:
We have contacts with services such as the Citizens Advice Bureau, Community Law Centre, Local Library, councillors and general medical services, contact details for these organisations can be obtained from the administration team. Students are advised to consult with an aviation medical assessor for most health issues.

Accommodation

We have an array of accommodation types that are well priced close to the airfield. From home-stay venues in rustic settings, flats, apartments and houses; all are available within easy commuting distance.

Apartments, Houses and Rooms - Generally a flat will cost $120 – $160 per week per person depending on the type of flat and its location. There will be other shared costs to consider such as power, phone and food. An apartment or house will cost more; a 3 bedroom house will cost $280-$350 per week depending on the area. Renting a property such as a house or an apartment will require payment of a bond; this may be as much as 2 – 4 weeks rent. This money is placed in the Government Bond Centre and will be returned to you once your rental or lease has expired and the house inspection is completed to the landlord's satisfaction.

Home-stay - This is a nice way for students to experience New Zealand family life and culture by living with a kiwi family. This type of accommodation will come with a fully furnished room, 3 meals per day, laundry and use of the phone and internet. The home-stay fee will vary depending on the location and how many meals the student
requires the family to prepare for them. Students should allow at least $230.00 - $260.00 per week for this type of accommodation.

Accommodation Websites: www.trademe.co.nz or www.newzealandcare.co.nz
International Students should note that the NZ Department of Immigration requires students to have accommodation arranged prior to applying for their student visa.

Application and Enrolment Process

Enrolment Requirements:
International students must be at least 18 years of age at the start date of training
Must have a minimum English competency level of 6.0 IELTS (or similar)
Hold a class 1 or class 2 aviation medical certificate; whichever is appropriate. A list of certified doctors in your country can be provided if required or can easily be located at www.caa.govt.nz

International English Language Test Score: (IELTS)
As English is the language used in Aviation, all applicants from countries where English is not their first language are required to show evidence that an IELTS or similar exam has been completed. The applicant must have a score across the band of no less than 6.0.

Fit & Proper Person:
Before any NZ licence will be issued a person must be able to pass a CAA "Fit and Proper Person" check. This involves a police criminal and traffic offence history in New Zealand and any other country that has been resided in for more than 6 months in the past 5 years.

Application:
If you wish to apply please down load the application form from our website: www.aac.org.nz . If you wish to speak to someone in person regarding your application please phone: 0064 9 2998590.

Please send your application either by email to flightdesk@aac.org.nz or post
To: New Zealand College of Aviation
Ardmore Airport
PDC 14
Papakura 2244
New Zealand

Please ensure that your application form is signed, that it has been completed fully and that you have attached copies of your passport, birth certificate, academic records and IELTS score.

Once we have received and assessed all the necessary documentation you will be advised whether your application has been successful or not. If your application is successful you will be forwarded a Letter of Offer, welcome letter, invoice for the required fees and the NZCA enrolment pack. Once you have received this documentation and your fees have been paid your can then apply for your student visa. Application forms can be downloaded from the New Zealand Immigration website: www.immigration.govt.nz

Course Fees and Refund Policy

Your invoice from the New Zealand College of Aviation will state the amount that needs to be paid, the due date and the bank account number the fees should be paid to. A receipt will be issued on receipt of payment, please ensure that all fees are paid by the due date.

Arrival:
Please advise NZCA of your arrival date. If you are booked with a home-stay they will usually pick you up from the airport or contact NZCA if pick up is required.

Course Withdrawal and Refund Policy:
If you wish to withdraw your course application with NZCA please ensure that you advise NZCA as soon as possible. If you withdraw within the first 8 days of your course a refund will be granted less a fee to cover administration expenses. The Education Act 1989 section 236A allows a PTE such as NZCA to retain $500.00 or 10% of the course fee, whichever is the lesser amount. A copy of this legislation is available on request.

Induction Process:
All students participating in any course will be taken through the Induction Process, which will be undertaken by a staff member. They will be taken through the student handbook and the Auckland Aero Club Constitution to ensure that they understand their rights and obligations and they will be required to sign that they have understood what they have been taken through. At this time they will also be give a guided tour of the premises and all necessary stationery will be handed out