Student life

Academic learning is the key to success, but learning outside the classroom is equally valuable. We encourage our students to make friends, have fun and fully embrace all aspects of New Zealand.

1000+ students from 50+ countries study at UP Education. Our main New Zealand campus is in the heart of central Auckland, with a second campus in Wellington where the Victoria University of Wellington Foundation Studies Programme is offered.

In Australia, we partner with the University of Tasmania, Charles Darwin University and Swinburne University of Technology.

Student Services

The wellbeing of students is our top priority as it is the key to both academic and personal success.

The tutor system

We encourage you to develop good study habits and we offer personalised support to help you reach your goals. Each student is assigned a tutor to supervise the study and provide individual guidance, meeting regularly to check progress, celebrate success and overcome challenges.

Parent website and community portal

Parents and caregivers are kept up to date with student progress via a web-based portal. A unique login and password gives access to personal information, including on accommodation, daily timetables, attendance records and academic reports, as well as details of medical and travel insurance policies and student visas. The portal also has information on programmes, schedules and events.

Settling into study

Our Orientation programme helps you settle in when you first arrive. You’ll receive an information handbook that includes homestay and accommodation guidelines. 

Orientation

Offering a level of care that sets us apart, UP Education  provides help and support to all international students from the moment they contact us, to arriving in New Zealand and throughout their studies. We’re here to help ensure life in New Zealand is happy and rewarding.

Getting started

Transport and practical support

UP Education is on hand to provide students with the very best care and support. On arrival at the airport students will be greeted by an UP representative, who will deliver them to their accommodation. Those moving into a city apartment will be shown how to walk to the campus. For those booked into a homestay, the host family will ensure students know how to get to college, and help them buy tickets for public transport. On the first day of the course, support staff will be on hand to help organise banking, insurance, bus tickets and more.

Orientation day is the perfect introduction to UP International College. It’s a chance to meet other students, take a campus tour and be officially welcomed by our friendly deans, programme managers and teachers. 

Students will choose their subjects, meet their teachers, and receive a student handbook, which is jam-packed with information about student life.

Students need to bring physical passport, valid visa, and insurance on the day to complete your enrolment.

The education provider will contact students around 2 weeks before the orientation day to confirm the orientation schedule.

International Student Support

International student support officers help students with accommodation, health, course guidance and pathway options, as well as administration issues such as visa renewals, banking and insurance.

Learning Support

Studying overseas is exciting and rewarding – but sometimes it can also be challenging. We are here to provide all the support and care students need to achieve their goals. The role of the Dean Deans support the tutors and teaching staff by monitoring attendance and academic progress, and carrying out disciplinary measures where required. If a teacher has a concern about a student, they talk to their tutor first, followed by the dean if necessary. Our teachers, tutors and deans work together closely to ensure students are happy and thriving.

Care & Wellbeing

Taking care of our students

Personal wellbeing is essential for academic and personal achievement, especially when studying in a new country. At UP Education we do everything we can to support and care for our international students.

Professional, experienced staff

Our caring and dedicated staff are experienced in looking after international students’ educational, practical and social needs. The New Zealand Ministry of Education’s Code of Practice for the Pastoral Care of International Students is a requirement we take very seriously. We ensure a very high standard of care for international students studying with us. We are reviewed by NZQA (New Zealand Qualifications Authority) or the Education Review Office (on behalf of NZQA) who audit education providers on a regular basis.

Coping with a new culture

Adjusting to a new culture takes time. Our homestay families, tutors, welfare and pastoral care staff are always on hand to offer guidance and support. Students can also choose from a range of social, sporting, cultural and religious groups, which may help with emotional and spiritual health.

Personalised care and attention

We create a link between personal wellbeing and academic studies, supporting students to achieve their full learning potential. Our International Centre assists students with practical and personal challenges, as well as immigration matters, visas, insurance, accommodation, and banking. It’s a great place for students to access information about living and studying in New Zealand.

Social Programmes

New experiences, new people Our exciting range of social activities help students have fun, meet new people, and expand their interests. There’s more to life than study. At UP International College there are lots of opportunities to have fun outside the classroom – from sports, competitions and excursions to craft clubs and cooking groups.
The Student Learning Centre and common room The social hub of our campus – students gather here to watch movies, play board games and Xbox, use the computers, study and socialise. Open Hours: Monday to Friday – until 8:00pm Saturday – 11:00am until 3:00pm

Sports & hobbies

Basketball and badminton are run after school at the YMCA gym, close to to UP International College. We also offer classes in photography, yoga, and cooking. Class numbers are limited, and students may need to pay a small charge for some activities.

Competitions, tournaments & excursions

UP international College runs a student video competition, a chess tournament, movie nights and special theatre visits. Students choose from a range of activities including tramping, craft groups and cultural activities. We also offer group excursions to local attractions.