Enrolment & Student Information
Orientation
All students enrolled at the UP International College New Zealand are required to attend an orientation programme at the start of their studies. Orientation is an important part of your journey, giving you the chance to meet College staff, connect with other students, and become familiar with the campus, its facilities, and the range of support services available to help you succeed.
Orientation is delivered in two ways:
- On campus for students who have arrived in New Zealand with a valid visa
- Online for students who are still overseas while waiting for their visas to be approved
During orientation, you will receive important information about:
- Academic subject selection
- Your pathway to university degrees
- Your study timetable
- Pastoral care services and learning support available on campus (including accommodation advice, doctor visits, transport, and more)
- Living in New Zealand, including local customs, safety, and New Zealand laws
It is important that student attend the orientation as it ensures you are well prepared for your studies, student life, and your experience in New Zealand.
Education Code of Practice
Caring for International Students - The Education (Pastoral Care of Tertiary and International Learners) Code of Practice 2021
All New Zealand education providers must follow the guidelines of the Education (Pastoral Care of Tertiary and International Learners) Code of Practice 2021 (the Code) to support the wellbeing of tertiary and international learners.
The Code:
- Keeps you safe and healthy while studying in New Zealand
- Sets clear rules for how schools must help international students
- Makes sure your housing meets good standards
- Makes sure you can get the right help, including counselling and study support
- Protects your rights as an international student
- Makes sure you are treated fairly
- Requires regular checks on how you are doing with your studies and personal life
- Gives you clear ways to report problems if you have concerns
- Provides help during emergencies
- Makes sure you get correct information about courses and services before you enrol
Watch the video to #Know the code for international learners.
For more information about the Code, click here.
Visa and Immigration Information
All international students must follow Immigration New Zealand regulations and comply with the conditions of their student visa at all times. This includes requirements around study, attendance, accommodation (for under-18 students), and any work rights. Failure to meet visa conditions may affect your ability to remain in New Zealand and continue your studies. If you are unsure about your visa obligations, please speak with the College’s support team for assistance.
Some important Immigration visa conditions to know*
- Visa: U2.1 - A person must obtain a student visa in order to do study or training in New Zealand.
- Insurance: E3.20.f - The holder has insurance. (The insurance must meet the Code requirements)
- Attendance: E3.20.c - The holder attends the programme of study at all times as required, at the place of study shown on the visa, unless there are real reasons for absences.
- Academic Progression: E3.20.d - The holder makes satisfactory progress in the programme.
- Work Rights: U6.40.e - A student visa may be granted with the conditions allowing the student to work (Only applicable for University of Auckland visa holders).
UPIC visa holders are not allowed to do any work.
Medical and Travel Insurance
All international students must follow Immigration New Zealand regulations and the Education (Pastoral Care of Tertiary and International Learners) Code of Practice, which requires students to hold valid medical and travel insurance for thewhole time of their study in New Zealand. Proof of this insurance must be provided to the College, and it is the student’s responsibility to keep continuous, current cover while enrolled.
Find out detailed information on the insurance policy for international students - Allianz Studentsafe Inbound Learner, click here.
Students who have pre-exiting medical condition(s) must complete a Medical Risk Assessment Form and send it to assess@medicalhotline.co.nz within 28 days of your arrival in New Zealand or within 28 days of your first enrolment - an additional cost may apply.
If the insurance provider does not receive your Medical Risk Assessment Form within this timeframe, they will be unable to process your medical assessment, and your Pre-existing Medical Condition(s) will remain excluded.
Click here for the Online Claims Portal.
Student Code of Conduct
The Student Code of Conduct sets out the expectations for how students should behave while studying at UP International College New Zealand. Its purpose is to help create a safe, respectful, and supportive learning environment where everyone, students, staff, and visitors feel valued and protected.
Attendance, learning, and academic integrity
- Attend all scheduled classes, activities, and assessments.
- Arrive on time, be prepared, and follow instructions from staff.
- Submit your own work for assessment. Academic honesty is essential.
- Use electronic devices in class only for approved learning activities. Do not use AI tool dishonestly.
- Avoid any behaviour that disrupts the learning of others.
Respect for Others and Cultural Inclusiveness
- Treat all students, staff, and visitors with courtesy, kindness, and respect.
- Respect the personal property, privacy, and rights of others.
- Dress in a way that is respectful and appropriate for a multicultural campus. Clothing should be clean and modest, without offensive images, language, or slogans.
- Respect the cultural values, beliefs, and customs of others, including New Zealand as a multicultural society.
- Avoid behaviour or language that is offensive, discriminatory, or disrespectful based on culture, religion, gender, sexual orientation, or background.
Respect for the College
- Care for College property, equipment, and shared learning environments.
- Follow all College regulations, policies, and reasonable directions from staff.
- Behave in a way that upholds health and safety standards and the good reputation of the College.
- Always wear suitable footwear for health and safety reasons.
- Follow non-smoking and vaping rules. Only use designated areas.
Privacy, Social Media, and Responsible Communication
- Do not access, alter, or share personal or academic records of other students or staff without consent.
- Protect confidential information and never disclose it without permission.
- Use social media and digital platforms responsibly. Avoid posting content that could harm, harass, defame, or discriminate against others or damage the College’s reputation.
Legal, Compliance, and Wellbeing Responsibilities
- Comply with New Zealand laws and College regulations at all times.
- Follow the Education (Pastoral Care of Tertiary and International Learners) Code of Practice, including attendance, wellbeing, accommodation (for under-18s), and behaviour standards both on and off campus.
- Do not possess, consume, or be under the influence of illegal drugs or prohibited substances on campus or at college-related activities.
- Follow New Zealand’s legal drinking age (18+) and do not consume alcohol on campus or at College events without prior permission. Never buy or give these to anyone under the age of 18.
- Students must not engage in any form of bullying, harassment, or intimidation — whether verbal, physical, social, or online (cyberbullying). This includes spreading rumours, excluding or isolating others, threatening behaviour, making derogatory comments, or misuse of social media and digital platforms.
- Do not permit any external person to enter College premises without the permission of campus staff. Students must also remain vigilant when entering the building and must not allow “tailgating” (unauthorised individuals following them into the premises). If any incident arises as a result of such actions, full responsibility will rest with the student(s) involved.
- Students must not organise, encourage, or participate in any form of physical fighting, threats of violence, or gatherings with the intent to fight. Such behaviour is a serious breach of the Code of Conduct, endangers the wellbeing of others, and will result in immediate disciplinary action. Students are encouraged to report any incidents of bullying, harassment, or violence to a trusted staff member or through designated reporting channels. Support resources, including counseling services, are available for students who may need assistance.
Disciplinary action may apply if a student does not comply with the Student Code of Conduct. This can include verbal or written warnings, suspension from classes, or other appropriate measures.
Serious breaches of the Code, including misconduct, illegal activity, or behaviour that places others at risk may result in the immediate suspension or termination of enrolment. In such cases, the College is also obligated to notify the relevant government authorities, such as Immigration New Zealand or the New Zealand Police.
The College will be fair and equitable and will always consider your wellbeing when determining the appropriate disciplinary outcome.
Attendance and Absence Policy
Attendance is a vital part of your learning journey and contributes directly to your academic success. Good attendance, along with strong time management, punctuality, and commitment to your studies, will not only support your achievement but also help you develop valuable life skills that employers value.
In addition, Immigration New Zealand requires all international students to attend their approved programme of study at the location stated on their visa, unless there is a valid reason for absence (Immigration Instruction E3.20.c). Valid reasons for absence are medical reasons and personal emergencies. Maintaining good attendance is essential for meeting both academic and visa conditions.
The College monitors student attendance closely in every class. If you are absent from a scheduled class, the College will follow up with you promptly.
It is your responsibility to notify the College of any absence as soon as possible. If you have more than three absences in a row or multiple medical absences, you may be required to provide a medical certificate. If you have provided multiple medical certificates, the College may request detailed medical records to assess whether you are fit to continue your studies and to ensure we can provide appropriate support.
The Excessive Medical Leave Policy
If you miss classes because you are sick, you must provide a medical certificate from a New Zealand registered doctor. UoIC regularly reviews attendance to make sure students are meeting study and visa requirements. If you have frequent medical absences, our team will contact you to check on your wellbeing, discuss your progress, and offer support if needed. In some cases, you may be asked to meet with staff to plan how to continue or re-enrol in your studies. Our goal is to ensure students get the help they need while keeping attendance and academic progress fair and consistent for everyone.
These measures help the College meet its obligations under the Education (Pastoral Care of Tertiary and International Learners) Code of Practice and ensure you receive the right support for your wellbeing and learning. The College is also required to notify Immigration New Zealand if a student has frequent absences that are unexplained or not supported by proper evidence (for example, a medical certificate). This could affect your visa status.
Student Leave for Cultural & Religious Holiday Leave Policy
UPICNZ values the cultural diversity of our student community and respects the significance of international traditions. However, as a student in New Zealand, you are expected to observe the local public holiday calendar.
Leave will not be approved for non-New Zealand public holidays (e.g. Chinese New Year, Eid, etc.). While we respect these occasions, attending scheduled classes remains compulsory.
Please note:
- Absences for these holidays will be marked as non-attendance.
- Such absences may negatively affect your attendance record and impact your visa and academic standing.
Students are encouraged to celebrate their cultural events outside of class hours, and we welcome cultural activities within the campus community.
Refunds and Withdrawals
A refund will not be given if:
- The student has started their programme
- The student got accepted to the College by giving incorrect and/or false documents; or
- The student breaks any College rules and policies (including any updates to these rules), and/or New Zealand law even if this happens before classes start.
- The student is temporarily removed, suspended, or permanently removed from the College.
For more information about the UP International College New Zealand Refund policy, please refer to the Contract of Enrolment attached to your Offer of Place. You can request a copy via adminservices@up.education
Student Contact Information Policy
In accordance with the requirements of the Education (Pastoral Care of Tertiary and International Learners) Code of Practice, all students must provide their current and accurate contact information to the College and notify the College immediately of any changes. This includes:
- Mobile phone number
- Email address
- Residential address in New Zealand
- Parent or legal guardian contact details
- Next of kin and local emergency contact details
Why this is important Keeping your contact details up to date is essential for your safety, wellbeing, and enrolment compliance. It allows the College to:
- Contact you quickly in case of an emergency or urgent matter
- Provide important updates relating to your studies, visa status, health, and safety
- Notify your parents, guardians, or nominated emergency contacts if there are concerns about your wellbeing, safety, or academic progress
Accurate and current contact information ensures the College can meet its legal and pastoral care responsibilities and provide you with timely support when you need it most. To update your contact details, please email: adminservices@up.education.
Disciplinary, Suspension, Stood Down and Expulsion
UP International College New Zealand is committed to providing a safe, respectful, and supportive learning environment for all students and staff. Students are expected to follow the values of integrity, responsibility, and respect both on and off campus, and to show strong commitment to their attendance, class engagement, and academic progress.
The College has a strict policy with no exceptions toward all forms of wrong or bad behaviour, as well as serious and ongoing academic or attendance concerns. This includes, but is not limited to:
- Bullying, harassment, or discrimination in any form—whether in person or through digital platforms.
- Engaging in activities that break New Zealand laws.
- Ongoing poor academic performance or attendance without valid reasons.
- Any behaviour that breaks the Student Code of Conduct or College policies.
All disciplinary matters will be addressed through the College's clear disciplinary steps, which are designed to ensure fairness, students taking responsibility, and the wellbeing of the wider community. This process supports students in meeting their responsibilities by providing clear communication, timely support, and opportunities for improvement, helping to maintain a safe and positive learning environment for all. The disciplinary procedure includes the following steps:
- Students may receive formal warning letters outlining the concerns related to their behaviour, attendance, or academic performance. Each letter serves as an opportunity for the student to think about their actions, take corrective action, and access available support.
- In each stage of the disciplinary process, the College will notify the student's parent(s), guardian(s), or designated caregiver(s) to ensure everyone works together to support the student. This helps build a strong support system for the students.
- If a student reaches the final (third) warning, the College may notify Immigration New Zealand.
- If there is no major improvement after all formal warnings and the right support help, the College may decide to suspend or end the student's studies.
The College is committed to ensuring that all students are treated fairly and are given every opportunity to succeed, and help students make positive changes and do their best.