The effective date for processing any request for refund will be the date the fully completed International Student Refund Application form, Change Enrolment request form or Advice in Writing is received by International Student Support Services.

Students who apply for a place in a Course/programme remain liable for fees unless they withdraw in writing at least 14 days prior to the Semester start date (in which case the Student is entitled to a refund of 100% less a $500 admin fee).

Important information regarding refunds for International Students

1. An International Student in a Semesterised Programme who gains a Resident/Permanent Resident Visa will not receive a refund of fees for the semester in which residency is granted unless they provide the documents required prior to the Semester start date. However, for the following semester(s) will be refunded any international fees paid beyond the semester in which residency was granted.
 
 2. If a student has started study but has not maintained or obtained a student visa permitting the Student to stay in New Zealand, they will have their enrolment cancelled and no refund of tuition fees will be granted. 
 
3. International Students who wish to defer to the following semester must notify International Student Support Services before the semester start date. INZ will be notified of the deferral.
 
4. Where an International Student wishes to transfer to another institution they must have Immigration New Zealand (INZ) approval to do so. 
 

5. All refunds will be paid in either NZ dollars or in the currency that is stated on the Student’s refund application form.  In all circumstances, Unitec will only refund the NZ dollar amount that it received towards the tuition fees. The refund will be 

  • Paid directly into the student’s nominated overseas bank account in the same jurisdiction that the funds originated; or 
  • Sent to the student in New Zealand on sighting a changed visa e.g. Visitors Visa or Work or;
  • If it is known that the student’s fee has been paid by a recognised third party, any refund will be paid back to that third party and not the student, unless the student produces a written authority from the third-party authorising payment directly to the student; or
  • Sent to another institution, if requested in writing with the applicant’s signature and supported by evidence of an offer of place by the other institution and a Student Visa for that institution, and
  • In all instances, Immigration New Zealand (INZ) will be notified.

6. Refunds will only be held in credit for the calendar year in which the refund has been processed unless otherwise agreed in Writing by the Director Enrolment and Academics Operations.  

7. Overpayments will be refunded into the same account from which the funds originated.  No exceptions will be granted. Where the originating bank account has been closed, the overpayment will be refunded into the student’s nominated bank account in the same jurisdiction as the originating bank account.  Any refunds due to overpayments must be authorised by the Director Enrolment and Academic Operations.

8. Students who apply for a place in a Course/programme remain liable for fees unless they withdraw in writing as per the International Application for Refund Form. Refund form for International Students

Refund form for International students

If you are an International student and you would like to apply for a refund from Unitec, you must fill in our International Student Refund Application form:

International Student Refund Application form

In rare instances, you may still apply for a refund in exceptional or compassionate circumstances.  In this case, please complete the Application for Exceptional Refund (International Students) form and return this to International Student Support services.

Admission, Enrolment and Fees Policy & Procedures

The Admission, Enrolment and Fees Policy directs you to where you can find information about the entry criteria for Unitec programmes, including the conditions you need to meet, and the reasons we might decline an application. It also covers the enrolment process, and how and when to pay tuition fees. 

Admission, Enrolment & Fees Policy