Visas and Insurance

International Students
Visa and Insurance

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Have a question about admissions, courses, fees, or campus life? We’re here to help. Fill in the form below and a member of our team will get back to you as soon as possible. Whether you’re a prospective student or a current enrollee, we welcome all enquiries and look forward to supporting your educational journey.

Your Future Starts Here

To begin your application process to study at Laidlaw simply create an account in our student portal and begin your application. 

International Applications for the 2027 intake are now open

All accepted international students must have a Student Visa (or work visa with a variation of conditions) issued by the New Zealand Immigration Service before enrolling for study at Laidlaw College. Students on a Student Visa must study full-time (60 credits per semester).

To obtain a Student Visa you first need to apply and be accepted to study at Laidlaw College. You will need to pay your tuition fees, and purchase medical insurance in advance in order for us to provide you with supporting documentation (Offer of Place letter) for your Student Visa application. Once you have the Offer of Place letter you are free to apply to New Zealand Immigration for a Student Visa.

For a full outline of this process, please see the Application Process for International Students:

For more immigration and student visa information:

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:

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:

Medical and Travel Insurance

The New Zealand Government requires that all international students have appropriate and current medical and travel insurance for the period of their study in New Zealand as international students are not eligible for publicly funded health services. Laidaw College has made arrangements with Uni-Care for a Group Schema to provide cover for overseas students.

Alternatively, you may arrange your own medical and travel insurance. If your insurer is an overseas company, you must provide policy details in English to Laidlaw College. Your policy must cover certain items.

For full information on the visa process for international students, please see the Application Process for International Students.