Apply to study
Before You Apply
(Applications for NZ Domestic Students for 2025 close: 20/01/2025)
(Applications for International Students for 2025 close: 20/11/2024)
*International Students – Please contact the office@eastwest.ac.nz for more information as the application date is different for International students.
Applicants should have:
A Christian testimony of faith in Jesus Christ
A membership of, and at least one year’s involvement in, a local church or assembly
The commendation of the local church
Evidence that they can undertake a course of intensive study and practical activity, i.e.:
The successful completion of a course of secular study or training
Satisfactory performance in regular employment
Physical fitness
Willingness for cross-cultural mission service
Be at least 18 years of age in the year of commencement of study
Read our “Is Eastwest for You?” page
The following documents for all applicants, need to be included in your application: Copy of passport or birth certificate, Academic/qualification transcripts (if any).
For international students you need to include official results of the IELTS or equivalent test.
To Apply
Application Form | 1) Download the Eastwest application form | ||||
Referees | 3) Ask three people to complete a Referee Form | ||||
International Students | International students need to read and sign the last page of the |
Fees-free Study for NZ Students
If you are a first-time tertiary learner, you may be able to get your fees covered for one year’s study or two years’ work-based training.
Check if you are eligible for Fees Free by going to: Fees Free | Study or train fees-free
What’s new for Fees Free in 2025?
The Government has announced that Fees Free for the first year of study or training will finish at the end of 2024. A final-year Fees Free scheme will replace it, starting from January 2025 with the following parameters:
Learners entering their final year of study or training from 1 January 2025 and who have not accessed first-year Fees Free may be eligible for the new final-year Fees Free scheme.
Eligibility will include provider- and work-based study or training at Levels 3 and above on the New Zealand Qualifications and Credentials Framework.
Repayment will be made after the learner completes their qualification, with refunds starting from 2026.
We are working through transition arrangements for first-year Fees Free learners as well as detailed policy design and implementation for the final-year Fees Free scheme. Once decisions are made, we’ll update this website with more information.
You may also be able to get a Student Loan to help with course related and living costs.
For more information on Student Loans and Allowances go to studylink.govt.nz.
International Students
English Language Requirements
If English is not your first language, you will need to sit the IELTS (Academic) test. You will need an IELTS score of 5.5. (with no band below 5.0) in order to enrol in the Diploma in Intercultural Studies Level 5 and an IELTS score of 6.0 (with no band below 5.5) to enrol in the Diploma in Intercultural Studies Level 6. This is a NZQA requirement.
Accommodation
For pastoral care reasons and to support the best educational experience possible international students are required to live on campus in student accommodation.
International Student Visas
International students wishing to enrol at the college can apply for student visas. Please be in contact with the college while you do this.
The process can sometimes be quite slow (so allow plenty of time!). Student visas are only granted by the NZ Government after the fees for the duration of the visa have been paid to the college in full.
Details of visas, permit requirements, advice on rights to employment in New Zealand while studying, and reporting requirements are available through the New Zealand Immigration Service website.
International Student Welfare
Eastwest College of Intercultural Studies is a signatory to the Education (Pastoral Care of Tertiary and International Learners) Code of Practice 2021
Find out more about our intentional support of student wellbeing.
Eastwest College has a member of staff dedicated to supporting the practical and spiritual welfare of our international students.
Most international students are not entitled to publicly funded health services while in New Zealand, so you will require medical insurance cover while you study with us.
What to bring
As you begin your studies and become part of the Eastwest College family, here are some details that you will find helpful.
Our purpose-built units are fully furnished with lounge, dining and bedroom furniture as well as plates and dishes, cutlery and usual kitchen utensils. For all international students, we also provide your bedding, pillows, towels and face cloths.
For your arrival at the college, as a residential student we ask you to bring the following items:
Your clothes and personal requirements, toiletries and any medicines
Having your own electronic device is essential for completing your assignments and classroom activities, although there is a small computer suite with internet access in the library for student use. Personal printing can be done in the library with a 'per sheet' charge.
Each student is required to do one half day’s practical work each week e.g. gardening, helping with the building programme, painting etc. You will need some old clothes to use during this time. If you don’t have room in your luggage to bring any with you, there are plenty of cheap or second-hand clothes shops in Hamilton, our nearest shopping centre (about 20 minutes drive away).
Unlimited internet access at reduced speeds (due to rural location of the College) is available through the college WiFi.
If you have any queries, or are not sure about whether additional items can be brought to the college, please do not hesitate to contact the college on office@eastwest.ac.nz.