FAQ
Frequently Asked Question
Admissions & Applications
How do I apply, and what certificates do I need?
Answer: You apply online through our website. You will need to submit your complete upper secondary school certificate (High School Diploma) or equivalent. For local New Zealand students, this means your NCEA Level 2 or 3 certificate. For international students, we accept equivalent qualifications from your home country. Our admissions team will review your documents and confirm your eligibility after you apply.
Is there an application deadline?
Answer: We have three main intakes per year: January, May, and September. Applications close approximately 4 weeks before the start date. We recommend applying early as seats fill quickly.
Can I apply for multiple courses at once?
Answer: Yes, you can submit separate applications for different courses. However, we recommend focusing on one course that aligns with your career goals. Contact our admissions team(RM) if you need guidance choosing.
What documents do I need to submit?
You will need your passport, your highest education certificate (or equivalent from your home country), and your CV. For trades courses, any relevant work experience or certificates are also helpful. All documents must be submitted in English.
Jobs & Career
Does the school help with job placement?
Yes. Graduates of Vira Vocational College receive access to our job board, which features real job openings from New Zealand employers actively hiring in the trades sector.
We also offer comprehensive career support services, including:
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Career guidance and job hunting strategies
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CV and cover letter writing support with templates and tips
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Interview preparation using the STAR method and practice questions
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Networking advice and informational interview guidance
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Labour market information about which trades are currently in demand in New Zealand
Our goal is to ensure you are fully prepared to enter the New Zealand workforce upon graduation.
Can international students work in New Zealand after graduation?
During your studies, your student visa allows you to work up to 25 hours per week during term and full-time during holidays. No separate work visa is needed.
After you complete your vocational program, your student visa will expire. If you want to stay and work in New Zealand, you must apply for a Post Study Work Visa. This is a separate application, not an automatic extension.
Visas & International Students
I am an international student. Can you help with the visa process?
Answer: Yes. We provide full assistance with your student visa application. This includes your official Offer of Place (admission letter) from Vira Vocational College and comprehensive guidance on every step of the process with Immigration New Zealand (INZ). Our team follows all regulations precisely to ensure your application is complete, accurate, and has the best possible outcome. New Zealand's student visa approval rate is approximately 88-91% for well-prepared applications . Please note that you should apply at least 8-12 weeks before your intended start date, as processing times vary and can take up to 10 weeks for some applications
Do I have to pay for the visa processing service? Is it refundable?
Answer: Yes, there is a service fee for our dedicated visa processing support. This fee covers our team's work in handling, reviewing, and preparing all your documentation to ensure it meets Immigration New Zealand's (INZ) strict standards. This service fee is non-refundable, as the work is completed regardless of the final outcome of your visa application.
Can my family or spouse come with me on my student visa?
Answer: Yes, your immediate family (spouse and children) can apply for a residence permit to join you in New Zealand. The application process is done together with your own permit application. Please note that family members will have their own application fees. Organizing your accommodation is your responsibility, though we can offer general guidance.
Can I apply again if my visa is denied?
Yes, you can reapply. There is generally no mandatory waiting period for reapplying for a New Zealand student visa after a refusal . However, you should not simply resubmit the same documents, as this is likely to result in the same outcome. Instead, you must address the specific reasons for the refusal stated in your letter from Immigration New Zealand (INZ).
The key to a successful reapplication is demonstrating what has changed since your first application. This means strengthening your financial evidence, providing a more specific study plan, clarifying your career goals, and ensuring all documents are complete and consistent .
If you are in New Zealand when your application is declined, and you still hold a valid visa, you can request a review of the decision within 14 calendar days . This review will be conducted by a different immigration officer .
Our team will analyze your refusal letter, identify the gaps in your previous application, and guide you on the best course of action to prepare a stronger, more complete application for your second attempt
Can I work while studying in New Zealand?
Yes. International students enrolled in a vocational course lasting longer than 6 months are eligible to work.
You are allowed to work up to 25 hours per week during term time (increased from 20 hours as of November 2025) and full-time during scheduled holidays.
This applies to students in vocational programs at Level 3 or higher on the New Zealand Qualifications Framework (NZQF).
After completing a Level 4 or higher vocational qualification that required at least 2 years of full-time study, you may be eligible for a one-year Post Study Work Visa to gain practical experience in your field.
Many students use this opportunity to earn money toward their tuition and living expenses.
Tuition, Payments & Refunds
Can I pay my tuition fee in installments?
Answer: Yes. You can speak directly with our administrative(RM) team to arrange a payment plan that works for your situation. We are flexible and willing to work with students to make education accessible.
What if I pay 20% or 40% of my tuition fee upfront? Can I still be granted admission?
Yes. Under our Nils-Lofgren Program, you may pay between 20% and 40% of your total tuition fee upfront and still receive admission to your chosen program. Upon arrival in New Zealand, you will be enrolled in a part-time job to help cover your living expenses and the remaining tuition balance. Please note that this program adds an additional 35% to your total tuition fee, which becomes payable when you receive your program certificate upon completion.
How do I apply for the Nils-Lofgren Program?
Answer: On your application form, simply tick the box that says: "Do you want to apply for the Nils-Lofgren Program?" Alternatively, you can send us a message through our contact form or WhatsApp, and our admissions(RM) team will guide you through the process.
Why do New Zealand residents pay less or nothing?
The New Zealand government provides significant funding for vocational education to support its workforce development goals . For 2026, the government has increased tertiary tuition and training subsidies for priority vocational programs, with foundation education subsidies increased by 2% and an additional $284 million allocated to fund 99% of forecast tertiary education and training volumes .
Domestic students (New Zealand citizens and permanent residents) may qualify for:
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Fees Free study options, including the final-year Fees Free scheme (up to $12,000) and Youth Guarantee programs for 16-24 year olds
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Student loans and allowances through StudyLink to cover tuition fees, course-related costs (up to $1,000), and living costs (up to $316.39 per week)
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Targeted funding for Māori and Pasifika Trades Training (MPTT) for eligible students aged 16-40
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Youth Guarantee funding for learners aged 16-24 who have not yet achieved NCEA Level 2
International students are not eligible for New Zealand government funding or StudyLink support . For international students, our fees are structured to be transparent and competitive, and we offer flexible payment plans.
What payment methods do you accept?
Vira Vocational College exclusively accepts cryptocurrency (USDT/Bitcoin) for all international payments. This follows the precedent set by leading institutions, including the University of Nicosia (accepting Bitcoin since 2013) and ESMT Berlin.
Cryptocurrency offers instant settlement, lower fees, and same-day refunds when needed. Card payments and bank transfers from certain countries often face delays, failed transactions, or take weeks to process refunds. Cryptocurrency eliminates these issues.
The application fee is non-refundable and must be paid in cryptocurrency (USDT/Bitcoin).
Need help with crypto? Our Relationship Manager (RM) is ready to guide you through the process via WhatsApp.
Why do you recommend paying with crypto?
Answer: We are dedicated to making the registration process as easy and secure as possible. A large percentage of credit and debit card refunds for international students became a serious issue—refunds could take weeks or months, and sometimes funds never returned. With crypto, your payment is fast, and if you need a refund, it can be processed as a same-day transfer directly back to you.
I am a parent and don't know much about crypto. Can I still pay through a bank transfer?
Vira Vocational College exclusively accepts cryptocurrency (USDT/Bitcoin) for all international payments. We understand that crypto may be new to many parents and students.
That is why we provide full support. Our Relationship Manager (RM) can guide you through the entire process via WhatsApp, from setting up a wallet to completing your first payment. The process is simpler than it seems, and we are here to help every step of the way.
We have also prepared a step-by-step guide to help you pay with cryptocurrency. This guide explains how to set up a wallet, purchase USDT or Bitcoin, and send your payment securely.
Please contact our admissions team or message us on WhatsApp for assistance.
Do I get all my money back if I don't get a visa or change my mind?
Answer: This is a very important distinction.
Student application fees and visa processing service fees are non-refundable. These fees cover the administrative work and external department costs for processing your specific case.
- Student Application Fee: $50 NZD (approximately $30 USD)
- Job Seeker Application Fee: $75 NZD (approximately $45 USD)
However, your tuition fee is fully refundable according to our refund policy (less any third-party transfer or processing fees). If your visa is denied or you withdraw before the course starts, we will refund your tuition.
Please refer to our full Refund Policy for details on deadlines and conditions.
General Questions
How can I contact the school?
Answer: You can reach us via WhatsApp (click the button on our website) or email at admin@viravocationalcollege.com. We typically respond within 24 hours.
Can I visit the campus before applying?
Answer: Yes. We welcome prospective students to visit our campus. Please contact us in advance to schedule a tour.