WHY STUDY AT AIS

1. Great Value

   Established in 1990, Auckland Institute of Studies (AIS) is one of New Zealand's largest Tertiary Education Organisations offering a wide range of NZQA-approved degree, diploma and language qualifications. Students take advantage of attractively priced, quality programmes in business administration, international business, information technology, hospitality management and tourism management, complemented, if needed, by excellent support from the AIS English Language Centre. 

2. Individual Focus

   Our teaching faculty value personal contact with students, and class numbers are kept low to maintain high quality standards. Our students receive a high level of personal attention and are supported to maximise their potential.

   Our Student Services team, in conjunction with academic faculty, advise on programmes that match students’ requirements and career aspirations.

3. Multicultural Environment

   AIS attracts students from New Zealand and around the world. A multicultural, family-oriented environment provides a stimulating setting where overseas students can meet New Zealanders, leading to close interaction across cultures and development of life-long friendships and personal networks. Our students find work in New Zealand and across the globe after successful completion of their studies.

4. Academic Staff and Research

   Our degree programme lecturers are leaders in their disciplines, active in research, and well-published in fields relevant to their courses. Small class sizes maximise learning opportunities and the personal contact that students have with their teachers. 

5. Employment

   AIS provides assistance to students on all employment issues. This includes conducting workshops on CV preparation and interview techniques, and finding appropriate employment opportunities. Our Student Job Search Centre also contacts potential employers and makes interview arrangements.

6. Industry Links and Internships

   Our programmes are market and industry driven. Employers participate in our advisory committees to ensure programmes are up to date. Live projects and industry practice in our programmes provide practical training and develop work connections. Our internship programme provides opportunities for graduate and MBA students which may lead to full-time employment in New Zealand.

7. Student Support Services

   AIS attaches great importance to the welfare of students on campus. Our multi-lingual Student Services Officers are experienced in dealing with problems faced by New Zealand and international students, and are always available to provide support during their studies.

8. Fast-Track Programmes and Flexible Entry Dates

   AIS has a flexible three-semester system (January/February, May and September each year) for undergraduate and graduate qualifications that allows you to fast-track your studies. Committed students can complete their programmes in a shorter time than at traditional institutions, which reduces costs and allows faster entry into employment.

   Our postgraduate qualifications (PGDBA and MBA) offer six intakes per year (usually early February, late March, late May, mid-July, mid-September and early November).

   Our English Language Centre has an intake every Monday. 

9. Credit Recognition 

   AIS can offer a number of credits to students who have completed New Zealand diplomas or other qualifications, enabling students to “top-up” to degree level.

   Students with prior studies at our international partner institutes and other international institutions are also eligible to apply for credits.

   Applications for credits are made after arrival for the start of a programme. Approvals are given by our Academic Board, based on level, credit value and content mapping with AIS courses.

10. Study Skills Advisor

    Our Study Skills Advisor assists students to improve their academic performance, with a particular focus on students who need extra academic support. Assistance includes one-on-one consultations, a “Study Buddies” programme, and regular workshops on essay writing, study skills, referencing and exam preparation. 

11. Scholarships and Excellence Awards

    Each semester AIS awards academic scholarships at undergraduate and graduate level, and certificates of academic excellence at postgraduate level, to high-performing students continuing their programmes with us. Academic scholarships are based on academic results achieved in the previous two semesters, and certificates of academic excellence are based on the first 10 or 20 modules completed in the PGBDA and MBA programmes. 

12. Immigration and Visas

    AIS offers students an online visa service in partnership with Immigration New Zealand. International students can apply for their visas on campus, and graduates can also apply for a one-year Post-Study Work Visa (Open). Our St Helens Campus-based Online Visa Officer provides support and assistance with student and work visa issues.

    New Zealand’s immigration policy supports settlement of international students who have the skills and talent the country needs. All our qualifications at Level 6 and above qualify for points under the Skilled Migrant Category, and qualifications on the skills shortage list (our Bachelor of Information Technology and Bachelor of International Business (Accounting) degrees) provide bonus points. 

13. Student Loans and Allowances

    New Zealand citizens and permanent residents can apply for student loans and allowances, subject to certain criteria. Our Student Services team can provide assistance with applications to StudyLink.

14. Pasifika and Māori Grants

    As part of our Pacific Outreach Programme, AIS offers special tuition rates to international students from the Pacific Islands. Grants are also available to students of New Zealand Māori descent.

15. Transport

    In order to provide our students with a warm, welcoming experience when they arrive in New Zealand, AIS offers airport pick-up for all first-time arrivals.

    A free shuttle bus service runs between the St Helens Campus and the city centre on week days. Both the St Helens and Asquith Campuses are conveniently located close to bus routes. The Western Line rail network passes close to our campuses, enabling students to find affordable accommodation in West Auckland.

16. Large Spacious Campus

    The park-like grounds of the St Helens Campus are complemented by indoor recreational facilities, including a gymnasium and sports hall, at our Asquith Campus, which add to the atmosphere of the institute. Plenty of free student parking is also offered.