16 Reasons to Choose AIS St Helens:
01. 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 degree of personal attention and are supported to maximise their potential.
Our Student Services team, in conjunction with the academic faculty, advise on programmes that match students’ requirements and career aspirations.
02. International Vision
AIS St Helens attracts students from around the world. A multicultural, family-oriented environment provides a conducive and stimulating setting for studies, leading to close interaction across cultures and development of life-long friendships. Our students find work in New Zealand and across the globe after successful completion of their studies.
03. Fast Track Programmes and Flexible Entry Dates
AIS St Helens has a flexible three-semester system (January, May and September each year for diploma/degree/postgraduate qualifications) that allows students to fast-track their 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 English Language Centre has an intake every Monday.
04. Credit Recognition
AIS St Helens offers a number of cross-credits for students who have completed the New Zealand Diploma in Business or other diplomas in information technology, tourism, hospitality and business, enabling students to “top-up” to degree level.
Prior studies at our international partner institutes are also eligible for cross-credits.
Applications for cross-credits are made after arrival for the start of semester. Approvals are given by the Academic Board, based on the level, credit value and content mapping with AIS St Helens courses.
05. Student Support Services
AIS St Helens attaches great importance to the welfare of students on campus. Our multi-lingual Student Services officers are experienced in dealing with issues faced by international students and provide ongoing support during their studies.
06. 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 Buddy” programme and regular workshops on essay writing, study skills, referencing and exam preparation.
07. Employment
AIS St Helens provides assistance to students on all employment issues. This includes conducting workshops on CV preparation and interview techniques, and finding appropriate employment/internship opportunities. The Student Job Search Centre also contacts potential employers and sets up interview arrangements.
08. Industry Links
Our programmes are market and industry driven. Employers participate in our Advisory Committees to ensure programmes are up to date. Live projects, internships and industry practice in our programmes provide practical training and develop work connections and job opportunities.
09. Scholarships
Each semester AIS St Helens awards scholarships to high performing students continuing their degree and diploma programmes with us. The awards are based on the academic results achieved in the previous two semesters.
10. Research
Our lecturers teaching in degree programmes are active in research relevant to their courses, which benefits students.
11. Immigration and Visas
AIS St Helens offers students online visa services in partnership with Immigration New Zealand. International students can apply for their visas and permits on campus, and graduates can also apply for one-year work visas. Our 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 5 and above qualify for points under the Skilled Migrant Category, and qualifications on the skills shortage list (our Bachelor of Information Technology and Bachelor International Business (Accounting) degrees) provide bonus points.
12. 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 provides assistance with applications to StudyLink.
13. Pasifika Scholarships
As part of our Pacific outreach programme, AIS St Helens offers special tuition rates to international students from the Pacific Islands.
14. Transport
In order to provide our students with a warm, welcoming experience when they arrive in New Zealand, AIS St Helens offers free airport pick-up for all first time arrivals.
A free shuttle bus service runs between the Main Campus and the city centre on week days. Both campuses are conveniently located to public transport (bus and rail) routes.
15. Large Spacious Campus
The park-like grounds of the Main Campus are complemented by indoor recreational facilities, including a small gym and sports hall which add to the atmosphere of the institute. Free student parking is also offered.
16. Personal Referrals
The thousands of personal referrals from students, graduates and their families and friends are an important reason to choose AIS St Helens.
