Frequently asked questions

How do I get a student loan?

This will need to be completed online at www.studylink.govt.nz

I am having issues applying for my student loan.

If you encounter any issues applying for your student loan please contact Studylink at 0800 88 99 00. Alternatively you can contact Rebekah O’Donaghue (Palmerston North UCOL) r.odonaghue@ucol.ac.nz or Lola Hiroti (Whanganui UCOL) l.hiroti@ucol.ac.nz.

Studylink are waiting for UCOL to confirm my study

The Studylink confirmation process is an automated process that occurs overnight. Studylink will start this process with a Verification Of Study Request (VOS Request), which will extract your study details from our system based on the information you have provided them. Common issues that can prevent this from occurring are:

1) Incorrect study details provided to Studylink e.g. study dates, student ID number, etc.

2) Incomplete application for study – although you may have submitted your application with us, you may not yet be enrolled. To check out your current application status simply login to sws.ucol.ac.nz or contact one of the team at 0800 46 82 65 or on enquiry@ucol.ac.nz.

Am I entitled to fees free study?

If you’re 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. Visit www.feesfree.govt.nz to find out now.

Why can’t I see my course in Moodle?

Your lecturer may need to add you to the Moodle class list, please email the lecturer if you experience this issue.

I cannot see my results in Moodle.

If you have an outstanding debt with UCOL you may not be able to see your results. Please contact your lecturer as they will be able to tell you your result if you have a payment arrangement with UCOL.

I have received a debt letter from UCOL

If you have an outstanding debt with UCOL you may not be able to see your results, nor access your student account unless you have a payment arrangement with UCOL. If you do not have a payment arrangement please contact accountsreceivable@ucol.ac.nz to discuss your options. Outstanding debts over 90 days may be sent to debt collections.

I keep receiving invoices from UCOL, why is this happening?

UCOL will issue a statement/invoice whenever any changes have been made to your account. Please check the statement for details of this change.

What is Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)?

RPL refers to the process of receiving recognition for previous education in the field of study. This process involves the curriculum of the previous institution being examined and the learning outcomes being matched against our own, shortening the length of study by a corresponding length of time. This process has an upfront administration fee plus an additional cost for each paper able to be recognised.

What is Assessment of Prior Learning (APL)?

APL refers to the process of receiving recognition for previous experience gained from working in a specific field for a significant period of time. This process involves an interview to gain significant detail of aptitude in a specific area and how that can be matched against the learning outcomes of our programmes. This process is independent of the RPL process and carries an upfront administration fee plus an additional cost for each paper able to be recognised.

For further information on RPL/APL please contact s.tawharu@ucol.ac.nz.

How do I apply for the programme?

Students can apply for our study programmes on paper or online. Some programmes may require supporting documentation, details of these can be found on the qualifications programme page under entry requirements. PDF files of supporting documents are available for printing here

Please take a photo of all necessary documentation and submit all documents to studentregistry@ucol.ac.nz if possible.

How do I check my application status?

Students can check their application status online at sws.ucol.ac.nz, alternatively please contact enquiry@ucol.ac.nz for more information.

Will I be informed if my application is unsuccessful?

If your application has been unsuccessful, you will be notified via email.

How late can I apply?

UCOL welcomes applications to study up to two weeks after a course starts.

I've been out of study for a while...

What's your most recent qualification? Take a look at the entry requirements of the course you're interested in to see if you have the required qualifications/skills. If you're still not sure, feel free to make contact

If you're starting from scratch, consider taking one of our Foundation Skills courses.

I need a change, where do I start?

What are your interests? What makes you happy? What do you enjoy? Asking these questions of yourself is a good place to start. Also consider visiting UCOL to talk to an enrolment advisor.

I have bills to pay, can I work while I study?

It depends on the qualification. Some programmes like Bachelor of Nursing require you to spend a large portion of your time on clinicial placement, so you don't have time to work. Other courses like Bachelor of Creative Media suggest that if you need to earn while you study, you work for up to 10 hours per week. So, we suggest that you get in touch to find out what your course requirements are, take a look at available scholarships and check out what support is available from studylink