Auckland University of Technology (AUT) is a New Zealand University under the Education and Training Act 2020. It is subject to a regular audit of academic quality by the Academic Quality Agency which is an independent body established by the New Zealand Vice-Chancellor’s Committee in 1993. Details of AUT’s most recent Academic Audit may be found at the AQA website: www.aqa.ac.nz .
This Student Agreement (Agreement) relates to the accompanying Offer of Place (Offer) and admission information letter. It forms part of the contract (Contract) between AUT and the student named in the Offer (you) and becomes valid upon acceptance of the Offer by you. It governs the relationship between you and AUT, and by signing the Offer you acknowledge and agree to the terms and conditions of the Student Agreement detailed below.
This Agreement continues until the programme of study named in the Offer ends or until the Contract is terminated.
If you do not, or cannot, comply with the requirements of this Agreement, AUT may terminate the Contract and your enrolment.
This Agreement is subject to and governed by the laws of New Zealand, and you and AUT are subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the New Zealand Courts in all matters arising from the Contract and this Agreement.
To the maximum extent permitted by law, the University’s liability to you is limited to the amount of tuition fees, levies, general fees and any other charges on your fees account that you have paid for the enrolment period in which the liability arises. The University is not liable to you for any indirect or consequential losses (including loss of opportunity, loss of future earnings or loss of reputation), or for any losses, costs or damages that you suffer or incur as a result of a breach of this Student Agreement by the University where that breach is caused by circumstances beyond the University’s reasonable control.
AUT may update this Agreement from time to time by updating the Student Agreement webpage. The most recent version of this Student Agreement will apply to you and will replace any previous version(s) of this Student Agreement.
Your Obligations
While a student of AUT, you are expected to act in a manner which aligns with AUT values of Tika (Integrity), Pono (Respect) and Aroha (Compassion).
You agree that you will comply with the various University statutes, regulations, policies, codes, procedures and protocols, and all other reasonable requirements of AUT (as amended from time to time), including those requirements necessary for AUT to fulfil its obligations under the Code, and you accept the jurisdiction of AUT in matters connected with your study.
You acknowledge that before you access any University Information and Communication Technology services that you will agree to the terms and conditions outlined at that time (a copy of the ICT terms and conditions is available at https://aut.nz/ICTpolicy ). You also understand that any breach of these conditions may result in your access to such services being terminated and further disciplinary action being taken.
You agree that it is your responsibility to obtain/purchase any devices, textbooks, and other equipment or materials as advised and required by AUT as part of your study.
Where applicable, you agree that a copy of your written work may be held, stored and analysed in the plagiarism detection systems operated or used by AUT and plagiarism detection providers.
You acknowledge that if you allegedly breach the statutes, regulations, policies, codes, procedures and protocols of AUT you may be subject to the provisions of the Discipline Statute or the AUT Support to Study Code.
You agree that you will provide to AUT the contact details of a person who may be contacted in the event of an emergency and/or welfare matters involving you. Normally this would be a trusted relative, friend, or member of your family.
You agree that you will keep your personal details accurate and that you will update your Arion student account with any changes in your email address, residential address, or other contact details.
You acknowledge that AUT may contact you from time to time via email, text messages, phone or by post for communications regarding AUT in general, administrative and welfare matters, AUTSA (students’ association) activities or student services. You agree that you will respond as soon as possible to any requests made by AUT via these channels.
Some programmes and courses may require you to undertake internships, placements, research, or other activities off-campus and in the community, including in schools/kura, early childhood centres, health/medical facilities, and other institutions and workplaces. Additional requirements may apply to your participation in these community-based activities. You agree to follow the reasonable instructions and requirements provided by AUT for these activities. You must also meet any applicable Government or host organisation requirements, such as any health and safety or background check requirements, and (where applicable) to be vaccinated and supply evidence of your vaccination status. If you are unable to meet the requirements to participate in a community-based activity, AUT will use reasonable endeavours to accommodate you. However, AUT will not be responsible if you are unable to meet the programme or course requirements due to being unable or unwilling to meet these requirements.
Enrolment
When you accept the Offer, and satisfy all other additional requirements related to the Offer, you are entitled to enrol at AUT in the programme of study specified in the Offer.
You are only entitled to enrol in courses related to the programme of study specified in the Offer. Details on how to do this are available on the AUT website: Enrolling in courses and classes - AUT.
If you fail to enrol in courses and/or do not attend/participate in the required on-campus or online activities after accepting the Offer, AUT has the right to rescind the Offer and/or cancel/withdraw your enrolment.
It is your responsibility to formally notify AUT of any change, cancellation, or withdrawal of enrolment desired by you. Details on how to do this are available on the AUT website: Changing your programme, course or major - AUT. The date of this formal notification will be used in the calculation of any refund eligibility and may also be used in the determination of final grades for the enrolment. You acknowledge that non-payment of fees, ceasing to attend or verbally advising a member of staff will not be accepted as formal notice of course cancellation or withdrawal. Information on withdrawals and refunds is available on the AUT website: Fee Refunds - Paying Your Fees - AUT .
You will not be fully enrolled with AUT until you have provided all required legal documentation (including a valid visa and proof of medical/travel insurance for International students), academic documentation, and the fees as detailed on either the Offer or the invoice provided to you are paid in full.
You understand that AUT reserves the right to restrict your enrolment into individual courses by reason of enrolment limitations/requirements, relevant qualification regulations, and any additional conditions advised by AUT.
AUT may make changes to its courses (including the offering, content, mode of delivery, or timing for delivery of such courses), where such changes are required because of changes in funding, staffing, legislation, Government directions, or circumstances beyond AUT’s reasonable control. AUT will give you reasonable notice (having regard to the circumstances) of any such changes.
If you apply to a new programme of study, and this approved by AUT and the new Offer accepted by you, a new contract will be applicable and this Contract will lapse.
If you are an International student, you may not transfer to another programme of study during the first semester of study at AUT. After the first semester of study you may apply to transfer to another programme of study, but any such transfer will depend on:
Availability of places in the new requested programme of study; or
Selection and approval by the relevant department or faculty in accordance with prescribed University selection criteria
If you are an International student and under 18 years of age when the Offer is made to you, AUT must receive the written consent of your parent or legal guardian before you are permitted to enrol.
You understand that in addition to the academic requirements of any programme, further requirements may be necessary for your chosen career. These could include other qualifications, registration with a professional body, licensing or other legal requirements. You understand that it is your responsibility to be aware of these additional requirements and to ensure you can meet them.
Fees and Payment
The fees payable by you as part of the Contract relate to tuition fees, student services fees, additional course fees, and other fees such as enrolment fees and any insurance premium (for International students) detailed in the Offer and/or enrolment invoice. It also relates to any similar type of fees in subsequent periods of study. It does not relate to the cost of accommodation or any living or travel costs that may be incurred while a student of AUT.
When you accept the Offer and/or receive a fees invoice, you are liable for the fees payable for your enrolment until such time as AUT receives payment in full, or a valid notice of course cancellation or withdrawal is provided to AUT by you.
Full payment of your fees is required by the date specified by AUT. If the fees are not paid by this date, you acknowledge that AUT may cancel your enrolment in your courses and/or your programme of study and withdraw University services from you.
If you attend classes without having fully paid the fees owing, you understand that this is in breach of AUT policy, and that AUT may take steps to recover the outstanding amounts. In such a case, you agree that you will pay any applicable additional fees, including any third party legal and collection costs incurred by AUT in recovering any overdue amounts.
You agree that AUT may collect, use, retain and disclose personal information about you in accordance with: the privacy policy, procedures and statements available on the AUT website: Privacy and Security - AUT; and in the AUT Calendar; and the Privacy Act 2020.
You agree AUT will hold your personal information in its student management systems to assist the University to fulfil its obligations to the Code, namely student welfare and safety while studying.
You acknowledge. that graduation information, including your name and award, will be made public information.
If you have studied in a New Zealand secondary school, you acknowledge that your graduation information may be provided upon request to your secondary school for use in honours boards, school publications and for the purposes of improving teaching practice.
You agree that if AUT is concerned about your engagement, progress, welfare or believes your safety or the safety of others is in jeopardy, AUT may contact your emergency contact person, the Police, or other relevant person or agency.
If you are an International student you agree that information concerning your academic progress or withdrawal, including grade and welfare information, may be provided to or shared with your agent, homestay host, sponsor or home university upon request under agreements that facilitate your enrolment into AUT, for the purposes of providing you academic and pastoral support or for the provision of Study Abroad transfer of credit and evidence relating to compliance with conditions of entitlement to study in New Zealand.
When participating in an international exchange or study abroad programme outside of New Zealand, you acknowledge that your information, including your personal details, academic progress, results, medical conditions and your wellbeing in an emergency, will be shared with the relevant international educational institution for the purposes of your participation in the relevant programme. You acknowledge that your information will therefore be shared outside New Zealand and that it may not be given the same protection as provided by the Privacy Act 2020.
Student Discipline, Complaints, and Dispute Resolution
In the event that the Discipline Committee of AUT determines that you are in breach of AUT statutes, rules and regulations, various penalties may be applied. This includes (but is not limited to):
a reprimand
a fine
suspension from class(es)
expulsion from AUT
In the event that the Fitness to Study Panel under the AUT Support to Study Code determines that you are not fit to study, various outcomes may be applied. This includes (but is not limited to):
a leave of absence
exclusion
suspension from class(es)
suspension from AUT
In the event that you are dissatisfied with the actions or services of AUT, you may make a formal complaint following the procedures outlined in the AUT Calendar document. https://aut.ac/complaints-procedures
If, after the full process under 6.3 above, the complaint is not resolved to your satisfaction and you wish to dispute the outcome, you may refer the matter to the independent dispute resolution scheme established by the New Zealand Government. For domestic students this can be found at https://tedr.org.nz/ and for international students at https://www.istudent.org.nz
AUT reserves the right to terminate this Contract on any of the following grounds:
You have provided false or misleading personal information to AUT; or
You have not provided required personal information to AUT; or
You have not paid fees owed by you; or
Your academic performance is such that the faculty Assessment Board has determined that you cannot progress in your programme of study; or
You have been identified with serious concerns regarding risk to your health and safety or others under the Code for Support to Study; or
You have committed a serious breach of the AUT Support to Study Code and/or AUT Discipline Statute and the Discipline Committee has resolved to expel you.
You have been identified with serious concerns regarding risk to your health and safety or others under the AUT Support to Study Code.
The refund of any fees relating to a termination under 7.2 above is at the sole discretion of the University.
International Student Only – Visa Obligations
You must meet the requirements of Immigration New Zealand to study in New Zealand. If you do not have New Zealand citizenship or hold a residence class visa in New Zealand, you must ensure that you hold a valid student visa and comply at all times with the conditions of that visa (this is a pre-requisite of your enrolment and a condition of your continued enrolment).
You acknowledge that the issuing of an Offer to you by AUT does not guarantee that you will be issued with a student visa by Immigration New Zealand.
You must provide AUT with a copy of your valid student visa before commencing study, as well as providing copies of any subsequently renewed visas while studying.
You acknowledge that if you fail to obtain or maintain a valid student visa or you if need to leave New Zealand for whatever reason, this Contract will lapse, and any enrolment will be cancelled.
You acknowledge that you are responsible for ensuring that you maintain a study load that complies with the requirements of your student visa (normally 120 points per year, or 60 points per semester).
If you gain a New Zealand residence class visa after accepting your Offer the following applies:
Residence gained prior to classes start – you will be entitled to enrol as a New Zealand domestic student
Residence gained prior to the refund period for the classes expiring – you will be entitled to enrol as a New Zealand domestic student
Residence gained after the refund period for the classes has expired:
Semester based programme of study - you will be enrolled as an international student for the first semester and then will be enrolled in subsequent semesters as a New Zealand domestic student
Year based programme - you will be enrolled as an international student for the first year and then will be enrolled in subsequent years as a New Zealand domestic student
International Student Only – Medical and Travel Insurance Obligations
You must obtain and maintain appropriate medical and travel insurance which is compliant with the requirements of the New Zealand Government's Education (Pastoral Care of Tertiary and International Learners) Code of Practice 2021 for the duration of your study.
You may opt out of the AUT default policy. However, details of any alternative policy purchased by you must be provided to AUT before commencement of study and will need to be assessed by AUT to ensure the policy meets University policy standards as per guidelines on our website. https://aut.nz/insurance
International Student Only – Overseas Online Learning and Support
AUT supports overseas online learning, but this is limited to specific programmes and will be assessed by AUT each intake.
If approved, and you start your study from overseas, you will be entitled to student support, advice and services, however this may differ from the on-campus delivery and the student services fee will be adjusted to support this online delivery.