International Students
QRC is a premier provider of Tourism and Hospitality education and as such, our student body is diverse and passionate about their chosen industry. Around 10% of our student body is international.
We aim to provide our international students with not only a high quality education but a safe, supportive and culturally enriching experience whilst studying with us in Queenstown.
Our international students have come from over 20 countries including Malaysia, Australia, United Kingdom, Russia, India, Vietnam, China and Indonesia. During their time with us, we ensure our international students are immersed in the ‘kiwi’ culture and way of life and in return, we highly value the cultural contribution our international students bring to the QRC student experience.
QRC’s friendly Student Relations, Faculty, Admissions, Marketing and Accommodation teams are here to assist you with immigration matters, insurance, accommodation and life in New Zealand.
In this section of our website you can find the essential information about studying at QRC as an international student.
Entry Requirements
All students must be 18 years or older upon commencement of either programme.
Level 6 Diplomas
Both of QRC’s diplomas are accredited by New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA) as Level 6 qualifications.
To gain entry into these programmes, you must satisfy the following criteria:
- International Baccalaureate (IB) Students: At least 3 passes in SL subjects including Mathematics and English
- Cambridge/CIE Students: CIE (Cambridge International Exam) candidates must attain at least 60 UCAS points (from the UCAS Tariff) over two or more subjects and have IGCSE Mathematics Grade D or better and AS English Language or AS English Literature with Grade E or better.
Students studying out side of NZ must have successfully passed 12 years of schooling equivalent to the above NZ requirements. A full list of equivalencies can be found here.
If studying in NZ students need to attain:
NCEA (NZ National Certificate of Education Achievement) Level 2, including the following:
- 48 Level 2 (or higher) credits over 4 approved subjects* including 4 reading and 4 writing literacy credits
- Numeracy – 10 credits at level 1 or above
- Be at least 18 years of age at course commencement
Students enrolling in either the Diploma of Adventure Tourism Management or the Diploma of Hospitality Management need to achieve the following:
- IELTS (academic) score of 6.0 with no less than 6.0 in speaking and 5.5 in any other band or equivalent
- Pearsons Test (PTE): Overall score of 50 with no communicative skill score below 42
- If studying in NZ evidence that the student has achieved NCEA Level 3 and has met the New Zealand university entrance requirements.
QRC is a registered Pathway Education Provider.
ABC College of English is a pathway partner with QRC. English language students can pathway into their diploma programmes once academic requirements are met.
ABC College of English
Email: english@abc.ac.nz
Website: www.abc.ac.nz
Under the visa pathway scheme your visa will allow you to:
- stay for up to 5 years
- study up to 3 courses, one after the other on a single student visa
- work part time for up to 20 hours a week while you are studying and full time in the holidays.
Students enrolling in either the Diploma of Adventure Tourism Management or the Diploma of Hospitality Management need to have an IELTS (academic) score or accepted equivalent of 6.0 with no less than 6.0 in speaking and 5.5 in any other band or equivalent.
QRC currently can offer a single pathway visa between QRC and the following institutions.
Queenstown
Language Schools NZ
Email: queenstown@languageschool.co.nz
Web: www.languageschool.co.nz
Auckland
ACG
Email: admissions@acg.ac.nz
Website: www.acgedu.com
New Zealand Language Centres
Email : info@akldlang.co.nz
Website : www.learnenglish.co.nz
Languages International
Email: info@languages.ac.nz
Website: www.languages.ac.nz
Dunedin
University of Otago
Tel:+6434798344
Email: international@otago.ac.nz
Website: www.otago.ac.nz
All fees are in NZ$ and are subject to change.
International Fees & Dates Queenstown Campus
| International Adventure Tourism Management | Year 1 | Year 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition Fees* 2026 | $24,800 | $24,800 |
| Course Related Costs | $3,100 | $1,500 |
| Accommodation Bond | $500 | |
| Course Placement Fee | $200 | |
| Total | $28,600 | $26,300 |
| Optional Insurance - (Insurance may be arranged at own cost) | One Year $786 | 9-Months $616 |
| International Hospitality Management | Year 1 | Year 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition Fee* 2026 | $24,800 | $24,800 |
| Course Related Costs | $2,500 | $1,200 |
| Accommodation Bond | $500 | |
| Course Placement Fee | $200 | |
| Total | $28,000 | $26,000 |
| Optional Insurance - (Insurance may be arranged at own cost) | One year $786 | 9-Months $616 |
| 2026 Queenstown Dates | Intakes |
|---|---|
| Tourism & Hospitality | |
| Diploma in Adventure Tourism Management (Level 6) | January 12th, April 9nd, July 6th, October 5th |
| Diploma in Hospitality Management (Level 6) | January 12th, April 9th, July 6th, October 5th |
Accommodation Bond
The Accommodation Bond ($500) is fully refundable once student departs QRC Lodge – depending on room condition.
General Fees
Some courses and services accrue additional costs. All charges relating to your chosen course will be itemised on your Invoice. If you have any questions regarding General Fee charges, please email accounts@qrc.ac.nz.
Optional
- Travel and medical insurance for international students: You may arrange your own insurance, please contact studentservices@qrc.ac.nz if you are.
- Optional transfer service (welcome on arrival and transfer to Accommodation): NZ$95
NZ Government Requirements
It is a requirement of the NZ Government that all year one fees are to be paid in advance before the issuing of a Student Visa. No deferred payment schemes are available. QRC’s Refund Policy can be found here.
My experience as QRC has been amazing. From the beginning, the school supported me with my visas process, making everything much easier and less stressful. The teachers are always friendly, caring, knowledgeable and always willing to help and guide students when needed. QRC has a friendly and welcoming environment that make me feel valued and it has given me opportunities to grow personally and professionally for a successful career in the hospitality. I am truly grateful to be part of the QRC community.
Mon expérience à QRC a été formidable. Dès le début, l'école m'a accompagnée dans toutes les démarches liées à mon visa, ce qui a rendu le processus beaucoup plus simple et moins stressant. Les enseignants sont accueillants, bienveillants, compétents et toujours prêts à aider et à guider les étudiants lorsque cela est nécessaire. QRC a créé un environnement chaleureux et convivial où je me sens valorisée et comme chez moi. Je ne me suis jamais sentie nostalgique de mon pays grâce au soutien de toute l'équipe. Cette expérience m'a également offert de nombreuses opportunités de grandir, tant sur le plan personnel que professionnel, et m'a préparée à une carrière réussie dans l'industrie de l'hôtellerie. Je suis très reconnaissante de faire partie de la communauté de QRC.
I’m a dentist who became a hospitality management student, and I can proudly say it was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. It may sound like an unusual path, but I truly appreciate every moment of my journey at QRC. To me, QRC is much more than a hospitality school. It became my second home. I felt welcomed, supported, and encouraged to grow. QRC shaped me in ways I never imagined possible. It taught me not only how to communicate with people from different cultures, but also how to better understand myself. Beyond the business knowledge, which broadened my perspective and gave me valuable skills for running my own business, it was the real experiences that made QRC truly exceptional. My internship, practical class activities, leadership challenges, and electives like Wine Studies created unforgettable learning experiences that simply cannot be found in a traditional classroom. The two and a half years I studied at QRC have been among the most valuable of my life that I have never regretted. I am not only into a better professional but also into a more compassionate person who understands the importance of genuine hospitality and creating meaningful connections with everyone.
ฟังดูอาจแปลกอยู่ไม่น้อยที่ทันตแพทย์คนหนึ่งเลือกมาเรียนต่อด้านการบริหารการบริการและการโรงแรมที่ QRC หลายคนอาจสงสัยว่าทำไม แต่สำหรับเรา นี่คือหนึ่งในการตัดสินใจที่ดีที่สุดในชีวิต QRC ไม่ได้สอนแค่เรื่องการบริการหรือการบริหารธุรกิจ แต่สอนให้เราเข้าใจ "ผู้คน" มากขึ้น ทั้งการเข้าใจผู้อื่นและเข้าใจตัวเอง ที่นี่ทำให้เรากล้าก้าวออกจากกรอบเดิม ๆ และค้นพบว่าเรามีศักยภาพมากกว่าที่เคยคิด ทุกคนให้การต้อนรับและดูแลเราอย่างอบอุ่น จน QRC กลายเป็นเหมือนบ้านหลังที่สอง นอกจากความรู้ด้านธุรกิจที่สามารถนำไปประยุกต์ใช้ได้จริง ประสบการณ์นอกห้องเรียน ทั้งการฝึกงาน กิจกรรมภาวะผู้นำ และวิชาเลือกต่าง ๆ ล้วนเป็นการเรียนรู้จากการลงมือทำที่หาได้ยาก และแตกต่างจากการเรียนที่เราเคยสัมผัสมาก่อน ตลอดสองปีครึ่งที่ QRC เราได้เรียนรู้มากกว่าความรู้ในตำรา แต่ได้มุมมองใหม่ต่อโลกและต่อผู้คน ประสบการณ์ที่นี่ไม่ได้เปลี่ยนแค่เส้นทางการเรียนรู้ของเรา แต่ยังหล่อหลอมให้เราเป็นทันตแพทย์ที่ไม่เพียงรักษาคนไข้ แต่ยังเข้าใจและใส่ใจผู้คนในฐานะ "มนุษย์" มากยิ่งขึ้น
Hi, I'm Hoang Anh from Vietnam, though most people know me as Hannah. As a Term 5 Hospitality Management student, I've loved my journey at QRC. The friendly lecturers, classmates, and caring QRC Lodge and Café teams made me feel at home from day one. My nine-month internship was an unforgettable experience that helped me grow both personally and professionally.
Xin chào, tôi là Hoàng Anh đến từ Việt Nam, mọi người thường gọi tôi là Hannah. Hiện tôi là sinh viên Term 5 ngành Hospitality Management tại QRC. Hành trình học tập tại đây là một trải nghiệm tuyệt vời. Các giảng viên, bạn bè cùng đội ngũ QRC Lodge và QRC Café đã giúp tôi cảm thấy như ở nhà ngay từ những ngày đầu. Chín tháng thực tập cũng là một trải nghiệm đáng nhớ, giúp tôi trưởng thành cả về kỹ năng lẫn bản thân.
Medical and Travel Insurance
QRC can help you arrange travel insurance cover while you study. We use New Zealand Government approved Orbit Protect – Prime Insurance for our students. Having valid comprehensive travel insurance is a condition of study at QRC for international students.
| Period of Cover | 2026 Pricing |
|---|---|
| 1 month | $103 |
| 2 months | $204 |
| 3 months | $227 |
| 4 months | $291 |
| 5 months | $377 |
| 6 months | $420 |
| 7 months | $497 |
| 8 months | $557 |
| 9 months | $616 |
| 10 months | $670 |
| 11 months | $723 |
| 12 months | $786 |
| 13 months | $842 |
| 14 months | $907 |
Most international students studying abroad are not entitled to publicly funded health services while in New Zealand. If you receive medical treatment during your visit, you may be liable for the full costs of that treatment. Full details on entitlements to publicly-funded health services are available through the Ministry of Health.
International students must have appropriate and current medical and travel insurance while studying abroad in New Zealand. Queenstown Resort College will organise these insurances for you upon application.
The Accident Compensation Corporation (ACC) provides accident insurance for all New Zealand citizens, residents and temporary visitors to New Zealand, but you may still be liable for all other medical and related costs.
Student Visas
When you enrol with QRC from overseas, you must apply for a Student Visa from Immigration New Zealand. Once you have your letter of offer from QRC, you can begin your visa application. Be mindful when choosing your programme intake that you have allowed enough time for the processing of your visa.
You can find out the application steps as well as permit requirements, advice on rights to employment in New Zealand while studying and reporting requirements at this Immigration New Zealand site. Your education agent can assist with this process.
When applying for your visa, Immigration New Zealand requires you to show evidence of $20,000 to cover the cost of living in New Zealand for one year.
Student Services
The Student Services team at QRC is responsible for admissions, accommodation, student support library services and pastoral care.
We are here to help you and are based on Level 2 of QRC House.
We can help you with general college information, accommodation and payments, academic and study matters, career planning, library services and personal and social issues.
For international students, we also assist with visa extensions and renewals, travel and insurance and Code of Practice issues.
Small Class Sizes
Counselling and Support Services for International Students
If you have a personal concern or problem, please speak to our Student Services Manager who can be contacted via Reception, a tutor or student support person. There are many ways we can assist you and you will be referred to someone with the skills and sensitivity to address an issue with you. We have confidence in these people and invite them to be with you when needed.
Transport
Getting to Queenstown is easy and for international students, the best way is by domestic or international flights. Queenstown is accessible from a number of Australian airports as well as Auckland and Christchurch airports.
Our airport is around 10 minutes by shuttle or car to the QRC campus.
Upon arrival, QRC can organise airport transfers for you to be transferred between the airport and your accommodation. Just let us know your details before you arrive and we can arrange this.
Queenstown students have several transport options. The town itself is relatively compact, in fact the distance between QRC Lodge and our campus is around 2.4 kilometres. This can be walked in around 34 minutes or alternatively, QRC students have the option of purchasing a bus pass. Biking is hugely popular in Queenstown and great if you are looking for an affordable mode of transport.
Accommodation
We recommend our International students reside at the QRC Halls of Residence during their first two terms. It helps you become familiar with your fellow students, gets you involved in social activities and provides safe, homely environment with the support of an on-site manager who is available 24/7.
If you wish to live at QRC Halls of Residence, you can nominate to do this during the application process. For more information and the cost of living at the Halls of Residence can be found here.
Opening Hours and Public Holidays
QRC closes for the Christmas period.
Where tuition is affected by QRC observance of New Zealand public holidays, a minimum of three days shall constitute a week for tuition and fee purposes.
The Education (for tertiary and international learners) code of practice
When students from other countries come to study in New Zealand, it is important that those students are well informed, safe and properly cared for.
New Zealand educational providers have an important responsibility for international students’ welfare under the Code of Practice for International Students.
The Code is a document which provides a framework for service delivery by educational providers and their agents to international students. The Code sets out the minimum standards of advice and care that are expected of educational providers with respect to international students.
The Code applies to all educational providers in New Zealand with students enrolled on international study permits. The Code is mandatory to these providers and must be signed by them.
Queenstown Resort College has agreed to observe and be bound by the Code of Practice a copy of which is available online from the Ministry of Education website.
Overall, the organisation is innovative and balances changes within the industry and educational contexts with continuity of quality educational outcomes.”
Read the full Report of External Evaluation and Review.
QRC also adheres to the International Students Contract Dispute Resolution Scheme, which can be found in detail here.
Useful links
Agents
QRC has agents around the world to help you apply to QRC.
QRC works with a trusted network of education agents around the world who support students throughout their journey to studying with us in Queenstown, New Zealand.
We value the relationships we build with our appointed agents and welcome enquiries from experienced education agencies interested in representing QRC. We look for partners who share our commitment to providing students with professional, accurate and high-quality guidance.
QRC generally appoints agencies with demonstrated experience recruiting students to study in New Zealand. As the number of agent appointments is limited, all applications are carefully reviewed by our International Recruitment team.
Please note that QRC can only accept student applications submitted by agents who have a current formal representation agreement with QRC.
Interested in becoming a QRC agent?
If your agency is interested in partnering with QRC, we would love to hear from you.
Visit our Partner with QRC page to learn more about becoming an appointed education agent and submit your application:
For any other agent enquiries, please contact our International Recruitment Manager, Pauline Copland, at international@qrc.ac.nz