Study Natural Medicine in Aotearoa New Zealand with SPCNM
Nau Mai Haere Mai! Are you ready to start an inspiring journey into the world of natural medicine? The South Pacific College of Natural Medicine (SPCNM) is proud to be Aotearoa New Zealand’s leading provider of natural medicine education. We warmly welcome international students who are passionate about Natural Medicine and eager to make a difference in the world. Our campus is situated in the peaceful, centrally located suburb of Ellerslie, Auckland, with convenient access to train and transport links. SPCNM offers a supportive learning environment where you’ll gain in-depth knowledge, practical skills, and invaluable experience in natural medicine.
Why Choose SPCNM?
- Holistic Approach: SPCNM blends traditional wisdom with modern science and evidence-based research, creating a well-rounded natural medicine education.
- Hands-On Learning: Our courses provide practical, real-world experience alongside classroom-based studies, giving you a unique blend of theory and practice.
- Beautiful Campus: Our campus is home to our comprehensive natural medicine library and an on-site clinic where students can apply their skills in a supervised setting. Our extensive medicinal herb garden, cared for by our student gardeners, provides a hands-on opportunity to learn about the healing properties of plants in a serene environment.
- Supportive Community: As a smaller college, we offer a safe, close-knit, friendly community where you’ll make friends for life and feel at home.
- Explore Auckland and Aotearoa New Zealand: Study in one of Aotearoa New Zealand’s largest cities, known for its natural beauty, cultural diversity, unique Māori culture and friendly atmosphere. Enjoy Auckland’s unique blend of city life and easy access to beaches, forests, and mountains, allowing you to unwind and explore between your studies.
Tell me more about South Pacific College of Natural Medicine.
Established in 1967, the South Pacific College of Natural Medicine (SPCNM) is Aotearoa, New Zealand’s first and foremost provider of natural health education programmes. Students may be assured that they are enrolling with a top-quality tertiary education provider, and they will be taught by highly qualified and experienced educators.
You will fit right in at our campus in Ellerslie, Auckland, a small, safe suburb that is an easy walk to buses and trains. The College has been using its superb, purpose-built buildings since 2007. Enjoy our beautiful classrooms, well-stocked library, onsite natural medicine clinic and extensive herb garden for students to use for educational purposes and relaxation.
The building has three classrooms, seven clinic rooms and a large library. The library is open from 8.00 am to 5:00 pm Monday to Friday and offers a wide range of text and reference books, journals, and computers with free internet access.
There are seven clinic rooms for naturopathic and herbal consultations. All third-year students work under supervision with patients in the clinic before they are eligible to graduate. Students may have free consultations with third year students when clinics are running and can obtain herbal formula and supplements at discounted rates.
The student facility, Cheal Cottage, is available during and after College hours. It has several rooms, including a kitchen which is equipped with a fridge and tea and coffee making facilities. Cheal Cottage also has a variety of study areas, a printer and computers with free internet for student use.
Please see our latest newsletters for more information about College life.
What are the Entry Requirements?
Age
International students will be accepted only if they are 18 or older on 1 February in the year of application.
English Language Requirements
Each applicant must provide proof of their ability in the English language.
The standard required for the Bachelor of Natural Medicine is an overall band of 6.5 on the Academic IELTS scale or equivalent with no less than 6.0 in any individual band.
This must have been achieved within the two years preceding the proposed date of enrolment.
The standard required for the New Zealand Certificate in Study and Employment Pathways – Natural Medicine (Level 4) is an overall band of 5.5 on the Academic IELTS scale or equivalent with no less than 5.0 in any individual band.
This must have been achieved within the two years preceding the proposed date of enrolment.
It is the responsibility of the prospective student to produce this evidence which must be completed prior to acceptance into the programme.
Proficiency in Chemistry
Applicants must show proof of proficiency in Chemistry. If an applicant cannot demonstrate this, they must enrol in the online prerequisite course Introduction to Biological Chemistry and pass the assessments related to this course before commencing at the College. There is a fee of $200 + GST for this course. Acceptance of application to enrol will be conditional on meeting this criterion.
Police Certificate from Home Country
Applicants must provide police certificates from any country they:
- are a citizen of, and
- have lived in for more than 5 years since turning 17 years of age.
Please see how to get a police certificate.
For further information, please refer to Admission Requirements on our website.
The College reserves the right to refuse admission to an applicant where it considers they are not suitable.
How can I apply for a Student Visa to study in Aotearoa, New Zealand?
For students coming to New Zealand to study for more than three months, a student visa or permit is required. A visa gives you permission to travel to New Zealand. It will list the conditions under which you are able to enter New Zealand and obtain a permit.
Full details of visa and permit requirements, advice on rights to employment in New Zealand while studying, and reporting requirements are available through the New Zealand Immigration Service.
If you withdraw from a course or programme before the expiry date of your visa, the College is required to notify New Zealand Immigration Service.
Who needs a student visa?
You will need to apply for a student visa if you live outside New Zealand and are coming to New Zealand to study full time for longer than three months.
Potential students entering New Zealand from visa free countries will be able to apply for a student permit once they have found an education provider which accepts them as a student.
Who needs a student permit?
You can stay in New Zealand on a student permit only for a limited time. Once you have a visa, in most cases New Zealand Immigration will issue a one-year, renewable permit. Because the SPCNM programmes are longer than one year you need to reapply for each year of study. You can apply for further student permits in New Zealand.
Other Immigration Service Requirements
If your programme of study this year will bring your total time in New Zealand to more than two years (from your first date of arrival in New Zealand), you will need to obtain Medical and X-ray certificates, unless you have already done these in a previous application. If you are unsure about whether you need to comply with this requirement, please ask when you apply. You will also need to supply a police certificate from your home country. If you are unsure about how to obtain one, the New Zealand Immigration will be able to advise you.
You should check with the New Zealand High Commission or Embassy nearest to you to see how long visa applications will take to process, and if there are any changes to the above information. Provided everything is in order, the necessary documents are usually issued without any problems.
Partners of student visa / permit applicants.
Your partner and children may apply for a visitor’s or a student visa, depending on their situation.
If you have further questions, please feel free to contact our International Student Pastoral Care Advisor and Code Administrator: karen.wesseling@spcnm.ac.nz.
How do I know I will be safe and well cared for?
The South Pacific College of Natural Medicine has agreed to observe the Education (Pastoral Care of Tertiary and International Learners) Code of Practice 2021 (referred to as “The Code”), which is administered by the New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA).
Introduction
When students from other countries come to study in New Zealand, it is important that they are well informed, safe, and properly cared for. New Zealand educational providers have an important responsibility for international students’ welfare.
What is the Code?
The Code is a document that 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 pastoral care and provision of information only, and not to academic standards.
The Code sets standards for education providers to ensure that:
- high professional standards are maintained
- the recruitment of international students is undertaken in an ethical and responsible manner
- information supplied to international students is comprehensive, accurate, and up-to-date
- students are provided with information prior to entering into any commitments
- contractual dealings with international students are conducted in an ethical and responsible manner
- particular needs of international students are recognised
- international students are in safe accommodation
- all providers have fair and equitable internal procedures for the resolution of international student complaints.
Who does the Code apply to?
The Code applies to all education providers in New Zealand that have enrolled international students. The Code is mandatory to these providers and must be signed by them.
What is an “international student”?
An “international student” is a foreign student studying in New Zealand.
How can I get a copy of the Code?
The following links will take you to the relevant document.
- Education (Pastoral Care of Tertiary and International Learners) Code of Practice 2021 – legislation
How do I know if an education provider has signed the Code?
The New Zealand Qualifications Authority maintains a register of all signatories to the Code. Here is the link to SPCNM’s organisation page.
It is important to know that the education provider that you are seeking to enrol with is a signatory to the Code. You will not be granted a permit from the New Zealand Immigration Service if they are NOT a signatory to the Code and you will not be able to study at that institution.
What qualifications does South Pacific College of Natural Medicine offer?
INTRODUCTION TO BIOLOGICAL CHEMISTRY prerequisite course
In this course students will develop an understanding of chemical processes in living organisms. They will gain a basic knowledge of atomic structure, the periodic table of elements and concepts of energy. Students will learn about different chemical substances and their role in biological processes.
This online course is expected to take approximately 20 hours to complete and should be finished and assessments passed before enrolment in the Bachelor of Natural Medicine is complete. There is a course fee of $200 + GST.
NEW ZEALAND CERTIFICATE IN STUDY AND EMPLOYMENT PATHWAYS – NATURAL MEDICINE (Level 4)
NB: Not offered every year.
Leading to the qualification – New Zealand Certificate in Study and Employment Pathways.
This course is offered full-time in Semester One. International Students must attend full-time, on-campus. Part-time study is not allowed.
The one-semester, 60 credit, Certificate in Study and Employment Pathways – Natural Medicine (Level 4) is a foundation programme. While it does not guarantee entry into the Bachelor of Natural Medicine, it provides introductory study for prospective students who have not previously completed tertiary study or who wish to ease back into study after many years since leaving school.
Courses
Academic Learning Skills
Computing and Digital Skills
Introduction to Natural Medicine
Introduction to Biological Sciences
NEW ZEALAND DIPLOMA IN HOLISTIC NUTRITION (Level 6)
Semester Two start. International Students must attend on-campus. There is no part-time option. Refer to the website as this course is not offered every year.
This diploma is a 240 credit, two-year full-time course with classes on-campus. The clinical courses in the final year will be delivered on-campus at our Auckland premises. Study requires 16 hours class attendance per week, plus at least an equivalent 16 – 20 hours of self-directed learning.
Courses
Year 1 – Semester 1
Anatomy and Physiology 1
Nutrition History and Philosophy
Clinical Skills
Biochemistry of Foods
Year 1 – Semester 2
Anatomy and Physiology 2
Nutrition 1
Nutritional Pathophysiology
Sports and Exercise Nutrition
Year 2 – Semester 1
Pathophysiology
Nutrition 2
Clinical Nutrition
Preclinic
Year 2 – Semester 2
Community Practice
Clinical Practice
BACHELOR OF NATURAL MEDICINE
Semester One start. International Students must attend full-time on-campus.
The three-year, 360 credit Bachelor of Natural Medicine programme integrates wisdom traditions with scientific knowledge and graduates will have a broad and critical knowledge and understanding of natural medicine, nutrition, herbal medicine and of the anatomy, physiology and pathophysiology of the body, as well as clinical practice where they will have learned to assist and motivate people to achieve optimum health and vitality.
- The requirement for full-time study is 16 hours weekly attendance in classes with a need for, at least, a similar amount of time per week of self-directed learning.
- After Semester 1 there are prerequisites for some courses.
Year 1 courses
Semester 1:
Principles and Philosophy of Natural Medicine
Herbal Medicine 1
Foundations of Research
Anatomy & Physiology 1
Semester 2:
Rongoa Māori Healing Concepts
Herbal Medicine 2
Anatomy & Physiology 2
Biochemistry of Foods
Year 2 courses
Semester 1:
Nutrition 1
Pathophysiology 1
Therapeutics 1
Pharmacology and Pharmacognosy
Semester 2:
Nutrition 2
Pathophysiology 2
Therapeutics 2
Managing a Professional Practice
Year 3 courses
Semester 1:
Differential Diagnosis and Physical Examination
Public Health
Pre-Clinic
Clinical Practice 1
Semester 2:
Mind and Body
Clinical Practice 2,
Clinical Practice 3 (double course)
The College reserves the right to change the structure and/or content of programmes, and/or courses.
How do I apply to enrol?
International Students who wish to apply should contact enquiries@spcnm.ac.nz and request access to application documents.
Please note International Student applications need to be processed well in advance of the normal application closing date for domestic students, to leave sufficient time to obtain a student visa. New Zealand Immigration Service (NZIS) recommend allowing at least eight weeks for your visa, before your intended arrival in New Zealand. It is ideal to apply for a student visa 12 weeks before your intended travel date.
It is essential to read about our courses on the SPCNM website and our enrolment process before completing your enrolment application.
Please email enquiries@spcnm.ac.nz with any further questions related to study at SPCNM.
Offer of Place
SPCNM endeavours to process all International Student applications within 7-10 working days. Providing all requirements are met, the College will email an Offer of Place, with acceptance documents. If the student accepts the offer of place, by sending back the signed acceptance documents, an invoice will be sent for the first year of course fees. Evidence of payment to SPCNM is required for NZIS to approve the student visa.
Once an Offer of Place has been received and accepted, students must apply to the New Zealand Immigration Service (NZIS) to obtain a student visa. (Please see: How can I apply for a Student Visa to study in Aotearoa, New Zealand?)
Medical & Travel Insurance Required
Before commencing study at SPCNM, the student must provide proof that they hold appropriate medical and travel insurance. Some companies require the applicant to prove that they have successfully applied for a student visa before they can purchase insurance.
How much will the fees cost?
Please see the annual fee schedule.
The tuition fees for international students are higher than for New Zealand students. The reason for this is that Government financial assistance is not available to the College for international students.
Please note: Payments made from overseas are required to cover all international transaction fees charged by the sending and receiving banks.
Refund Terms and Conditions
- Students who withdraw from a course or programme before the semester start date, will be provided with a 100% refund of course fees/Compulsory Student Services Fees. Students must contact the International Student Pastoral Care Advisor and Code Administrator (karen.wesseling@spcnm.ac.nz) or the Student Administration Manager jill.tuwhare@spcnm.ac.nz as soon as possible if they have any concerns about their studies or if they are considering withdrawing. Places at SPCNM are limited and significant planning is undertaken prior to the beginning of each semester.
- Refunds will be provided for withdrawals from a course or programme in the first two weeks (14 calendar days) following the semester start date. There will be an administration fee for withdrawals, within this period, of 10% of course fees/Compulsory Student Services Fees.
- There will be no refunds provided for withdrawals from a course or programme after two weeks (14 calendar days) from the semester start date.
- If an international student is granted a permanent resident visa (issued under the Immigration Act 2009), a resident visa (issued under the Immigration Act 2009) or a resident permit (issued under the Immigration Act 1987) within 20 days of the commencement of an academic year, then the student will receive a refund of international fees and will be charged domestic tuition fees. If an international student is granted a permanent resident visa (issued under the Immigration Act 2009), a resident visa (issued under the Immigration Act 2009) or a resident permit (issued under the Immigration Act 1987) after more than 20 days of the commencement of the academic year, then they will receive no refund of their tuition fees. The following year they will be charged as a domestic student.
Fee protection
Student fees are deposited into a Static Trust Account administered by a Solicitor as per NZQA Fee Protection Rules 2022. The amount held in the Trust Account will be at least equal to the sum of all the fees paid by each individual student should a refund be required and will be held for a minimum of ten days after the student is required to be in attendance on the course. If the College ceases to be a provider or a signatory to The Code, or ceases to offer its programmes, all effort would be made to protect student interests. Students would be given a choice of receiving a pro-rata refund or assistance to enrol in a similar programme with a transfer of fees. All students will sign the Student Acknowledgement – Student Fee Protection Static Trust form. These will be lodged in the student’s file.
Student Loans and Allowances
International students are not eligible to receive student loans and allowances in New Zealand.
Will an Orientation be provided?
An on-campus Orientation is provided to all students, international and domestic, normally in the week prior to the start of Semester 1.
Attendance at the live orientation is considered essential as it provides:
- an opportunity to meet staff members and fellow students
- an overview of the college facilities and resources
- familiarisation with key SPCNM policies, regulations and procedures
- a space to ask questions
What support is there for International Students?
Karen Wesseling oversees International Students at the College. She is in charge of Pastoral Care. karen.wesseling@spcnm.ac.nz.
Please contact Karen about the following:
- Pastoral care
- Advice on accommodation
- Information and advice on driving in New Zealand
- Advice on safety, welfare and health issues or facilities
- Advocacy, to ensure that you understand your rights
- Other aspects of life in New Zealand
Academic Advice
Students are encouraged to contact their Course Lecturer in the first instance for questions relating to course content, or the Library Manager rachel.callander@spcnm.ac.nz for more general academic support. Refer to Student Resources on Moodle (the learning management system) for the Academic Success programme.
Please refer to Moodle or your Course Guidelines for your Course Lecturer’s contact details.
What Can I Do if Something Goes Wrong?
We are here to help. Please feel free to contact our International Student Pastoral Care Advisor and Code Administrator: karen.wesseling@spcnm.ac.nz.
If you have concerns about your education provider or by an agent of the provider, the first thing you must do is contact the International Student Pastoral Care Advisor and Code Administrator, karen.wesseling@spcnm.ac.nz. The Code requires all institutions to have fair and equitable internal complaint procedures for students and you are required to follow internal processes (See Policy on the Code of Conduct and Complaints Procedure for Staff and Students) before considering further action.
Student representatives are also available to advocate for and support students. You may wish to approach a student representative if you want to talk things through or would like some assistance with a complaint. Details of student representatives are available on the Student Noticeboard on-campus.
If this does not resolve your complaint, you can contact the New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA). Please see NZQA’s guidelines for making a complaint.
If you consider that SPCNM is not meeting the Code see how to report that an education provider is not giving students appropriate pastoral care.
If it is a financial or contractual dispute, you can contact iStudent Complaints.
Will I be eligible for health services in Aotearoa, New Zealand?
Medical Insurance is required as most international students are not entitled to publicly funded health services while in New Zealand.
Free naturopathic consultations are available to all SPCNM students at the Paua Clinic on-campus.
Medical and Travel Insurance
International students must have appropriate and current medical and travel insurance while studying in New Zealand. The average cost is $600 – $900 per annum.
Some New Zealand based insurance companies are:
Accident Insurance
The Accident Compensation Corporation (ACC) provides accident insurance for all New Zealand citizens, residents and temporary visitors to New Zealand. However, you may still be liable for other medical and related costs. Further information can be viewed on the ACC website.
Will I be able to work while I study?
Working in New Zealand during study
International students may work during their study, but usually only part time and only under certain circumstances. The rules and conditions for working in New Zealand during study can be viewed on the New Zealand Immigration Service website.
All International students are required to study full-time. The maximum hours that may be worked while studying full-time are 10 hours per week.
Working in New Zealand after study
To stay in New Zealand after you have completed your study, you will need to apply for a work visa. The rules and conditions around this are available on this page of the New Zealand Immigration Service website.
What accommodation options will be available?
Students in Auckland have a range of accommodation options. You may choose to live in a hostel, flat, private boarding house, or board with a family (homestay). You may pay $600-$900 per week for a three-bedroom home or apartment and $250-$350 per room per week in a flatting situation. The average cost for home-stay accommodation with an Auckland family is about $450 per week.
Homestay
SPCNM does not find homestays for international students. However, there are reputable agencies who will arrange a homestay for you. The home-stay agency is required to check the homestay before you go to it and on a regular basis.
Renting
You may choose to rent an apartment or house. You can do this through a real estate agency or a property management company, or search on an accommodation rental site such as Trademe.
Your Rights and Obligations regarding rental accommodation in New Zealand
Landlords and tenants have rights and obligations when renting accommodation. The Government Agency, Tenancy Services, provides information and advice around matters relating to responsibilities and processes. Tenancy Services provide advisory services and mediation where tenants and landlords need assistance with rental disputes.
Flatting
You may choose to share a rented house (“flat”). Weekly rents for flats vary in Auckland depending on location. You can expect to pay from $250 to $350 for a room in a flat and, in addition, you may need to pay for your electricity, telephone and food. You may also need to provide your own furniture. Before you move into a flat, you may be required to pay a bond, which is usually two to four weeks rent in advance and two weeks rent in advance. Some useful websites for students seeking independent accommodation are Trademe and NZ Flatmates. Students at the College are invited to advertise for accommodation needed or offered on our online student learning platform, Moodle, which has an electronic forum (noticeboard) for student notices. Once you have been accepted for enrolment and given access to the online orientation course, you will also be able to access this forum.
Hostel Accommodation
The International Student Advisor can provide you with a list of hostels in Auckland area. The costs vary depending on whether you choose to rent a studio (one small room for living and sleeping), a single bedroom with shared bathroom and kitchen or a shared room at a “backpackers”. Depending on your choice you can expect to pay from $200 to $300 per week. You need to book in advance for some hostels. There may be a placement fee and a refundable bond payable in advance.
The College does not take any responsibility for vetting the accommodation that you select but is ready to provide assistance if you require it.
The College will keep a record of where you are staying. You must inform Karen Wesseling if you change your accommodation or contact details (karen.wesseling@spcnm.ac.nz). Karen will inform the Chief Executive if the College has concerns regarding your accommodation.
What is the cost of living in Aotearoa, New Zealand?
For information about cost of living in New Zealand, visit the following websites:
Will I be able to drive while I am living in Aotearoa, New Zealand?
For information about owing a car and driving in Aotearoa New Zealand see the New Zealand Transport Agency website.
You must have a legal driver’s licence to drive in Aotearoa New Zealand
You can legally drive in New Zealand for up to 18 months if you have either a current driver’s licence from your home country or an International Driving Permit (IDP). After 18 months you are required to convert to a New Zealand licence. Please ensure you carry your driver’s licence with you at all times.
If your overseas driver’s licence is written in a foreign language, please have it translated into English and carry both with you. You can be fined if you drive without a licence, or if you have a licence but don’t have it in the car.
Always keep left
We drive on the left-hand side of the road. If you are having trouble remembering, write “keep left” on a sticker and put it on your steering wheel.
Always buckle up
The driver and all passengers in the car must wear safety belts. If the passengers are under 15 years old and are not wearing safety belts, the driver can be fined.
Insurance
It is strongly recommended that you get insurance for your car. Leading insurance companies in New Zealand include State Insurance, AMI and AA.
Accident advice
If you are involved in an accident, pull to the left of the road and find a safe parking space. If no one is injured, you can exchange details with the other party. Get the name of the driver, address, telephone number, car registration number (number on the registration plate), make of the car and name of insurance company. Then report the accident at a police station within 24 hours. You can take a copy of the report to the insurance company and make your claim.
If someone is injured in an accident, call 111 for emergency services (ambulance, fire or police).
Do not drink and drive in New Zealand – you can be fined up to $4,500 and possibly imprisoned if you are caught. If you’ve had a big party night, ask a friend to take you home or catch a taxi.
Drive Carefully
Excessive speed is one of the biggest killers in New Zealand, especially on rural roads. Keep to the speed limits and drive carefully. If you’re feeling tired while driving, pull over and have a rest.
More information
For more road safety information, visit the following websites:
Do you have any other advice about keeping myself safe?
If you find yourself in an emergency, here is some information that might help you resolve the situation as quickly as possible.
What to do in an emergency
In an emergency (fire, crime or accident), phone the NZ emergency services free number 111 (including mobile phones). The emergency operator will ask for your name, address and the type of emergency. The operator will then send the appropriate service – ambulance, police or fire service.
Only use the 111 number to call the police if a crime is in the process of being committed or if life is at risk.
Non-emergencies
For non-emergency calls to the police (for example, if an incident has already taken place), call Auckland City District Headquarters on +64 9 302 6400. Another option is to go to or phone your local police station. Contact details for local police stations in Auckland can be found on the New Zealand Police website.
Traffic incidents
For traffic incidents and information, dial *555 (not emergencies). People with impaired hearing can dial 0800 16 16 16 (text phone only) or fax 0800 16 16 10.
Essential safety advice (usual safety precautions apply in Aotearoa, New Zealand)
- If you are walking home at night, go in a group and keep to well-lit streets or take a taxi instead.
- Do not carry large amounts of cash.
- If you must carry valuables, keep them hidden from view.
- Protect your mobile phone. Register your phone with the operator and if it is stolen ask them to bar the SIM card immediately.
- Take care when using ATM machines late at night. Do not walk away from the machine with your cash in full view.
- Never keep your PIN number with your EFTPOS or ATM card.
- Keep your home secure by locking all windows and doors. Leave some lights on while you are out.
- Ensure you have property insurance so that you can replace your property in case of theft.
- Backup work on your computer regularly so that you don’t lose vital work if your computer is stolen.
- If your credit or cash cards is stolen, inform the card provider immediately. Do not wait until you get home.
