Admissions · Feb & Jul intakes
Hamiltonlink opens two intakes per year — February and July. Each cohort fills quickly; reviewing entry requirements early is strongly advised.
Applications to Hamiltonlink follow a structured four-step process designed to be efficient without being superficial. First, you submit an online expression of interest and nominate your preferred strand. Second, the admissions team reviews your academic background and, where relevant, your work history, and contacts you to discuss fit. Third, if the strand is appropriate, you are invited to a brief one-hour orientation session — on campus or via video call — that covers the programme's expectations honestly, including workload and attendance requirements. Fourth, you receive a formal offer letter with your intake date, fee schedule, and enrolment checklist. The entire process typically takes ten to fifteen working days.
Requirements vary slightly by strand level; the items below apply across all current Hamiltonlink programmes unless stated otherwise.
The standard academic entry threshold for all Level 4 programmes. Applicants with significant relevant work experience but without formal qualifications may apply through the Recognition of Prior Learning pathway — contact admissions to discuss.
For applicants whose first language is not English: IELTS Academic 6.0 overall (no band below 5.5), or an equivalent qualification as listed in the admissions policy available on request.
Full-time learners are expected to attend a minimum of 85 percent of scheduled sessions. Part-time learners follow the same expectation within their compressed timetable. Attendance underpins the employer-presentation component of every programme.
Domestic student fees are reviewed annually and published in full before each intake opens. Fees-Free tertiary entitlement and StudyLink student allowances apply to eligible domestic learners. International fee schedules are available from the admissions team.
“I was nervous about the application — I had been out of education for eight years and wasn't sure whether my work history would count for anything. The admissions adviser spent forty minutes with me going through my options. By the end of the call I had a clear picture of where I would enter and what the first term would look like.”
Marcus Taufa, Dunedin, enrolled 2023
New Zealand's Fees-Free policy covers the first year of tertiary study for eligible domestic students. Most Hamiltonlink programmes qualify as an approved provider under this scheme, which means many first-time students pay zero tuition for their initial year of study. StudyLink living allowances and student loans are separately available to eligible learners. Hamiltonlink's admissions team maintains current information on funding eligibility and can walk you through the StudyLink application during your orientation session. We strongly recommend beginning the funding application no later than six weeks before your intake date to avoid delays.
Submit your expression of interest today and the admissions team will be in contact within three working days.