FAQ

All SAE degree and diploma courses are government accredited. This means that the qualifications you receive upon graduation are recognised all around New Zealand and internationally.

SAE Auckland runs occasional weekend workshops covering a variety of topics.  Keep an eye on our events page for upcoming workshops. All other programmes run on weekdays during the day, with studios and computer labs available in the evenings and on Saturdays (SAE Auckland is closed on Sundays and public holidays).

SAE Auckland does not current offer online or distance education options.

All SAE courses have a focus on practical, hands-on delivery. The amount of practical time you experience during your studies does vary, depending on your course. You will also have opportunities to access campus resources and facilities outside of class time, during campus opening hours. 

We carefully design and deliver all our units to help you develop the knowledge you need to be successful in your chosen field of study. Courses and course units at SAE follow best practice teaching and learning.  If you have specific questions, feel free to email study@sae.edu or call +64 9 373 4712 during office hours.

Successful creative media graduates need both practical skills and theoretical knowledge. It is important to know the "how" and the "why" of your industry. SAE courses are specifically designed to give you practical expertise and a solid theoretical foundation through our project-based learning approach.

Upcoming Open Day details can be found on our Events page.

Entry requirments for SAE courses can be found in the Key Facts section of your relevant course page.

You can enquire about SAE courses online and we'll get in touch with all the relevant info. Visit How to Apply to see the application process, or Enquire Now.

Certified copies of your supporting documents are required for accreditation and auditing requirements. 

For SAE documents, see the campus from which the documents were originally issued. For all other documents, these can be certified by people employed in particular professions including: Justices of the Peace (JP), Legal Practitioners, Magistrates, Notary Public, Police Officers, Dentists, Veterinarians, Pharmacists, Certified Practicing Accountants (CPA), Members of Parliament (MP), Ministers of Religion, and Medical Practitioners.

The person verifying the documents must state “I certify that I have sighted the original document and this is a true copy of it” and should sign and print the following details:

• Full name
• Address
• Daytime phone number
• Profession or occupation
• Organisation and registration number (where applicable)
• Stamp (where applicable)
• Date verified

Generally, applications will be accepted until all available places in the course are filled according to date-received priority. The earlier your application is made, the more likely you are to receive a placement. Since degree intakes also require an entry interview, new applications for degree courses need to be received no later than 3 months before the course is due to start.

Applying for a student visa can be a complicated process. While you are able to do this yourself, an approved SAE Agent can help you with the process. Agents are trained to assist applicants with their university and visa applications.

There is a non-refundable visa charge when you apply for your visa. For more information on visa fees and charges please visit the Immigration New Zealand website.

The conditions of a New Zealand Study Visa do not allow for paid work.

If you wish to defer, you will be required to contact Student Services in writing to request to defer or cancel your studies.

You must withdraw prior to census date in order to be eligible for a refund of tuition fees. If you have not paid your fees and withdraw after the census date, you will incur a debt. Non-completion of studies does not normally entitle a student to any refund.

The census date is the last day you can withdraw from a unit without incurring any financial or academic penalty for that course. The census date is set at eight calendar days from the commencement date (domestic students), or ten working days from the commencement date (international students).

The maximum time you are able to defer study is 12 months.

Financial penalties will apply to students who leave their courses after the allocated census date.

You must withdraw prior to census date in order to be eligible for a refund of tuition fees. If you have not paid your fees and withdraw after the census date, you will incur a debt. Non-completion of studies does not normally entitle a student to any refund.

Your tuition fees are due prior to the course commencement date, unless paying via installments (certificate programmes only). If you are applying for a Student Loan, you must submit the required application form and supporting documents prior to the course start date.

Tuition fee information is displayed under the Key Facts section of the relevant courses.

SAE is committed to providing equal opportunities for students with disabilities or special learning needs. For more information visit Student Services. 

This can vary depending on the programme due to physical space and booking availability of studios and computer labs.  Classes often have 15 - 25 students.

Full time students who are well organised may be able to accommodate casual or part-time work.

Classes run 4-5 days per week for several hours at a time.  Studios are available to book outside class time for work on projects.  Some work may be able to be done off site.  All students receive a full timetable prior to the commencement of each programme.

Students can access campus facilities during opening hours. Please contact your campus for timings.

SAE Alumni is a network of SAE graduates. When you successfully complete a programme of study at SAE Auckland, you qualify to join the Alumni and are signed up to the associated services.  If you do not wish to receive the benefits of being part of the Alumni network, there is an opportunity to opt out during the enrolment process, or you can request to unsubscribe at any time.

If you need to provide a medical certificate for any reason, please ensure that you provide this to your Course Coordinator.

A full time study load is defined as 40 hours per week. Of this 40 hours you can expect 15-18 hours of face-to-face teaching time. The additional hours of study include collaborative work (i.e. recording sessions) and individual study time.

No, this is not required. Students have access to computer labs on campus for assessment work.

Yes! We consult with industry on a regular basis and update our resources as required.

Studios and computer labs are open 9am - 10pm Monday to Friday, and 10am - 10pm on Saturdays.

Our office is open 9am - 5pm Monday to Friday.

SAE Auckland is closed on Sundays, public holidays and for three weeks over the Christmas and New Years period (contact the campus for specific dates).

Click here for information regarding parking and transport.