At Otago Aviation Academy (OAA), we are dedicated to providing comprehensive support to ensure our students’ success and well-being. We collaborate with various support services, including the Citizens Advice Bureau, Community Law Centre, and local libraries, to offer assistance with counselling, medical inquiries, and other issues that may arise. For a list of specific organizations, please contact our administration team.
All student pilots are required to have a medical clearance each year, which typically reduces the need for additional health support. However, students are advised to consult an aviation medical assessor for any health concerns. For a list of approved medical assessors in New Zealand and worldwide, visit the CAA website.
All exams at OAA are conducted by Aspeq and are in a multiple-choice format. To pass, students must achieve a mark of 70% or higher. More information can be found at Aspeq’s website.
All course fees are held in the OAA Milestone Public Trust Account throughout the duration of the student’s training, in accordance with the Education Act 1989. An automatic draw-down of 20 percent of the student fee or $3000, whichever is lesser, occurs at the end of the statutory withdrawal and refund period. Subsequent withdrawals are drawn down regularly over the length of the course, including holidays.
Students wishing to withdraw from a course must notify OAA and complete a withdrawal form. Students who withdraw within the statutory refund period are entitled to a fee refund, though OAA is entitled to retain a portion of the fees. The specific refund amount depends on whether the student is international or domestic and the length of the course.
All applicants for a Commercial Pilot Course must pass a New Zealand Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) Class 1 medical prior to commencing the program. OAA is not liable for any costs resulting from a student’s inability to obtain a Class 1 medical. For courses not involving a Commercial Pilot Licence, a Class 2 medical clearance is acceptable, though it is recommended to ensure a Class 1 medical is obtainable if the ultimate goal is a Commercial Pilot Licence.
Before a licence is issued, the Civil Aviation Authority of New Zealand requires all prospective licence holders to pass a Fit and Proper Person Assessment. Applicants must provide criminal conviction history and transport offence history from countries where they have resided for more than six consecutive months in the past five years. More details can be found on the CAA website.
Most international students are not entitled to publicly-funded health services in New Zealand. If you receive medical treatment, you may be liable for the full costs. Full details on entitlements are available through the Ministry of Health at moh.govt.nz.
The Accident Compensation Corporation (ACC) provides accident insurance for all New Zealand citizens, residents, and temporary visitors, but students may still be liable for other medical and related costs. Further information is available on the ACC website.
International students are required to have comprehensive travel and medical insurance while studying at OAA. This insurance must cover you from the time of departure from your home country and during your training in New Zealand. It should include coverage for emergency evacuation, repatriation, and personal liability. OAA recommends Allianz Partners StudentSafe Insurance. More details can be found on the StudentSafe website.
To help students feel welcome and familiar with our facilities, OAA hosts an Orientation Day. This event encourages students to connect with peers and staff and provides important information about the academy.
OAA’s Student Voice team hosts social events and group activities to enhance the student experience and build a sense of community. These events are designed to support students’ social, cultural, and community well-being.
While OAA does not offer on-site accommodation, we provide advice and assistance to students looking for housing. We can guide you on where to look and what to consider when renting in New Zealand. For more information, refer to the Accommodation section of our website or contact us directly.
Your overall wellbeing is crucial to your success. OAA encourages students to seek help whenever needed. For mental health support, visit mentalhealth.org.nz or depression.org.nz.
Details of immigration requirements can be found on the Immigration section of our website. For comprehensive information, visit Immigration New Zealand.
Our Student Services team is here to assist with any issues related to studies, housing, health, finances, adjusting to life in New Zealand, or work. Contact us at StudentAdmin@otagoaviation.ac.nz for support.
OAA needs to verify that students’ insurance covers them while flying. We recommend Allianz Partners StudentSafe Insurance. This verification ensures the insurance firm is reputable and experienced in the travel insurance industry.
The New Zealand Civil Aviation Authority requires all pilot licence applicants to read, speak, and understand English fluently. OAA classes are taught in English, and students must demonstrate the required level of English proficiency. For more information on English proficiency certificates, visit the NZQA website under Internationally Recognised English Proficiency Outcomes for International Students.
OAA is committed to observing the Education (Pastoral Care of Tertiary and International Learners) Code of Practice 2021. This code sets the standards of care and support for international students. For more details, visit NZQA’s Code of Practice page.
For any inquiries or further assistance, please contact us at:
We are here to help you have a positive and memorable experience while studying at Otago Aviation Academy.