2016-Nov 18: Reminder – University of Auckland Summer Research Scholarship Programme

Visa Pak 286: A reminder for staff that those undertaking a Summer Research Scholarship Programme at the University of Auckland must apply for a student visa to do so.

Visa Paks

18 November 2016

This item is to remind staff of the previous advice given regarding the Summer Research Scholarship Programme being offered by the University of Auckland. The programme ran for the first time over summer 2015-16 and we understand that there is another intake for summer 2016-17.

The programme is a zero point course that runs for 10 weeks over the summer months. During these 10 weeks the students conduct a research project for the University of Auckland under supervision of an academic (similar to doing a postgraduate research paper); at the end of the programme the students must submit a report for marking. There is no tuition fee for the programme, and the students receive a scholarship covering living costs.

While arguments can be made that a work, student or visitor visa is most appropriate, in this case Immigration New Zealand has suggested that students intending to undertake this programme apply for a student visa. Note that as the programme comprises a single paper, it does not technically meet the definition of full-time study under U6.1.1, so immigration officers will need to either waive this requirement or make a case under U6.1.1(d). The programme works out to be approximately 40 hours of research per week.

U6.1.1 Definition of 'full-time study'
a. For private training establishments full-time study is generally considered to be enrolment in:
     i. a programme of study that requires attendance for a minimum of 20 hours per week; or
     ii. at least three papers, or equivalent, per semester if the offered programme of study is at Level 7 or above on the New Zealand   Qualification Framework.
 b. For other tertiary institutions enrolment in at least three papers, or equivalent, per semester is indicative of full-time study.
c. Any programme of study that does not meet (a) or (b) above is usually considered to be part-time (see U7.20).
 d. The final decision on whether or not a student may be considered to be undertaking full-time study rests with immigration officers.