Whitecliffe College of Arts & Design is a private tertiary education provider in New Zealand with a strong focus on Fine Arts, Design, Fashion, Information Technology and creative arts therapies. The institution was established in 1984 and is a long-standing NZQA Category One Private Training Establishment. NZQA currently lists Whitecliffe as a Category One provider, with “Highly Confident” ratings for educational performance and self-assessment capability.
Whitecliffe offers qualifications from certificate level through postgraduate study. Its programmes include Bachelor of Fine Arts, Bachelor of Design + Digital Media, Bachelor of Sustainable Fashion Design, Bachelor of Applied Computing Technologies, postgraduate IT programmes, Master of Fine Arts and other specialist qualifications. Its IT programmes cover areas such as artificial intelligence, data analytics, software development, networking and cyber security.
The college has campuses in Auckland, Manukau, Wellington and Christchurch. Auckland hosts the main campus, while programme availability varies by location. Whitecliffe has a strong practical focus, with studio work, technical learning, industry links and project-based study forming part of many programmes.
International students can apply online and receive support with admission, visa documentation, insurance and study preparation. Whitecliffe is a signatory to New Zealand's Code of Practice for the Pastoral Care of International Students
| Intakes |
September,February |
| All Campuses |
Auckland |
| Website |
https://www.whitecliffe.ac.nz/ |
| Monthly Living Cost |
NZD $1,667 |
| Funds Requirements for Visa |
NZD $20,000 |
| Application Fees |
n/a |
| Currency |
|
| Is Lang Mendatory |
Yes |
| Part Time Work Details |
<p>Eligible student visa holders can generally work <strong>up to 25 hours per week</strong> during study and full-time during scheduled holidays, subject to the conditions printed on the visa.</p> |
Ranking
Whitecliffe is a specialist private tertiary provider rather than a New Zealand university. The requested university league tables do not provide a standard ranking position for Whitecliffe.
- Times Higher Education World University Rankings: Not listed as a ranked university.
- QS World University Rankings by Subject: No standard QS subject ranking found for Whitecliffe.
- UK University League Table: Not applicable. Whitecliffe is in New Zealand.
- The Guardian University Rankings: Not applicable. The Guardian's UK university tables do not rank Whitecliffe.
Whitecliffe describes itself as a highly ranked and awarded institution in New Zealand's private education sector, and NZQA lists it as a Category One provider.
English Language Requirements
English requirements vary by qualification. Whitecliffe's current information gives programme-level requirements rather than one score for every course.
Examples include:
- Bachelor of Applied Computing Technologies: IELTS Academic 6.0 overall, with no band below 5.5, or an accepted equivalent.
- Certificate in Information Technology: IELTS Academic 5.5 overall, with no band below 5.0, or an accepted equivalent.
- Some higher-level programmes require higher English scores; Whitecliffe's international guidance indicates that requirements can range around IELTS 6.0–7.0 depending on the qualification.
- Accepted test types include IELTS, TOEFL and Pearson PTE Academic.
- Duolingo: not confirmed as a general accepted test on the current official Whitecliffe information, so applicants should confirm acceptance for their specific programme.
Scholarship Policy
Whitecliffe offers scholarships and awards for selected programmes. Current scholarships listed by the college include:
- Whitecliffe MFA Excellence Awards 2026/2027
- Whitecliffe MFA Pathway Awards
- Master of Information Technology scholarships
- Master of Business Innovation + Leadership scholarships
Scholarships can be based on academic achievement, creative work or programme-specific criteria. Availability, value and deadlines differ by award.
Whitecliffe's 2026 Certificate Pre-Degree Pathway page states that students enrolling in the July 2026 certificate intake may qualify for a Bachelor's scholarship for 2027, subject to the stated conditions.
Applicants should check the scholarship page and contact Whitecliffe before applying to confirm current eligibility, required portfolio or documents, deadline and award value.
Fees & Funding
International tuition fees depend on the programme. Current 2026 examples include:
| Programme |
International Tuition Fee |
| Bachelor of Fine Arts |
NZD $27,000 + $300 Student Services Levy for Year 1 |
| Bachelor of Applied Computing Technologies |
NZD $19,950 + $300 Student Services Levy for Year 1 |
| Certificate in Fine Arts |
NZD $12,000 + $150 Student Services Levy |
| Certificate in Information Technology |
NZD $12,000 + $150 Student Services Levy |
| Certificate in Digital Media + Design |
NZD $12,000 + $150 Student Services Levy |
Fees for later years can change, and Whitecliffe states that its 2026 fees are subject to change and regulatory approval.
Other funding options may include Whitecliffe scholarships and external scholarships. Eligible domestic students may have access to New Zealand's Fees Free scheme, though this generally does not apply to international students.
Application Guidelines
International applicants can apply online through Whitecliffe. The process normally includes:
- Select a suitable programme and check its academic and English requirements.
- Create an application through the Whitecliffe online application system.
- Upload the required academic and personal documents.
- Provide English test evidence where required.
- Submit a portfolio for creative programmes where requested.
- Attend an interview if the programme requires one.
- Receive the admission decision and Offer of Place.
- Pay the required tuition fees after accepting the offer.
- Use the Offer of Place and financial documents for the New Zealand student visa application.
Typical documents can include a valid passport, academic transcripts and certificates, English test results, CV/resumé, statement of purpose and references. Creative courses may require a portfolio.
Apply Online
Yes. Whitecliffe provides online application options for international students.
Immigration Support Service
Whitecliffe provides international student support for admission and New Zealand student visa preparation. The college provides information about visa requirements, financial evidence, insurance and required documents. Its International Team can assist students with the application and enrolment process.
For a Fee Paying Student Visa, Immigration New Zealand currently requires tertiary students to show NZD $20,000 per year for living costs, or NZD $1,667 per month for study shorter than one year. Tuition fees are separate from this amount.
Whitecliffe is an approved international education provider and a signatory to New Zealand's Code of Practice for the Pastoral Care of International Students.
Whitecliffe College of Arts & Design was established in New Zealand in 1984. It began as a specialist arts education provider and has since grown into a private tertiary institution offering study from certificate through master’s level. Whitecliffe brought together several established colleges, creating a combined teaching history of more than 130 years. Its current areas of study include Fine Arts, Design Innovation, Fashion + Sustainability, Information Technology, and Creative Arts Therapies.
Whitecliffe has expanded its study options across Auckland, Manukau, Wellington and Christchurch. The college has developed programmes linked with creative industries, technology and professional practice. Its Information Technology area has links with organisations such as Microsoft, Cisco, CompTIA, Oracle and EC-Council. Its Creative Arts Therapy programmes include postgraduate study and professional placement opportunities.
Whitecliffe was rated Category One by NZQA in its 2021 evaluation, with Highly Confident ratings for educational performance and self-assessment. The college continues to serve domestic and international students through career-focused programmes and industry-linked learning.
Whitecliffe attracts students who want practical study in arts, design, fashion, technology or creative arts therapies. Its programmes range from certificates to master’s degrees, giving students several routes for further study. The college has four main campus locations and welcomes international students. Its teaching areas connect study with professional practice, creative projects and industry needs. Whitecliffe provides admission guidance, international student support and help with visa and insurance requirements.
Students can choose from specialist programmes in areas such as Fine Arts, Design Innovation, Sustainable Fashion, Information Technology and Creative Arts Therapies. The college had more than 1,400 students in 2025 and almost 150 staff and contractors, according to its New Zealand profile.
Schools, Faculties, and Institutions
Faculties
Institutes
Scholarships, Bursaries, and Funding
Whitecliffe offers several scholarships and awards. Current options listed by the college include:
- Whitecliffe MFA Excellence Awards 2026/2027
- Whitecliffe MFA Pathway Awards
- Master of Information Technology scholarships
- Master of Business Innovation + Leadership scholarships
Scholarships are awarded under programme-specific conditions and may be based on academic achievement or other selection criteria. Students should check the current scholarship page for award values, eligibility and deadlines.
For eligible domestic students, Whitecliffe programmes can qualify for Fees Free funding. Whitecliffe states that Fees Free can cover up to NZD $12,000 for the final year of an eligible qualification or the final two years of eligible work-based learning. Domestic students may further access StudyLink student loans and allowances where they meet the rules.
Student Accommodation
Whitecliffe does not operate or arrange dedicated on-campus accommodation for international students. Students need to organise their own housing. The college provides information about accommodation choices near its Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch campuses.
Options mentioned by Whitecliffe include furnished student apartments and private accommodation. Auckland options include Unilodge on Whitaker, Columbia Apartments and The Parnell Student Village. Wellington options include Southern Cross Apartments, Boulcott Suites and Willis Street Village. Christchurch options include Campus Living Villages – Sonoda Christchurch, Southwark Apartments and The Lodge in the City.
Accommodation prices vary by room type, location and services, so students should check current rental rates directly with each provider.
Off-Campus Student Accommodations
Off-campus housing is the main accommodation choice for Whitecliffe students. Students can rent private rooms, shared flats, apartments or homestays near their campus. Whitecliffe describes flatting, where students share a property with other people, as a common housing option in New Zealand. Homestays can provide a family-based living arrangement and regular opportunities to practise English.
Students are advised to arrange temporary accommodation before arriving in New Zealand and then inspect longer-term housing in person. Rental arrangements may require a bond, with landlords generally able to request up to four weeks' rent as a bond under New Zealand rules.