Wellpark College of Natural Therapies Limited, a private training institution, has recently made the decision to enter voluntary insolvency. Consequently, the college has ceased the delivery of all its educational programs, impacting approximately 60 students based in New Zealand. However, Wellpark is committed to assisting these affected students in their transition to alternative educational providers.
It is important to note that students enrolled under the Fees Free initiative need not worry about any negative repercussions. The Tertiary Education Commission (TEC) is collaborating with both Wellpark and other potential educational institutions to ensure that students’ entitlements under the Fees Free scheme remain intact, even if they choose to continue their studies elsewhere.
If you are currently receiving Student Allowance or Student Loan living costs payments and are wondering about their status, here’s what you need to know. If you were planning to commence your studies in the second semester, you will still be eligible to receive living costs or Student Allowance for the week starting July 10, 2023.For students considering transferring to a different educational provider, you can explore transferring any existing Student Loan and/or Student Allowance applications to your new educational institution.
If you’re wondering where you can complete your Bachelor of Naturopathic and Herbal Medicine, the Tertiary Education Commission (TEC) and New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA) have identified The South Pacific College of Natural Medicine (South Pacific College) as an alternative institution for your studies. It’s essential to note that the South Pacific College’s program is not identical to Wellpark’s, and some content may differ. South Pacific College encourages learners to discuss these differences directly with them. Similarly, if you are pursuing a New Zealand Diploma in Wellness and Relaxation Massage, the TEC and NZQA have recognized Bay of Plenty College of Homeopathy Limited (Trading as College of Natural Health and Homeopathy) as an alternative educational provider.
As for your choice of whether to attend these alternative providers or not, the decision is entirely up to you. If you opt for a different institution offering a similar qualification to what you were pursuing at Wellpark, you can make your own arrangements for enrollment. However, it’s advisable to seek guidance on the potential impact on your fees and financial support.If you decide not to continue your studies, you have the option to request a refund for any remaining funds in your trust account. This refund will be processed either towards your student loan (if applicable) or directly to you.
Regarding the recognition of the training you’ve already completed, any results obtained from Wellpark for your program remain valid. While some students may have unmarked assessments from the previous semester, efforts are being made to assess these assignments. However, if marking is not possible, a Recognition of Prior Learning process with your new educational provider may be necessary. This process would entail recognizing some of your learning from Wellpark towards the qualification offered by your new institution, subject to their discretion. If you have made fee payments to Wellpark, they are obligated to refund the fees for any parts of your course that you have not yet completed. Refunds will not be provided for completed course components. If you used a Student Loan for fee payments, any refunded fees for unstarted or incomplete study portions will be returned to reduce your loan balance. If you paid fees without a Student Loan, the fees for non-taught sections will be refunded to you.
For students eligible for Fees Free study, rest assured that you won’t face any disadvantages. Once the TEC and NZQA have identified an alternative study option and you complete your studies with these providers, your Fees Free entitlement will be ensured. However, if you decide not to pursue further education or opt for a different alternative provider, please contact the TEC to discuss your Fees Free entitlement.
According to guidance from the Tertiary Education Commission (TEC), if you have any reservations or concerns regarding the suitability of the available study options, we strongly recommend that you get in touch with them for assistance.
