FAQ

Our institution has been well established for over 30 years and we are the only college of our kind whose qualifications are recognised and accepted internationally. Our buying power enables us to provide you with the very best selection of equipment and our limited enrollment guarantees you will have substantial access to it. Another important advantage is the trimester structure at SAE, which enables you to complete your course and join the workforce in an accelerated time.

Upon completion of your course many job opportunities will be made available to you as an SAE graduate. The unique hands-on and practical approach of study at SAE ensures that you will learn the techniques and practices needed to maximise your chances of a career once your studies are complete. Past graduates have found work in their chosen specialised industry and those who have graduated from our degree programs have found employment opportunities extend even beyond these areas. Once you have completed your studies, you will also have the opportunity to join our Alumni Association, which provides graduates with a very active job placement service. In the vast and growing entertainment industries.

A diploma is a specialised vocationally-based practical training option, while the degree is a standard of education that can open doors outside of the creative media industry. It really depends on which direction you would like your qualifications to take you.

Just fill in the registration form (included in the prospectus), sign front and back (registration agreement). Include supporting documents as outlined in the prospectus and a cheque for the registration fee or the administration fee. Post the documents or see us at the Institute.

Basically you can enroll at any time, we do not have a closing date for applications. So theoretically you could register just before the program starts. However, we do have limited positions for our programs since we provide enough resources and practical time for each student. The usual timeframe for enrollments is 3-4 months before the program start.

We only accept complete registrations, i.e. with a signed registration form/agreement (original) and the registration fee or administration fee. Only this secures a place in program. We do not make any reservations without a formal enrollment.

SAE INSTITUTE is registered as a Private Training Establishment by the New Zealand Qualifications Authority. The level 5 Diploma In Audio Engineering (PC1902), the level 5 Diploma In Film Making (PC9573) and the Bachelor of Recording Arts Degree (PC1196) are accredited by the NZQA.

Study Visa applications are directed by the New Zealand Immigration Service.

The Diploma In Audio Engineering, the Diploma In Film Making and the Bachelor of Recording Arts Degree programs are approved by the Ministry of Education for student loans and allowances. Prospective students can apply with STUDYLINK for a loan/allowance.

Usually this application is at the same time as enrolling with SAE. STUDYLINK check at some stage of the application whether the applicant is enrolled with SAE. The registration fee or the administration fee are not be covered by the student loan.

Please refer to the StudyLink website on www.studylink.govt.nz, where you will find all the latest updated information on Student Loans and Allowances and also the apply online facility. The StudyLink contact centre phone number is 0800 88 99 00.

The best part about studying as part of an international institution means you have the opportunity to relocate to any one of our global colleges throughout the duration of your course. Bear in mind the courses around the world commence at different times so it is best to check with your local manager to ensure continuity of studies.

Courses at SAE are taught ‘hands-on’ and as part of your course you will be given access to our state of the art studios and facilities. Theoretical topics are discussed and dealt with in formal lectures, and your performance will be gauged through ongoing tests and final exams. For the practical component of the course you will be given access to our extensive studios in addition to normal lectures, to give you ample time to complete your practical assignments.

The grading system at SAE varies according to the course in which you are enrolled. However, because of the hands-on nature of SAE education, the majority of courses have an equal emphasis placed on both theory and practical work with individual and group practical sessions being a core component of all programs.

You must be a current SAE student or SAE Alumni member to gain access to our discount store. The store provides a large selection of study material, software and equipment at discount prices.

No. However, we provide an accommodation list. Please download our SAE Auckland accommodation list on the Costs/Dates page of SAE New Zealand's web site.

You will be required to provide your own stationary and storage media. The college provides all course material however it is advisable that you purchase at least one or two of the teacher-recommended textbooks. Once you are enrolled you will have access to the SAE Store.

Supervisors are teachers who do not conduct formal classes but who oversee and offer assistance to students working on practical assignments. There is always at least one supervisor on duty to help you during the College’s opening hours.

Yes we do. We have student counsellors who are available to offer you support and assistance if you are having difficulty re-adjusting to college life. You can ask for more information about our student services at reception.

MySAE is essentially Facebook for SAE students and alumni. It is a web-based audio and film community portal created and supported by SAE Institute. The MySAE site is the ideal place to meet like-minded individuals and to create your own online profile for future employers and serves as an active job market.

The SAE Alumni Association has been set up as a way to keep graduates in touch. As an Alumni member you can search for and find other alumni or just look for special offers from various manufacturers and SAE partners around the globe. There is also an active online job terminal where you can search for job opportunities that await you and a yearly Alumni conference.

Once you have achieved your undergraduate qualifications there is opportunity for post-graduate study, from Masters to Doctorate levels, through our International Graduate School located in Oxford (UK). Courses are available internally on campus, or online as part of distance education. For details visit our Graduate College website

www.saegraduatecollege.com

Yes we do, for both post-graduate courses and short specialised courses. More information can be found at:

www.saeonline.com

It is possible for you to defer your study at most points during your course, provided we receive an application from you in writing. If you choose to defer, you will have the option to rejoin future classes within a maximum one-year period from the date of your deferment.

It depends on the field you are interested in. Generally the audio industry in New Zealand is very strong with the economic transition toward this vast industry. People wanting to work in this industry may begin with an internship or on the job training in supplement to their formal qualification.

Audio engineering is more than Music Production. The Diploma In Audio Engineering will prepare you for a wide selection of audio careers. Audio Engineers are involved in advertisement production, post-production for film and video, location-sound for film production, radio broadcasting, audio production for multimedia etc. There is also the wide field of live-sound: Concerts, Theatres, conventions, all kinds of events require sound-reinforcement.

The Diploma in Audio Engineering is well-recognized by the audio industry. SAE graduates are working all across the country in audio production. There are major recording studios that employ only SAE graduates. We have good relationships to the Audio Industry, which results in many mediations.

Several music productions are compulsory assignments throughout the Diploma In Audio Engineering program. You book studio time, invite a band and record them.

Yes, although your focus is on audio engineering and not the actual performance. However, your fellow students can record your band for their projects. We also recommend that students form 'student bands' to undertake recordings for their projects.

No. However, many students use it as a first step. This program is excellent for those who want to achieve a professional sound to their personal productions. The EMP program also provides an excellent knowledge base if you are not familiar with the concepts and theory in audio technology and electronic music production.

The Film Making industry is booming. Graduates of the SAE Diploma In Film Making usually have no problems finding jobs within the industry. Freelancing is also an advantageous independent career option within the creative media industries.

Typically Film Making graduates are working with production companies, agencies and contractors that produce CD-ROMs, DVDs, documentaries and other forms of electronic film media content. A very important sector these days is online production .

The industry recognizes the SAE Diplomas well. Especially since the unique way our Diploma Programs are structured. Employers can be sure that an SAE graduate has practical experience and has worked on 'real' projects.

No. Each student has an individual workstation available during lectures. Practical sessions are on a booking basis. One computer is allocated for each student throughout the entire program.

Yes. For certain topics we have guest lecturer from the industry. That also provides an excellent opportunity for students to come in contact with prospective employers.

Throughout the Film Making program, students work on several creative media and film making projects to produce professional products. In particular, class projects involves student teamwork within a workplace environment.

Students are involved in 'real-world' applications with professional clients and become experienced in real problem solving. Each student undertakes and produces a comprehensive final project. Students have individual choice of their final product.