School Children.
Children from overseas may be educated in New Zealand from Primary, through Intermediate to Secondary levels, in either State-owned or Privately owned schools, subject to payment of fees and certain conditions that are in place to protect students and ensure a satisfactory education experience.
Schools that wish to offer places to overseas students must be approved to ensure quality pastoral care arrangements are in place to care for all of the child’s needs, both scholastic and residential.
Guardian Visa.
A parent or legal guardian can apply for a visa to accompany their children aged 17 years or younger to New Zealand and, in limited circumstances, may even gain permission to work or study while the child is at school.
English Language Schools.
New Zealand is considered an excellent place to learn English and there are many institutions that offer courses. Including places where teaching English is combined with other courses and activities; there are over 600 choices! These range from facilities for younger people who want to combine a wonderful overseas experience with an improvement to their English, through to University-based courses designed to help serious students master English at a graduate level. Make sure your choice matches your objectives.
Tertiary Studies.
New Zealand has many options for serious tertiary study. In recent years Immigration New Zealand (INZ) and the New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA) have moved to ensure a quality experience for all students.
Domestic Students.
School-age children of persons in New Zealand on work visas can attend Primary, Intermediate or Secondary school as “Domestic Students”. They need to apply for a Student Visa but do not need to pay International Student Fees. This concession does NOT apply to Tertiary studies. At tertiary level, full international student fees will normally apply. Something to think carefully about when you are planning a move to New Zealand that includes older children.
The same courtesy also applies to certain persons in New Zealand as members of Diplomatic missions, or persons on Armed Service transfers and may also apply to certain post-graduate students.