Information about visa, dates and fees
Going to the other side of the earth – be it as a college student, gap year student, Au Pair or language student – is a big deal. So let us help you with some common questions and our answers.
How long can college students stay in New Zealand?
The New Zealand school year is divided into 4 roughly equal segments called ‘Terms’. Students are welcome to stay anywhere from 1 term to several years. We find that most students tend to stay for 2 terms.
How long can gap year students stay in New Zealand?
A working holiday visa for young people usually aged 18 to 30 years is valid for up to 12 months, unless you’re from Canada (23 months) or the UK (36 months).
How long can I go to language school in New Zealand?
You can study English for up to 3 months on a visitor visa, or longer on a student visa or working holiday visa.
How long can an Au Pair stay in New Zealand?
A working holiday visa for young people usually aged 18 to 30 years is valid for up to 12 months, unless you’re from Canada (23 months) or the UK (36 months).
Do I need a visa?
Yes, everyone coming to New Zealand will need a visa, in most cases a student visa or work and travel visa. We can help you with that.
How do the costs work?
School fees
In New Zealand, schools charge various fees to have international students. These fees are different for each school and can vary considerably between public and private schools.
In addition to ‘school fees‘ there are also ‘home stay fees‘ (money paid to the host parents to care for your children) as well as ‘extramural fees‘ (fees for activities outside of usual school activities).
To see some of these fees please take a look through the featured schools on our schools page. (fees are shown near the bottom).
Please note that these fees are approximate and may vary from time to time. So if there is a particular school that you would like to attend then get in contact with us and we’ll give you a firm price.
Language school fees
Costs of language courses vary according to the institute, and the length and level of course you choose. To see some of these fees please take a look through the featured language schools on our language schools page.
Gap year fees
We have a selection of different options for gap year students. To see some of these, please take a look through our gap year section.
Study NZ fees
From 2023 we charge a flat fee of $3,600 NZD per student for college students. That fee is the same regardless of how long your child stays in New Zealand. It covers the consultation process, assistance until departure with all paperwork as well as support during the stay in NZ from arrival to departure. Gold service!
For Work and Travellers, Au Pairs, Language School students and National Trade Academy the fee is $2,000NZD.
To get a contract as a Gap Year tutor through us for a full year – free accommodation, food and pocket money provided by schools – the fee is $2,880NZD.
Contracts through us to work with Outdoor organisations will be charged at $1,600NZD for six months and $1,800NZD for a full season, which is normally 9 months.
For a placement with YMCA for 1 year, our fee is $2,160NZD.
Other fees
Insurance
Every visitor must have health insurance. You can provide your own or we can put you or your child under our insurance (with UniCare under StudyNZ Master Policy).
The cost for 6 months is currently approximately $350NZD, for 1 year approximately $600NZD (calculated by days of stay) and covers health as well as travel insurance.
Student ONLINE Visa
$370 NZD Fee to Immigration New Zealand
Orientation and Farewell Camps for students
At the start of Term 3 we run a 4-5 day orientation camp in varying locations. In December before the common leave date our students attend a farewell camp for 3 days. These are structured to give our students orientation in the beginning to prepare them for their time in NZ and help them reflect on their experience in a different country and culture as well as focus before they leave for home.
The orientation camp is compulsory, the farewell camp is optional but we as well as the schools do strongly recommend participation if the dates work for your daughter/son. Costs for camp vary and we can only give an indication.
The Orientation Camp costs are approx. $900 NZD and the Farewell Camp costs approx. $650 NZD. These costs include travel, accommodation, all meals and activities as well as workshops during the camp.
Welcome and Orientation day is compulsory for single arrivals and also for small groups of youth under 18 years of age. Collection at Auckland airport, overnight stay at an Auckland hotel (including dinner and/or breakfast) and transfer to connecting flights is included in the price of $450 NZD. (The arrangement can vary depending on the final destination of the student)
Accompanied Flights
For the start of term 3 in July we offer an accompanied flight for groups of 10 students and more out of Germany (either Düsseldorf or Frankfurt). The additional cost for this option is 200 Euro.
Can I extend my stay in New Zealand?
There are no guarantees, but generally this is no problem. There is however some administration work that we’ll need to do in terms of making this possible. For students this involves arranging the extension with schools and host families. For all others it will most likely require an extension of their visa. So there is an additional cost of $500 NZD.
What are the school terms?
2024
Term 1: January 30 to February 07 – April 12
Term 2: April 29 – July 05
Term 3: July 22 – September 27
Term 4: October 14 – no later than December 20
2025
Term 1: January 29 to February 7 – April 12
Term 2: April 28 – June 27
Term 3: July 14 – September 19
Term 4: October 06 – no later than December 19
2026
Term 1: January 26 to February 09 – April 2
Term 2: April 20 – July 03
Term 3: July 20 – September 25
Term 4: October 12 – no later than December 18
Please note that Term 1 and Term 4 may start and end on different dates for all schools in the country, usually up to 7 days. The dates shown for Term 1 and Term 4 show the range of dates, but at least one will likely be different.
When are the statutory holidays in New Zealand?
All schools must be closed on Saturdays and Sundays, and on the following days:
- New Year’s Day – January 01
- Day after New Year’s Day – January 02
- Waitangi Day – February 06
- Good Friday
- Easter Monday
- Anzac Day – April 25
- King’s Birthday – First Monday in June
- Matariki – June/July (varies)
- Labour Day – 4th Monday in October
- Christmas Day – December 25
- Boxing Day – December 26
- and the day observed in the locality in which the school is situated as anniversary day