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Study in New Zealand at Ellesmere College

A chance for international students to experience the full Kiwi lifestyle

A small, family-oriented school, international students have the opportunity to experience a full and authentic Kiwi lifestyle by choosing to study in New Zealand at Ellesmere College.

Located in the friendly rural town of Leeston, and near to lively Christchurch, our beautiful surroundings offer international students the full-package; from the Mt Hutt ski fields, to equestrian sports, to numerous idyllic beaches.

With a strong academic record, and a broad range of extra-curricular opportunities, we ensure international students thrive in every area of school life. Both the teachers at Ellesmere and the chosen homestay family work to support international students’ integration into the community and full immersion in the school experience.

Dedicated support systems for every student

Having welcomed countless students from overseas to Ellesmere College, we understand the unique needs of international students. Our strong support networks aid students integration into school life and provide a fulfilling and wholesome environment for their duration at Ellesmere.

The Ellesmere College international student programme caters for both short and long-term stays, from a few weeks to the full academic year. Committed staff members take care of the safety and well-being of students, and ensure every one of our international school members has an enjoyable and inspiring experience whilst they study in New Zealand.

Homestay in New Zealand: a home away from home

Ellesmere College offers international students a safe and secure homestay, with a hand-picked local family. We take great time and care to find a suitable family for each student, with every member subject to an application process, police-vetting and an interview with our Homestay Coordinator.

Our international students are treated as members of the family and the wider community. By becoming part of a Kiwi family, students have the opportunity to experience a real Kiwi lifestyle, with family activities and excursions.

How our international student programme works

Students are met at the airport and taken to their homestay in New Zealand
Students are welcomed as members of the family and given their own bedroom
Supportive family and staff members take care of students safety and welfare
The Homestay Coordinator visits the homestay each term
Our Orientation Programme supports students initial integration into the community
Students are encouraged to take part fully in all areas of school life with extra-curricular activities, overseas trips and social opportunities
Students are given 6 hours of ESOL tuition each week (extra hours and external examinations can be arranged)

To apply for homestay accommodation at Ellesmere, please fill in our Homestay Request Form

Enrol here first for International Students

Ellesmere College - Lincoln University International Student Pathway Programme

Ellesmere College – Te Kāreti o Waihora has a long and positive relationship with Lincoln University – Te Whare Wānaka o Aoraki. This was relationship was further strengthened, when the University and College entered into a Memorandum of Understanding to work collaboratively to map out pathways for international students from secondary to tertiary. Over the course of 12 months, the College and University worked together to align pathways to ensure that international students could access pathways seamlessly. As part of the ongoing relationship, the College and University will co-market internationally. It is believed that this is the first relationship of this kind in New Zealand between a high school and university.

Tuition fees

The tuition fees cover tuition, equipment and textbooks, specialised English Language classes, sports trips, field trips and transport from the airport.

Tuition fees should be paid by the 31 October of the year prior to enrolment. Homestay fees can be paid term by term.

Tuition and Homestay as quoted below:

Registration (per year): NZ$300
Tuition fees incl. GST: NZ$15,000 (per year) / NZ$4,000 (per term)
Placement fee: NZ$300
Weekly homestay fee: NZ$300