New Zealand is known for its stunning natural beauty, diverse culture, and high quality of life. But it is also home to some of the most expensive and prestigious schools in the world, where the rich and famous send their children to receive a world-class education.
- King’s College : $45,380
- Kristin School: $25,800
- Chilton Saint James School: $22,980
- King’s College: Located in Auckland, this co-educational boarding and day school charges NZD 37,380 per year for international students. It offers the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme, as well as the Cambridge International Examinations (CIE) and the New Zealand National Certificate of Educational Achievement (NCEA). It has a strong reputation for academic excellence, sports, and arts, and boasts alumni such as former Prime Minister John Key, actor Russell Crowe, and singer Lorde. It was founded in 1896 by Graham Bruce, who wanted to provide the best all-round education possible.
- Kristin School: Also located in Auckland, this co-educational independent school charges NZD 36,900 per year for international students. It is the first school in New Zealand to offer the IB curriculum from kindergarten to year 13. It has a modern campus with state-of-the-art facilities, including a theatre, an aquatic centre, and a digital learning centre. It has a diverse student body, with over 50 nationalities represented.
- Auckland International College: This co-educational independent school is located in the central suburb of Grey Lynn in Auckland. It charges NZD 36,000 per year for international students. It is a specialist IB school, offering only the IB Diploma Programme for years 11 to 13. It has a high academic standard, with an average IB score of 36.5 in 2020, well above the global average of 29.9. It also offers a range of extracurricular activities, such as music, drama, sports, and clubs.
- ACG Senior College: This co-educational independent school is located in the heart of Auckland’s CBD. It charges NZD 35,000 per year for international students. It offers both the IB Diploma Programme and the CIE for years 11 to 13. It has a focus on preparing students for university and beyond, with a personalised approach to learning and career guidance. It also has a vibrant arts and culture scene, with opportunities for students to participate in music, drama, art, and photography.
- Scots College: Located in Wellington, this boys-only independent school charges NZD 34,800 per year for international students. It offers the IB Diploma Programme for years 12 and 13, as well as the NCEA for years 11 to 13. It has a tradition of excellence in academics, sports, and leadership, and aims to develop well-rounded young men who can contribute positively to society. It has notable alumni such as filmmaker Peter Jackson, actor Sam Neill, and rugby player Christian Cullen.
- St Cuthbert’s College: Located in Auckland, this girls-only independent school charges NZD 34,680 per year for international students. It offers the IB Diploma Programme for years 12 and 13, as well as the CIE and the NCEA for years 11 to 13. It has a reputation for academic achievement, with an average IB score of 38 in 2020, ranking it among the top IB schools in the world. It also has a strong emphasis on pastoral care, wellbeing, and service learning.
These six schools are among the most expensive schools in New Zealand because they provide their students with a superior learning environment, advanced facilities, and high-quality education that can open doors to prestigious universities and careers around the world. They also offer a range of curricula that cater to different learning styles and preferences. They are not only schools but also communities that foster lifelong friendships and connections.
However, these schools are not the only options for international students who want to study in New Zealand. There are many other public and private schools that offer excellent education at more affordable prices. According to Hotcoursesabroad, an online platform that helps students find and compare courses abroad, the average tuition fee for an undergraduate degree in New Zealand is NZD 25-30k per year, while the average tuition fee for a postgraduate degree is NZD 30-35k per year. These fees vary depending on the institution, type of qualification, and subject studied.
Most Expensive Universities In New Zealand
New Zealand is a popular destination for international students because it offers a high standard of living, a friendly and welcoming culture, and a safe and stable political environment. It also has eight universities that are ranked among the top three per cent globally, according to Top Universities, a website that provides information on university rankings and student reviews. These universities are:
- University of Auckland: Ranked 81st in the world and 1st in New Zealand, this university is located in the country’s largest and most cosmopolitan city. It offers a wide range of courses across eight faculties, and has strengths in engineering, law, medicine, and business. It has over 40,000 students, including 8,000 international students from over 120 countries.
- University of Otago: Ranked 184th in the world and 2nd in New Zealand, this university is located in the scenic city of Dunedin in the South Island. It is the oldest university in New Zealand, founded in 1869. It offers courses across four divisions: health sciences, humanities, sciences, and business. It has over 20,000 students, including 3,000 international students from over 100 countries.
- University of Canterbury: Ranked 270th in the world and 3rd in New Zealand, this university is located in the vibrant city of Christchurch in the South Island. It offers courses across five colleges: arts, business and law, education, health and human development, engineering and science. It has over 15,000 students, including 2,000 international students from over 80 countries.
- Victoria University of Wellington: Ranked 223rd in the world and 4th in New Zealand, this university is located in the capital city of Wellington in the North Island. It offers courses across eight faculties: architecture and design innovation, business, education, engineering, health, humanities and social sciences, law, and science. It has over 21,000 students, including 3,500 international students from over 110 countries.
- Massey University: Ranked 287th in the world and 5th in New Zealand, this university has campuses in Auckland, Palmerston North, and Wellington. It offers courses across five colleges: business, creative arts, health, humanities and social sciences, and sciences. It has over 30,000 students, including 5,000 international students from over 100 countries.
- University of Waikato: Ranked 375th in the world and 6th in New Zealand, this university is located in the city of Hamilton in the North Island. It offers courses across eight faculties: arts and social sciences, business and economics, computing and mathematical sciences, education, engineering, law, maori and indigenous studies, and science and engineering. It has over 12,000 students.
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Admission Process For International Students In New Zealand
The admission process for these schools may vary depending on the type of school, the curriculum they offer, and the level of study. However, based on the web search results, here are some general steps that you may need to follow:
- Contact the school of your choice and request an enrolment form and information pack. You can find the contact details and websites of the six most expensive schools in New Zealand in the web search results.
- Complete the enrolment form and provide the required documents, such as a copy of your passport, academic transcripts, English language proficiency test results (if applicable), and any other supporting evidence.
- Submit your application to the school before the deadline. Some schools may have a waiting list or a ballot system for out-of-zone applicants, so it is advisable to apply as early as possible.
- Wait for the school to process your application and notify you of the outcome. If your application is successful, you will receive an offer of place from the school. The offer may be conditional or unconditional, depending on whether you have met all the entry requirements or not.
- Accept the offer of place and pay the tuition fees and other charges. You will need to show proof of payment to apply for a student visa.
- Apply for a student visa from Immigration New Zealand. You will need to provide your offer of place, proof of payment, evidence of sufficient funds, health insurance, and other documents. You can find more information on how to apply for a student visa on the Immigration New Zealand website.
- Prepare for your arrival and departure. You will need to arrange your accommodation, transportation, and orientation. You can contact the school or your education agent for assistance.
