The School Year in New Zealand begins in late January. There are four terms in an academic year. National examinations are held from mid-November to early December.
International students are accepted in January with a small number enrolling in Term 2 (May) and Term 3 (July).
Students studying for credits in NCEA Levels 2 and 3 (Year 12 and 13) should attend for the full academic year.
When you apply for a place at Wellington Girls’ College we have to consider:
If you are offered a place, the HOD (Head of Department) English Language will assess your language level and perhaps some other subjects when you arrive at school. The HOD English language will then decide what level you can study at in each subject and how much extra English help you will need.
You will be placed in a Form Class according to your age.
You will be placed in subject classes taking into account:
Applications for direct entry to Year 13 are not usually accepted except for students with a high fluency in English. A course of at least two years is recommended for students wishing to qualify to enter university (18 months for students from Germany).
If you need any more information before you decide to apply to Wellington Girls’ College, please contact the Director of International Students through the Enquiry section of this website.
Fill in the Application and Tuition Agreement,
and either the Homestay Application or Designated Caregiver Agreement
Send (email) the documents to the College along with a copy of your most recent school reports and examination results and a written testimonial (usually from a teacher) as to your character.
If your application is successful you will receive a Provisional Offer of Place and an Invoice.
If you send a telegraphic transfer you must email the College with details.
If you are applying for Homestay, the fees invoice will include the Homestay placement fee and a year’s homestay fees in advance, along with your tuition and other fees required. The Homestay fee is held in trust and paid fortnightly to the Homestay family by the College.
Terms 1, 2 and 3 are approximately 10 weeks of lessons with two weeks holiday between terms.
National NCEA examinations for Years 11,12 and 13 commence early November in term 4, students can return home after exams.
Year 9 and 10 school year finishes early to mid -December in term 4
Summer vacation is December and January
International Students must have a current Student Visa or student permit to attend high school in New Zealand for a course of 3 months or more. The Student Visa application can be submitted online to New Zealand Immigration.
Full details of visa and permit requirements and advice on rights to employment in New Zealand while studying are available through the New Zealand Immigration Service, and can be viewed on their website at http://www.immigration.govt.nz.
