International Students
Ngā Ākonga Huriao
We warmly welcome international students to our safe and supportive community. Our international programme includes students from over 20 countries and offers a rich and balanced curriculum.
International Prospectus
Our International Prospectus provides an insight into life at St Andrew's College, including our campus, curriculum, well-being, events, activities, and boarding accommodation.
International Prospectus and Flyers (multiple languages)
International Prospectus - Chinese
Read onlineInternational Prospectus - Korean
Read onlineInternational Flyer – English
Read onlineInternational Flyer - Chinese
Read onlineInternational Flyer – German
Read onlineInternational Flyer – Japanese
Read onlineInternational Flyer – Korean
Read onlineInternational Flyer – Thai
Read onlineStudying at StAC
At St Andrew's, international students participate in sports, cultural events, service, and leadership activities. They experience New Zealand's unique culture and our Scottish Presbyterian traditions. Students make lasting memories and friendships with Kiwi peers, preparing them for higher education and exciting careers.
Our international programme
The St Andrew’s College International Programme offers students from abroad the chance to live, study, and reach their academic potential in New Zealand. Our students enjoy a world-class education, modern boarding facilities, and a wide range of activities.
We are proud of our history, values, and traditions. Our passionate teachers inspire students to achieve high academic results, with many gaining national and international recognition.
Located in central Christchurch, just an hour from the Southern Alps and 15 minutes from beaches, students can experience the best of New Zealand.
We value diversity and embrace different cultures. A caring network ensures international students have an enjoyable and fulfilling time with us.
Well-being and support
Well-being is a strong focus at St Andrew’s College. We follow the Code of Practice for Pastoral Care of International Students, ensuring they feel welcomed, safe, and supported.
The large, caring support team includes teachers, tutors, Deans, boarding staff, a guiding and counselling team, and College management, including Director of International Students and Exchanges, Palē Tauti. Together, they provide the following help and support:
Another key support person for international students is an English-speaking, Christchurch-based contact who acts as their student residential caregiver. Residential Caregivers are a member of the Christchurch community and are often someone who speaks the student’s language. They provide the student with support and guidance, and help with setting up things like bank accounts, doctor’s appointments, and visa and immigration requirements. The Residential Caregiver can also act as a homestay for the student during school holidays.
"The St Andrew’s College International Programme is an opportunity for young men and women to embrace a dynamic secondary school, rich in culture, tradition and excellence. With modern facilities in which to study and board, students are given every opportunity to learn, perform and achieve success."
Palē Tauti Director of International and Exchange Students
Enrolment requirements
International students, for whom English is a second language, must sit an entrance test administered by AEAS. AEAS test results provide detail regarding the student’s English language proficiency and their general ability. The AEAS Report will be considered alongside other information provided by the family when reviewing the student’s application.
AEAS Testing is available around the world, and students can register online. Alternatively, your agent will be able to assist you with the registration process. A copy of the student’s AEAS Report must be included with enrolment applications.
Outstanding facilities
St Andrew’s has modern classrooms and facilities, including:
boys and girls boarding houses;
two fully equipped gyms;
Centennial Chapel;
Dance, Ballet and Performing Arts Studios;
TV and Media Studio;
266-seat Theatre;
Library;
Fine Arts Block;
High Performance Fitness Centre;
Student Caféteria;
Onsite Health Centre and Registered Nurse;
extensive sports fields and courts.
Off campus, international students enjoy a top quality Outdoor Education programme at the College’s mountain lodge at Castle Hill in the spectacular Canterbury high country.
Studying in Christchurch
Christchurch is a great location, with easy access to an international airport. Students enjoy a safe and relaxed environment, with mountains, beaches, and outdoor activities nearby. Christchurch is the gateway to many of New Zealand's famous scenery and attractions.
There are many opportunities for students to explore Christchurch and New Zealand, with friends, and on boarding or class trips.
Pathway to a successful future
International students come to New Zealand for cultural experiences and high-quality education. St Andrew’s College prepares students for top universities and exciting careers. They become part of the St Andrew’s family and stay connected even after graduation.
Boarding and homestay
Most international students live in our boarding houses, which are safe and comfortable. Short-term students can stay with a host family arranged by our Homestay Coordinator.
World-class education
International students receive a world-class education at St Andrew’s. Our expert teachers and excellent facilities help students achieve outstanding academic results. Many students win regional, national, and international prizes and scholarships.
Exciting co-curricular options
International students can choose from over 30 sports, and many cultural activities, including music, dance, drama, and filmmaking. St Andrew’s has a championship-winning Pipe Band and a popular Highland Dance programme.
International fees
Tuition fees cover teaching and support. Fees are payable in advance and include GST.
Life as an international student
International students receive a world-class education at St Andrew’s, with a focus on excellence, expert teachers, and a safe learning environment.
Discover what a St Andrew's College education can offer your child by watching this short video.
Dunyachut Vatananan (OC 2019) and Narisara Thaniratt (OC 2020) Thai international students
Dunyachut (Rocky) Vatananan (OC 2019) and Narisara (Beem) Thaniratt (OC 2020) are two St Andrew’s College international students who joined us from Thailand. Rocky has been at St Andrew’s College for five years and Beem for two years. In this short video they share their experiences, challenges and what they have enjoyed the most studying at St Andrew’s College and living in New Zealand.
Yuji Hattori (OC 2019)
Japanese international student
Yuji Hattori (OC 2019) initially joined St Andrew's College in 2015, for a two-week study trip. Yuji enjoyed what St Andrew's College had to offer and New Zealand's culture, so he decided to extend his stay.
Yuji relished the challenge of learning the New Zealand curriculum and immersed himself in the boarding house and International Club, which has given him confidence and seen his English go from strength to strength. Yuji enjoys playing hockey, badminton, basketball, magic card tricks and the relaxed Christchurch day-to-day life.
Friederike Moerke (OC 2017)
German international student
St Andrew's College has been home to many international students who have flourished learning abroad and enjoyed St Andrew's College and the New Zealand culture.
Friederike Moerke (OC 2017) started St Andrew's College as a Year 11 student in 2015. After being integrated and warmly welcomed into the StAC family, Friederike decided to finish her education at St Andrew's College in 2017. This video shares what Friederike enjoyed about St Andrew's College life.
JingYang Xu (2017–2021)
After my first arrival in New Zealand in 2017, the daunting challenge I faced was adapting to the new environment. Being a 13 year old boy who used to heavily rely on my parents, I had to push myself to become more independent and thoughtful. With the support from the StAC international department, I gradually discovered my own place in the College and formed friendships with both international and domestic students.
The inclusivity of this school to different cultures was the driving force for me to reveal the true me. Throughout my time at St Andrew’s College, I always believed that this was one of the most crucial elements that provided me a delightful experience.
Academically, I was aware of the different pressures students experienced under the Chinese and the New Zealand schooling system. I was, however, still overwhelmed by NCEA at Year 11, due to being uncertain about my future. But now looking back at it, I am grateful for the wide range of course selections provided by St Andrew’s College, which provides students with opportunities to cultivate and develop their own interests and achieve high academic goals, which in my opinion, are complementary.
For me, my enjoyment of doing mathematics had faded after years of study under the competitive Chinese examination system. However, I found the joy of mathematics after two years of class time with my Math’s teacher, Mr. Adams. I was inspired by the delivery of his lessons, which made a remarkable impact on me and my decisions for my future career path.
Being an international student, I was aware of the difference from other students around the campus; different skin colours, different cultural backgrounds, languages and interests. But I believe this is the uniqueness of St Andrew’s College, where they embrace all differences and provide the opportunities and a platform for us to deepen our insights into personal growth with preparation to take on the challenges ahead in the wider world.
I am pleased my family made the decision to support my journey of joining St Andrew's College.
Contact Information
Enquiries
For all international student enquiries, please contact our Director of International Students and Exchanges, Palē Tauti.
Contact
+64 3 940 2086
Online Enquiry
Please click here to complete an online enquiry.
