International Schools in New Zealand
Compare 30 international schools in New Zealand. Filter by curriculum, fees (average NZD 19,663), location, and more to find the right international school now.
Edited by Nik Higgins · Co-founder & CEO
- Schools listed
- 30
- Curricula
- 15
- Average annual fee
- NZD 19,663
- Fee range
- NZD 200 – 74,500
More school facts
- Most common curriculum
- Bespoke Curriculum (14 schools)
- Average school size
- 1,071 pupils
- Largest by enrolment
- Avondale College
- Oldest
- Wellington College (1867)
- With boarding
- 7
About international schools in New Zealand
International schools in New Zealand sit alongside the national English-medium system and commonly combine the New Zealand Curriculum (with NCEA at senior secondary level) with international options such as the International Baccalaureate or Cambridge programmes in many independent schools. Instruction is usually in English, though te reo Māori and a range of modern languages (Mandarin, Japanese, French, Spanish and others) are commonly offered or available as options. Tuition for full-year international places varies widely between providers, with many schools charging in the mid-tens to mid-tens of thousands of NZD per year and higher fees at some private boarding schools. The school year runs February to December in four terms, international applicants normally need an official offer of place for visa purposes, and families should allow several months for applications, enrolment paperwork and any visa processing.
View by curriculum (3)
View by curriculum
13 international schools in Auckland
See all 13 →
6 international schools in Christchurch
See all 6 →3 international schools in Hamilton
See all 3 →2 international schools in Dunedin
See all 2 →2 international schools in Wellington
See all 2 →2 international schools in Whangarei
See all 2 →1 international school in Kerikeri
See all 1 →1 international school in Havelock North
See all 1 →Choosing an international school in New Zealand
Curricula
There are 30 international schools in New Zealand covering 15 curricula. The most widely offered are Bespoke Curriculum (14), Cambridge IGCSE (10), Cambridge A Levels (7), Cambridge (Secondary) (5), Cambridge International AS Levels (5). If your child may move countries again, an internationally-portable curriculum (IB, or Cambridge/British) keeps options open; if you're likely to settle, a curriculum matching your home or target university system can be the better fit.
Fees & what they cover
Annual tuition across New Zealand runs from about NZD 200 to NZD 74,500, averaging roughly NZD 19,663. Budget for one-off costs on top — application and enrolment fees, a refundable deposit, uniform, transport and exams.
Admissions & timing
Sought-after schools in New Zealand run waiting lists, so apply early — ideally a term or two ahead. Most admissions involve an application, prior school reports and an assessment or interview, with entry points often tied to the school year. Each school's profile shows term dates, open days and how to enquire.
Boarding
7 of the 30 schools offer boarding — useful if you're relocating or want weekly or full boarding.
How doris stays impartial
doris lists every international school in New Zealand we can find — not only those that pay. We take no placement fees and sell no rankings or "top school" spots, so the schools above aren't ordered by who paid most. Details come from the schools' own information and public sources, and you can compare any of them side by side.