Why study English in New Zealand?
In New Zealand you study English in an English-speaking country, so lessons and daily life both happen in English. The New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA) is the government agency responsible for the quality of education providers, including language schools. Decide your goal, budget and dates first, then compare schools.
What are the NZQA category ratings and why do they matter?
NZQA gives education providers, including language schools, a category from Category 1 (highest) to Category 4 (lowest). The category reflects NZQA's evaluation of the provider, including its educational outcomes and self-assessment. Ask the school for its current category and check it on the official NZQA website before you enrol. A category is one factor in your choice.
What is the cost of tuition and living in New Zealand?
This page gives no New Zealand price figures, because tuition, accommodation and living costs differ by school, city and dates, and change over time. Ask each school for an itemised quote for your dates. It should list tuition, accommodation (for example a homestay), meals, enrolment fees, materials, airport transfer, health insurance and any other fees, so you can compare schools on the same basis. For living costs (rent, food, transport), use current figures from the school or official sources.
What are the visa and work rights for international students?
Whether you need a visa, and which one, depends on your nationality, the length of the course and your plans. Whether you may work while studying depends on your visa and course, and the conditions can change. Visa types, fees, processing times and work conditions are set by the New Zealand authorities, so confirm them with the school and Immigration New Zealand before you book. Do not plan to pay for your studies from part-time work.
When should I study English in New Zealand?
New Zealand's seasons are opposite to the northern hemisphere: summer is December to February, autumn March to May, winter June to August and spring September to November. Start dates, prices and availability differ by school, so ask each school what it offers for your dates.
How do I choose a city in New Zealand?
English schools are located in cities and towns such as:
- Auckland: the largest city, on the North Island.
- Wellington: the capital.
- Christchurch: the largest city on the South Island.
- Queenstown: a resort town on the South Island.
- Hamilton: a smaller city on the North Island.
Cities differ in climate, distance, transport, cost of living and the number of schools. Compare them using each school's own information and an itemised quote.
How to choose a worthwhile language school in New Zealand?
Start by checking the school's NZQA category on the official NZQA website. Ask whether the school is a member of an industry body such as English New Zealand, and verify it on that organisation's website. Read independent reviews from several sources, such as Google and specialised forums, and check the date of each review. It is wise to contact the school directly to ask about class sizes, teacher qualifications and social programs. Some schools specialise in exam preparation (IELTS, Cambridge), while others focus on general conversation or business English, so decide your goals before choosing. Finally, ask about the mix of student nationalities: a diverse school may offer more opportunity to speak English, while a school with many students from your country might make you more comfortable but less forced to practise.
Studying in New Zealand vs. the Philippines: how to compare
Compare countries on the same basis: course, room type, meals, fees and number of weeks. We do not state New Zealand prices here; ask the school for a quote. For the Philippines, our catalogue lists prices per school. For example, 3D Academy in Cebu City: 4 weeks with a room and three meals a day from $899 (six-bed room), registration $100. QQ English in Cebu City: tuition for 4 one-to-one lessons $934, capsule $351 and meals $260 per 4 weeks, package $1,545, registration $150. Registration, local fees, flights and insurance are not included in these prices.
How do I compare schools in New Zealand on the same basis?
Compare the same items at every school. Look at what is included: ask whether social activities, airport pickup and course materials are included in the price or charged separately. Ask whether the school offers a trial lesson. Living costs depend on the city, so ask for current figures. If you find comparing schools overwhelming, you can get help.
Ready to find the right English course in New Zealand or elsewhere?
Choosing between New Zealand and the Philippines can be tough. If you are considering Asia, read about English schools in the Philippines or learn how much it costs to study there. If you choose the Philippines, our matching service is free and does not add a mark-up to the school's price: get a free, no-mark-up school match.