International students looking for a remarkable education have chosen us for over six decades. We are proud of the diversity of nationalities and cultures this brings to our campus and the successes our internationals achieve at our College.
Welcoming International Students
The College is proud of our academic excellence and range of co-curricular activities. We invite international students and their parents to explore the opportunities that await you here with us.
If you're considering studying at Saint Kentigern College, please find all the information you need in our International Students Handbook <here>.
Located in Auckland, New Zealand, Saint Kentigern College is an Independent Presbyterian school dedicated to delivering the finest private education for young minds between the ages of 11 to 18 (Years 7 to 13).
A Unique Heritage
At Saint Kentigern College, we take pride in our strong Scottish heritage and Christian values grounded in a Presbyterian legacy. We champion innovative teaching and modern facilities and provide students with the choice of two qualification pathways: the New Zealand Qualification NCEA or the International Baccalaureate Diploma.
Boarding Facilities
Our College offers onsite boarding facilities for boys and girls aged 13 to 18 (Years 9 to 13). Students quickly adapt to the Kiwi way of life, make friends, enjoy the outdoors and experience the joys of studying in New Zealand.
International Success Stories
Our international students have gone on to attend some of the best universities in the world and achieved remarkable success. Our most recent university offers and placements include:
| US | UK | Australia | Japan |
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Harvard
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Oxford
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University of Sydney
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Hokkaido University
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University Pennsylvania
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Cambridge
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University of Melbourne
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New York University
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London School of Economics and Politics
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Bond University
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Wellesley College
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Nottingham
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Griffith’s University
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The Saint Kentigern College Experience
Our international students can expect a high-quality education delivered by dedicated teachers who embrace our Christian values and foster a warm, family-like atmosphere.
We offer a vibrant, close-knit community with numerous opportunities in academics, culture, performing arts <more here> , sports, <more here> and community service. We set high expectations for all our students, ensuring they actively participate in every aspect of school life. We understand that international students have different motivations for studying away from home, including seeking a world-class education that prepares them for successful higher education or careers in English-speaking countries.
Our College offers a broad range of subjects at all levels, ensuring our students have abundant choices as they progress through their senior years. Subjects include Arts, Commerce, Humanities, Languages, Applied Mathematics, Sciences, and Technology. Our world-class facilities are well-equipped, enabling extensive practical engagement.
In years 11 to 13, our young men and women collaborate in a co-educational environment, nurturing teamwork and collaborative skills that prepare them for higher education and life beyond College. During Year 11, all students complete their NCEA Level 1 qualification. In Year 12, students can choose between NCEA qualifications or pursuing the two-year International Baccalaureate Diploma programme.
For more insights into the Saint Kentigern College experience, access our prospectus <here>
Student Well-being and Caregivers
For the well-being of our international boarding students, a designated 'Caregiver' is required to represent parents during enrolment at the College. The Caregiver must reside in the Auckland region and:
- Actively engage in the student's life.
- Arrange leave and accommodation for mid-term breaks and Saturday overnight leave when approved by parents and the College.
- Assist with emergency arrangements.
- Provide support for transportation to and from the airport when necessary.
We encourage caregivers to actively participate in day-to-day activities and parent-teacher interviews and establish support networks with our pastoral team at the College. In some cases, the College may assist in assigning a Caregiver for a student.
FAQs
Where is Saint Kentigern College located?
Saint Kentigern College is in Pakuranga, East Auckland, 16 km from the city centre and 25 km from Auckland International Airport. Auckland is New Zealand's largest city and enjoys a temperate climate for year-round outdoor activities.
What type of school is Saint Kentigern College?
Saint Kentigern College is an independent Presbyterian day and boarding school offering world-class education for girls and boys in Years 7 to 13 (ages 11-18). In Years 7 to 10, boys and girls are taught separately. In years 11 to 13, students are taught in a co-educational setting, preparing them for tertiary studies and life beyond College. Saint Kentigern also has a separate preschool, girls' primary school, and boys' primary school located in the central suburb of Remuera.
How many international students are at Saint Kentigern?
We admit a relatively small number of students from overseas each year. The College is well-equipped for international students with onsite boarding facilities. We encourage international students to board while studying at the College, as it provides the best experience for integration with local students.
Does an international student need to be proficient in English?
Yes, international students are required to have a good understanding of both spoken and written English. An Oxford English test is necessary, and students must achieve a good result before they are invited to an online interview. The College does not offer ESOL support or English language tuition in addition to regular classes.
When does the school year start?
The school year in New Zealand begins in January and ends in December. There are four terms per year, with school holidays in April (2 weeks), July (3 weeks), and October (2 weeks). International students travel home for these holidays unless their parents have made suitable provisions.
When should I apply, and is there a closing date?
We recommend that applications be submitted 18 months before the entry year. Please note that we receive more applications than available places, so early planning is essential. While our role is generally full at the start of each academic year, spaces may be available. Our Admissions team can inform you if a space is available and guide you through the process.
For more details on the application process, please visit our <Enrolment Application> page.
What are the legal requirements for international students?
Following the offer of a place, parents are responsible for ensuring students have the correct visa to study in New Zealand. All necessary legal documentation is the responsibility of the applicant's parents. The Immigration Service requires a letter of offer from a New Zealand school and a receipt showing that total fees for one year are paid in advance. The Immigration Service also requires a written guarantee of accommodation (in the case of Saint Kentigern, this will be a place at Bruce House) and evidence of medical and travel insurance. International students must obtain the appropriate study visa or permit to live and study in New Zealand. For further information, please refer to New Zealand Immigration or your nearest New Zealand Embassy or High Commission.
Enrolment period
Students can only enrol for one year. At the end of each academic year, positions will be reviewed. Students with satisfactory academic progress, attendance, and involvement in College life will be offered a place for the following year. Every effort is made to ensure that students can pursue the courses they desire for further study unless poor performance or language difficulties make this challenging.
What are the fee payment arrangements?
Annual tuition and boarding fees are billed in November of the year before entry and are payable in a lump sum by the end of November. Fees must be paid by this date so that a receipt can be sent to the family with sufficient time to arrange a student visa. The tuition fee receipt must prove a place in a New Zealand school before a student visa can be issued.
Are international students required to wear a uniform?
Yes, all Saint Kentigern students wear a uniform, and our students take pride in wearing the 'blue and white' of Saint Kentigern. Uniforms include summer, winter, formal, and sports attire, with optional items available. Uniforms can be ordered online and couriered domestically, or students can attend a uniform fitting on Orientation Day.
What is the accommodation like?
Most international students board at Bruce House unless their family has relocated to New Zealand. Bruce House is a small, friendly boarding house for boys and girls, conveniently located on campus. Parents can be assured that their children will receive the best care and attention.
For more information about boarding at Bruce House, please visit <here>
Do international students have to board?
While we encourage international students to board at the College, students may live with their parents if they are domiciled in New Zealand for the entire school year. Most of our international students find the boarding experience enriching and beneficial, allowing them to interact with many other young people living away from home. (Subject to oversight by the College under the terms of the Code of Practice).
Complaints procedure
We are committed to creating an environment where students can thrive and feel safe. We take all complaints seriously. Our Complaints Procedure for International Students at Saint Kentigern College is designed to facilitate the constructive and fair resolution of student complaints.
For minor complaints, students can follow these steps:
- Talk to your teacher
- Talk to your tutor
- Talk to the Head of International Students
- Talk to your Head of House
For serious complaints, follow these steps:
- Prepare a written complaint.
- Present your complaint in writing to the Head of House. You can have a support person with you. The Head of House will investigate the complaint and respond after completing the investigation.
- If dissatisfied, you may take your complaint to the Deputy Principal, Well-being. You can have a support person with you.
- If dissatisfied, you can take your complaint to the Principal. You can have a support person with you.
If our internal grievance procedures do not resolve your concerns, you can contact the New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA), who will process your complaint. NZQA is the first point of contact for all complaints about the Code and will investigate complaints about suspected breaches of the Code. NZQA also has the authority to sanction schools where violations have occurred. Raising a complaint with NZQA will not adversely affect your immigration status.
For more information about the NZQA complaints process, please visit Students complaints.