You can apply online through our international student application form - https://ohs.enrol.school.nz/
If you need any assistance completing your application, you can email us at [email protected]
There are no specific requirements for entry - students just need to be the correct age for high school. We offer ESOL support for students whose English needs strengthening.
We accept applications throughout the year. For students enrolling in a full term, the recommended application and fee deadlines are:
Term 1 (January start): Apply by 1 October, fees due by 20 October
Term 2 (April start): Apply by 1 February, fees due by 20 February
Term 3 (July start): Apply by 1 April, fees due by 20 April
Term 4 (October start): Apply by 1 July, fees due by 20 July
No English test is required to apply. However, about 4–6 weeks before your study start date, we will ask you to complete an online English test for us. This is not a pass or fail test - it helps us determine your English level so we can provide the right ESOL support if needed.
We accept students aged 12–19 years old. Year levels are generally based on age and date of birth as follows:
Year 9: 12 years old, turning 13 on or before 30 April / 13 years old, turning 14 on or after 1 May
Year 10: 13 years old, turning 14 on or before 30 April / 14 years old, turning 15 on or after 1 May
Year 11: 14 years old, turning 15 on or before 30 April / 15 years old, turning 16 on or after 1 May
Year 12: 15 years old, turning 16 on or before 30 April / 16 years old, turning 17 on or after 1 May
Year 13: 16 years old, turning 17 on or before 30 April / 17 years old, turning 18 on or after 1 May
Students can study for a minimum of 2 weeks and stay for up to 5 years.
Tuition fees for both short- and long-term study programmes can be found here: OHS International Fees
The most common additional costs are listed on our fees schedule and include school uniform, insurance, and NCEA fees. Other costs may include flights to and from New Zealand, subject fees (such as cooking, woodwork, art etc), school sports fees, transport in NZ, entertainment, travel outside of Auckland, phone, and personal expenses.
Fees must be paid by the deadlines for each term (see admissions and applications above for payment deadlines by term start dates). Payment is made to the school bank account, and the account details will be provided on the fees invoice sent after your application is submitted.
Limited scholarships may be available. Contact the international director for details.
Once your offer of placement is confirmed, we provide an offer of place for your visa application. You can also find the visa information and guide on our Pre-departure and Orientation page.
No, students must apply for their visa themselves. If you are unsure how to apply, we recommend using an education agency or a licensed immigration advisor. More information on licensed advisors can be found here: Immigration New Zealand – Licensed Advisors.
Please contact our international office immediately. We will advise on options and next steps. If you have paid your fees, we will provide a partial fees refund.
We arrange homestay placements with local families to give students a safe and welcoming environment.
Homestay applications are part of your student application. We match students with families based on preferences and availability.
Students receive a private furnished room, 3 meals a day plus access to snacks, unlimited internet access and a supportive family environment.
No, we match students with compatible families, but placement depends on availability.
Yes, students may live with parents, relatives, or family friends. Please indicate your accommodation preference on your application. Please note that if you live with a relative or family friend, they will be subject to our regular vetting procedures.
Yes, all international students participate in orientation to help them settle into school and life in New Zealand.
Yes, our international team and homestay families provide ongoing support for all students.
You can contact our international team straight away if you have any problems during your stay. Our office is located on the school campus and we have a 24/7 Emergency phone number for students if they experience any problems after hours or on weekends.
Yes, we offer ESOL classes to help students improve their English and succeed academically.
Students join regular classes with local students, with additional English support if needed.
Absolutely! International students are encouraged to join sports, clubs, and cultural activities.
Students can complete NCEA (National Certificate of Educational Achievement), which is the main pathway to university in New Zealand. Learn more about how NCEA works here.
International students can select subjects based on their year level and interests, including core subjects and optional subjects such as science, arts, languages, technology, and more. Our international team will guide students in selecting the right combination for their program. Subject information can be found here.
Students will sit NCEA end of year exams if they start in Term 1 (January) or Term 2 (April) in Year 11, 12, or 13, and are still studying at OHS in Term 4. Students will not sit NCEA end of year exams if they start in Term 3 (July) or Term 4 (October). Short-term students also do not sit the end of year exams.
If students are not sitting NCEA end of year exams and are studying at OHS in November, the International Department provides a special November programme. This includes a mix of fun and interactive activities at school, day trips outside of school (generally free), and usually a 3-day trip outside of Auckland with a tour company (this is a paid activity).
Yes, all international students must have insurance while studying in New Zealand (this is a legal requirement). We can arrange a comprehensive insurance policy on your behalf - just let us know when you submit your application. If you plan to arrange your own insurance policy, we highly recommend that it covers health and the theft/loss of any expensive items.
Students can access all local medical services, and our international team provides guidance if needed. We also have school nurses and guidance counsellors available at school.
OHS has clear policies and procedures in place to support the wellbeing and safety of international students. This includes trained staff, homestay monitoring, clear reporting processes, and access to support through the International Department. Students are encouraged to speak with staff immediately if they have any concerns.
Students can use public transport, school buses, or walk if living nearby. Your host family will help you figure out the best way to get to and from school once you arrive.
Essential items include personal clothing, toiletries, school supplies, medication (if applicable) and any necessary documents. You can check our what to pack list on the pre-departure page.
Students are required to bring a laptop or tablet for learning. Please see our BYOD device requirements here: https://www.ohs.school.nz//general-information/byod-devices.
Mobile phones are not permitted for use in New Zealand schools. Phones must be switched off and kept in school bags during the school day.