We warmly welcome international students from Year 1-13 to join St Cuthbert’s. We are proud that our St Cuthbert’s community reflects the diverse cultural makeup of New Zealand. Our girls come from all over the globe including Asia, the United States, Europe, the Pacific Islands and the Middle East.
At St Cuthbert’s, international students become part of our close-knit family while experiencing the very best of New Zealand education and great outdoors lifestyle, supported every step of the way as they grow in confidence, independence, and achievement.
Experience Auckland
Located in Auckland, New Zealand’s largest and most vibrant international city, St Cuthbert’s offers the perfect blend of urban energy and natural beauty. With a mild, temperate climate year-round, stunning harbours, and beaches, Auckland provides an exceptional quality of life. Our cosmopolitan city is consistently ranked among the world’s most liveable, offering cultural diversity, safety, and easy access to New Zealand’s spectacular landscapes.
Gain Entry to Top Global Universities
Our academic programme is rigorous and challenging, designed to spark curiosity and foster a genuine love of learning. From Years 12 and 13 students can choose between two academic pathways, the New Zealand National Certificate of Educational Achievement (NCEA), and the International Baccalaureate Diploma. Both pathways support our students to gain entry to some of the top universities around the world, including Oxford, Cambridge, Princeton, Stanford, Brown University and more.
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Visa Requirements
International students are those who require a student visa to study in New Zealand. Our fee structure for International students is different to fees charged for domestic students. St Cuthbert’s is a signatory to the NZ Government Code of Practice for International Students which safeguards the interests of International Students studying in NZ.
Criteria for Entry
If English is not your first language, applicants will need to take our English language test to assess if they have the written and verbal English language skills required in our classrooms where English is the language of instruction. Upon passing the English test you will be invited to have a personal interview via video link. If you are assessed as needing some English language support, you will have specialist ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) classes to help you establish stronger English language skills.
Application Process
If you will be living in Auckland with a parent, you can apply for an international daygirl position from Year 1–13. International students in Years 1–8 must live with a parent during their studies. If you are not living with a parent you will need to apply for an International boarding position. Boarding is available for Senior School Students in Years 9–13. To apply for a place please click here and fill in our online form.
International Boarding Years 9-13
Our Boarding Houses are located securely at the heart of our Epsom campus in Auckland. With caring and supportive staff, we offer a dynamic boarding experience for around 100 students from both New Zealand and around the world. Students enjoy comfortable single rooms, providing personal space for study and rest.
Weekend and Co-Curricular Programme
Our varied weekend programme includes trips to Auckland’s beautiful beaches, cultural sites, shopping districts, and local attractions. This is in addition to our wide range of co-curricular opportunities including sport, cultural and performing arts, that build friendships and create lasting memories.
Healthy and Nourishing Meals
Our boarding house staff place a high priority on providing healthy, nourishing, appetising means. The caterers work closely with the Head of Boarding to ensure all our meals are of a high standard. A wide variety of food is provided in our dining hall, including a hot lunch option with a salad, smoothies and wraps. The menu is changed every four weeks and offers options from sushi, crispy tofu, roast chicken and more!
Settling In
Adjusting to being away from home can be challenging, especially in the early days. We have helped hundreds of international girls settle in, make friends and thrive academically, socially, physically and spiritually. We provide a dedicated orientation programme and welcome camp at the beginning of Year 9 to help new students form friendships.
Wellbeing Support
The wellbeing and support of our students is part of everyday life at St Cuthbert’s. Our primary focus is to understand the cultural, family, and academic background of your daughter and make sure she has everything she needs to be happy and to thrive. Our boarding staff are available 24/7 to provide support whenever needed. We celebrate cultural diversity through regular cultural celebrations and events, honouring the rich backgrounds of our international community and creating a true home away from home.