International students
Tena koutou! Welcome to Birkenhead Primary School! We love sharing our school, our culture and our country with international students from other parts of the world. Find out more about how to join us as an international student.
General informationGeneral information
Birkenhead Primary School accepts international students who are aged between 5 years and 11 years old. Students will be placed in an appropriate mainstream class and will learn alongside New Zealand students of similar age. International students will study the full New Zealand curriculum (acknowledged as one of the strongest in the world) with their classmates.
There is no specific English language requirement for international students applying to Birkenhead Primary School. Separate tuition in English language will be provided to international students if required.
International student wellbeing
We aim to make sure that every student that studies with us is safe, healthy and happy, and enjoys their learning experience. Find out more about how we care for our international students, including information on pastoral care, the code of practice and health insurance.
Enrolment
International students need to provide visas and other documents along with their enrolment form. Find out more about the international student enrolment process here.
Different types of international student
Long term study students
In order to study long-term (for a period of more than three months) in New Zealand, the student must be living with a parent or with a legal guardian in New Zealand. Legal guardian means the person:
(a) with the legal right and responsibility to provide for the care (including education and health) of an international student and appointed by a New Zealand or foreign court, or by testament; and
(b) usually providing for the care of the student in the student's home country.
Short Term study students
A student who is five years of age and younger than eleven years on 1 February in the year of enrolment can study for one period of up to three months in that year on a visitor’s permit. The child must live with a parent for the full period of study. Enrolment is dependent on a place being available at the appropriate year level.
Group students
A group student is a member of a group of two or more international students aged 10 and over, holding a group visa issued by Immigration New Zealand. Usually international student groups are arranged by an agent.
Tuition fees and other costs
Tuition fees
In 2010, international student tuition fees are $10,000 for a full year, $2500 per term (including GST) For siblings, there is a 10% discount. For students from our sister schools (Sinka Elementary, Kimpo Seo, and Jamdong Elementary), fees are $9000 (including GST)
Additional costs
- School trips will cost approximately $50 for a full year. School camp (for Year Six children only) will cost approximately $120.
- School uniform is not compulsory, but we encourage parents to purchase one, and we encourage the children to wear uniform on Fridays. Children must have uniform if they are representing the school. A school hat is available. Wearing a hat (though it does not have to be a school hat) is compulsory in Terms One and Four.
- Stationery (such as pens and exercise books) needs to be purchased separately. The stationery required depends on the child's year level and the length of the stay. A stationery list will be provided when the child begins school.
Accommodation
Families of long term students must make their own arrangements for accommodation. The school may be able to assist agents in finding homestay accommodation for group students.
