Studying in New Zealand

We offer internationally recognised qualifications including University Entrance

William Colenso College has a strong tradition of academic achievement and we are a signatory to ‘The Code of Practice for the Care of International Students’.

Many of our international students have attained high academic success, won scholarships and gained places at top universities. Fundamental to this success is having high expectations of our students, backed with well-structured and student-centered programmes with a focus on high standards and quality teaching.

What students have said

Taylor from China

Nils from Germany

Anna from Japan

Skylir from Taiwan

Success stories

In recent years International Students at William Colenso College have achieved remarkable success. Among some outstanding performances are the following

Skylir Chang

Taiwan
Proxime Accessit 2017

Michael Le

Vietnam
2019 Academic Excellence

Rachel Tsai

Taiwan
2018 Academic Excellence

Rahel Weber

Switzerland
2018 Dux

Moeka Nakane

Japan
2020 Dux

“WCC is located in Napier, one of the most beautiful cities in New Zealand, comprising of a busy harbour, hills and forests, which encircle the main city. It is also the celebration point for festivals such as Art Deco, which are held each year. Napier is a great place to balance my daily routine between study and leisure time.”Mark, Vietnam

“I chose Colenso because I found a wide range of subjects I could choose from. Because the classes are small, the teachers can respond to our questions quickly. After the first year I became an International Student Representative on the school council and captain of the badminton team.”Jack, Hong Kong

“School over here in New Zealand is really different from Belgium. I decided to take some subjects that we don’t have in Belgium - design, photography, cooking and art. One of the things I prefer about New Zealand is how everybody is really laid back and friendly with people that are complete strangers to them.”Camile, Belgium

You can study overseas

Discover yourself

Step outside your comfort zone, see the world, make up your own mind. Bring out your independent nature – become an explorer and uncover your inner curiosity. Find yourself and grow.

Experience new cultures

Find incredible new foods, customs and traditions. Immerse yourself in different cultural perspectives and understand how other cultures live and think.

Improve your language

Completely immerse yourself in a new language – there’s no better way to learn than to dive right in!

Graduate and Career Opportunities

You will gain a great education and a new language, as well as exhibiting your willingness to learn, and to commit to your education – all of which are very attractive to university admissions and future employers. Whether it’s back home, in New Zealand or in another country, you’ll show that you aren’t afraid to seek out new challenges.

New experiences

You may have an undiscovered talent for hiking, water sports, snow skiing, kayaking, or various other new activities you may never have tried back home.

Friends for life

Make lifelong friends from different backgrounds. You’ll support each other and will create rewarding relationships. They can also be important networking tools later in life.

Once in a lifetime opportunity

It’s an experience unlike no other – grasp it!

Living in New Zealand

Friendly, welcoming, un-crowded, clean, green and always ready for an adventure.

Safest country in the world
Global Peace Index – 2017
Least corrupt country in the world
Transparency International Corruption Index – 2016
Most peaceful country in the world
Global Peace Index – 2017
Home of the Hobbits!
We also have the All Blacks

Why study in New Zealand

What can you study?

Many of our international students have attained high academic success, won scholarships and gained places at top universities. Fundamental to this success is having high expectations of our students, backed with well-structured and student-centered programmes with a focus on high standards and quality teaching.

All students are expected to study five subjects plus special Friday options. Mathematics, English and/or ESOL are the only compulsory subjects.

Choose Napier & Hawke's Bay

We are a small coastal city (population 57,000) located on the North Island of New Zealand.

Less than 1 hour by flight from Auckland or Wellington, we have a rural hinterland of vineyards, orchards and sheep farms serviced by the twin cities of Napier and Hastings.

Hawke’s Bay has a mediterranean-type climate – long, hot summers and mild winters. We love our mountain to surf landscapes, adventure activities are everywhere.

Every year we celebrate Art Deco weekend, and Hawke’s Bay has been crowned the Southern Hemisphere’s ‘Art Deco’ capital.

Homestay Information

Code of Practise

WILLIAM COLENSO COLLEGE is a signatory to the Education (Pastoral Care of International Students) Code of Practice 2016.

In summary the Code sets standards for educational providers (such as William Colenso College) to ensure that:

The recruitment of International Students is undertaken in an ethical and responsible manner
Information supplied to International Students is comprehensive, accurate and up-to-date
Students are provided with information prior to entering into any commitments
Contractual dealings with International Students are conducted in an ethical and responsible manner
The particular needs of International Students are recognised
High professional standards are maintained
All providers have fair and equitable internal procedures for the resolution of international student grievances