Fees and Accommodation

The tuition fee covers four or part terms from the starting date for the student. Included in the school fee are the cost of class fees, textbooks, the international student photo, the yearbook and the orientation course at the start. All prices are in New Zealand dollars. You can apply online here:

https://whanganuihigh.enrol.school.nz

Tuition Fee 2025:

Standard Year Course: NZ $16,000

This course is normal starting course for international students, includes at least 4 academic classes, plus up to 2 classes of English a week. Three terms - $12,000; Two terms - $8,000; One term - $4,500

Short Course: NZ $500 per week

One Term or less

Administration Fee :

Standard Year Course: $1,800

Three terms - $1,500; Two terms - $1,000; One term or less - $750

Includes:

Helping to arrange the homestay
Meet and greet the student at Whanganui Airport
Setting up a bank account
Orientation programme
General administration and ongoing pastoral care

Insurance:

NZ $680 - Travel and health insurance for 1 whole year (recommended for all students who a staying 1 school year/45 weeks or more)

NZ $600 - Travel and health insurance for 11 months (for students staying less than 1 year)

NZ $350 - Travel and health insurance for 6 months (for students staying less than 6 months)

All students must have full insurance (personal effects, health and accident insurance). Our preferred provider is Student Safe. If providing your own insurance, please supply the school with a copy in English of your policy details, once purchased.

Accommodation Fee

2025 Homestay Fees : $320 per week.

Relocation Fee: NZ$300 - If a student requires a change of homestay.

The homestay fee covers the following:

All the expenses involved in living as a member of a family
Provision of a single room for the student
All meals
All homestays are visited and assessed in advance by the school.

The homestay fee does not include:

School uniform (maximum of NZ $600)
Holidays away from the homestay, or holidays that involve extra expense for the homestay parents.
Personal spending (between NZ$60 and NZ$70 per week). Parents may pay personal funds to the school and the school will set up a bank account and transfer funds to the student's account.
Toll calls
Specialty foods

Refund of Homestay Fees: (Based on all homestay fees paid up front)

If you move out of your homestay before the end of your contract, the portion of your homestay fees not already used will be returned to you.

To have your homestay fees returned, your parents must write to the School Board giving two weeks' notice, or pay two weeks' fees in lieu of notice.

If you cancel your homestay contract before you move into the homestay, your fees will be refunded in full less an administration fee.

If you request a change of homestay, then the original homestay will receive two weeks' fees in lieu of notice.

Optional Extra Costs

NZQA External Examination Fee: NZ $383.30
Air Chathams flight to Whanganui: NZ $190 Air Chathams flight to Whanganui with full concierge service. This includes a meet and transfer on arrival at Auckland International airport plus care of student until arrival in Whanganui.
Auckland Meet and Transfer: NZ $175 You will be met at Auckland airport and transferred to the domestic plane for flight to Whanganui or Palmerston North.
Palmerston North Meet and Transfer: NZ $150 You will be met at Palmerston North airport and transferred to Whanganui. .
Assistance to obtain student visa: NZ $150 If you require the school staff to help you obtain a student visa in New Zealand (the visa itself costs $410), we charge an admin fee.
Assistance to obtain a student medical visa: NZ $80 Assistance to obtain a student medical for visa. If you arrive without a medical required for a student visa and ask the school staff for assistance (the medical itself costs approximately $370). We charge an admin fee .
Guardian - a native-speaking guardian: NZ $2,500 who keeps parents informed and provides guidance to the student. It is mandatory for young students under 14 years old, and for students who have had behavioural or health issues at their previous school, to have a native-speaking guardian. It is recommended for any students who would like support in their first year at WHS. Guardians visit the homestay prior to arrival to discuss cultural differences, meets the student at the airport and introduces them to the homestay family. Helps with the purchase of school uniform, and assists student at school on their first day. Maintains regular contact with school and homestay, so progress can be monitored, keeps parents informed in their own language by sending a brief report each month, answers parents’ concerns by phone/email, represents parents if there are any problems. Takes student to the doctor, monitors student’s plans for any trips away or activities that require parental consent, and meets with the student regularly to check on their progress and well-being.