Program Summary:
- Program: Classic program
- Program length: Short- and Long programs
- Vaccinations: Yes
- Discounts and Scholarship: Yes
- Language criteria: No
- Language course: No
- Soft Landing Camp: Yes
Classic Program
Our Classic program will match you with a welcoming host family and place you in a nearby school. We find the host family and choose the school, and you can enjoy immersing yourself in local culture & community. These are perfect for students who:
* Flexible about location, and the academic experience
* Want to have a cultural experience
* Interested in joining sports, clubs, and activities
* Grow as a person and improve language skills
Classic Program Information
Age and eligibility
Programs are available to students aged from 15 – 17 years.
Language criteria
None
Program length
Programs are available for students 3 months, an Academic Semester or Academic Year
Schools
As an exchange student in New Zealand, you will have the opportunity to fully immerse yourself in the daily lives of teenagers. Embracing school uniforms, a vibrant high school spirit, and a diverse range of outdoor education options are integral parts of the New Zealand school experience.
While subjects like Math, English, and Physical Education are compulsory, if you have the chance to choose an elective, it is recommended to opt for classes that may not be available in Australia, such as Maori Language, Agriculture Studies, or Outdoor Education.
New Zealand high schools often offer a variety of sports and activities. Many schools have sports teams dedicated to sports like rugby, lacrosse, swimming, basketball, golf, and hockey. These activities are typically organized after school hours by teachers and parents.
Visa
Not required when travelling on an Australian passport.
Canada:
Students must have received their routine childhood vaccinations appropriate for their age. In addition, Canada requires full vaccination against Meningococcal (MenACWY). The Covid-19 vaccine is recommended but not mandatory.
USA:
Students must be up to date with their routine childhood vaccinations for their age group. Additionally, your host school in the USA will require further immunisations to meet national guidelines, such as the Meningococcal ACWY vaccine and a TB test conducted within six months before arrival. While Covid-19 vaccination is recommended, it is not mandatory.
Other Countries:
Students must be up to date with their standard childhood vaccinations. While the Covid-19 vaccine is recommended, it is not compulsory.
The budget allocated for flights to New Zealand is AU$1,500 of the program price listed below. We may need to charge a flight surcharge if we cannot obtain a flight within this budget. For more information, please see our Flight Surcharge Policy on our Money Matters page.
Classic Program Prices for New Zealand
| Length | Arrive | Depart | Price AUD | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Academic Semester | Jan/Feb 2026 | Jun 2026 | $8,900 | Sept 30, 2025 |
| Academic Year | Jan/Feb 2026 | Dec 2026 | $9,950 | Sept 30, 2025 |
| 3 Months | Jan/Feb 2026 | April 2026 | $7,900 | Sept 30, 2025 |
Program start dates are indicative arrivals in the destination & students attending the Soft Landing Camp (if available) will depart earlier. Program start dates serve as approximate arrival dates at the destination and subject to change. We will notify you of your confirmed program dates ahead of time to prevent any confusion or inconvenience.
Scholarship & Early Bird Discount Application Deadlines
March 31, 2025: classic programs departing between October 2025 – March 2026
October 31, 2025: classic programs departing between April 2026 – September 2026
Find out more about Scholarships and Early Bird Discounts.
Soft Landing Camp in Auckland
Included in the program fee for Academic Semester & Year programs.
Australian Academic Semester & Year participants will join fellow exchange students from around the world to start your adventure in with a Soft Landing Camp for 2 nights in Auckland! Students on a Short 3 Month program will meet their host family on arrival, rather than attend the camp. An example agenda is as follows:
Day 1:
Airport Meet & Greet
Transfer to accommodation
Check in to rooms/luggage/shower/relax
Gather together for orientation chat
(support, rules, culture shock, host families, school, My Exchange platform)
Dinner at hostel & free time
Day 2:
Breakfast & chat about today’s plan
Walk to visit Sky Tower
Free time to explore Auckland
Meet for Dinner (students purchase own dinner)
Return to hostel
Free time to pack
Day 3:
Travel to Domestic Airport
Flights to/Meeting Host Families
Worldwide High School Online Brochure
For an overview of our programs, our team will send you our Worldwide High School Online Brochure.
Register hereStill considering where to go on exchange?
Please click and scroll across to see more destinations
Canada
Enjoy your exchange experience at an excellent high school in warm, welcoming and diverse Canada, the most multicultural country on earth! Extraordinary nature, vibrant cities and respected academic achievements for your future!
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France
Your high school exchange will show you why France is the world’s top tourist destination: rich historical sites, stunning nature, fantastic food and a vigorous debating tradition in a world language spoken by almost 100 million people!
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USA
Being a high school exchange student in the USA is like embarking on an adventure filled with new friendships, diverse cultures, and a world of educational opportunities. It’s an experience that broadens horizons and creates lasting memories.
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Argentina
Argentina is well-known for its natural scenery, modern cities and fashion but also for tradition and hospitality. It is an ideal destination for exchange.
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Denmark
Denmark is one of the happiest nations on earth with some of the best quality of life. Enjoy the hospitality along with an outstanding education system.
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Finland
There’s something pure in the Finnish air and spirit that’s incredibly vital and exciting; with the trendsetting modern capital of Helsinki counterbalanced by vast forested wildernesses in the north and east. Try something different on exchange in Finland.
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Germany
Your high school exchange in Europe’s economic powerhouse is a great opportunity to invest in your future while discovering rich German language and culture, an open, welcoming society and many stimulating experiences!
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Ireland
The Emerald Isle welcomes you in English and in Gaelic, to great schools, warm families, dynamic cities and close-knit small towns. Ireland has become a hotbed of innovation but remains rooted in rich traditions you will love!
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Italy
Spend your high school exchange in astonishing Italy, from beautiful medieval towns to mountains and seashore; discover capital cities of design; enjoy fabulous farm-to-table food, and learn the world’s most romantic language!
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Netherlands
Who hasn’t heard of Amsterdam, the capital of culture, coffee houses and canals? Its mesmerising beauty is hard to overestimate, and yet a surfeit of stunning metropoles are only hours, or even minutes, away by train.
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New Zealand
Beautiful, unique New Zealand is a remote destination with amazing natural beauty – you’re never more than an hour away from desert, rain forest or ocean coastline – plus great tutoring and friendly locals.
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Norway
Norway is, by any standards, one of the most beautiful countries on earth – discover Norwegian traditions and culture on exchange in Norway
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Spain
Open doors by studying a great world language in a country with mountains, ocean and medieval villages all within reach, and a laid-back culture where you can learn and enjoy at the same time!
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Sweden
Sweden’s progressive society also provides an ideal climate for innovation and economic advancement. Your high school exchange here will also reveal why the country is consistently among the world’s happiest!
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United Kingdom
Some of the world’s best schools are in the UK. Combine rich culture and history, beautiful countryside, enthusiastic sports clubs and exciting excursions during your exchange in the UK.
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Japan
Immerse yourself in the captivating blend of ancient traditions and modern innovation. Engage in authentic cultural experiences, attend Japanese high school, and build lasting friendships. This program offers a unique opportunity to broaden your horizons, enhance language skills, and gain a global perspective that will undoubtedly shape your future.
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NSW Department of Education
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Northern Territory Department of Education
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Queensland Department of Education & Training
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South Australia Department for Education
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Tasmanian Assessment, Standards & Certification
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Victorian Registration and Qualifications Authority
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Western Australia Department of Education
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Student Exchange Australia New Zealand Ltd is a fully registered not-for-profit student exchange organisation in all Australian states and territories, ensuring compliance with both state legislation and national student exchange guidelines.
