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
Learn more at a LIVE Online Information Session
Information evenings run for about an hour. This is a great way to hear all about our exchange programs, destinations, latest offers and more.
They are friendly, free and are the best way for us to address your specific questions in person. We look forward to seeing you online!
Worldwide High School Online Brochure
For an overview of our programs, our team will send you our Worldwide High School Online Brochure.
Register here
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Ready to apply?
Book a chat with our team
Once you complete the booking form below, we will send an email with the link to book in a time to chat with our team.
Please call our office if the application deadline is fast approaching & you need to get started quickly.
Education & Training Directorate, ACT Government
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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
Learn moreStudent 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.
