Accommodation for International Students in New Zealand

Accommodation Options

Home-stay:

One of the most popular ways to experience New Zealand culture is to stay with a homestay; a friendly New Zealand host family. Families are carefully screened by the school's management and have to meet very high standards regulated by the New Zealand Ministry of Education (M.O.E.). All residents of the family who are of the age of 18 or above will have had a "police background check". This is one of the steps taken to ensure you are in a safe home.

Usually, a single, clean, private room with bed, dresser, lamp and study-desk are the basics you should expect. Homes are on public transportation routes, or the home-stay family or school will advise or arrange transportation to your classes.

If requested a profile of your family will be provided to you prior to your arrival, so that you can contact them before you come to New Zealand. If you are not happy in your home-stay family, for any reason, the school can move you to a new family. (This may require an additional placement fee in some cases).

Age-related Accommodation Regulations and Options

It may be compulsory for students younger than aged 18 to stay with a relative or home-stay, rather than in an apartment or flatting situation. Please ask if this pertains to you.

Dormitory, Apartment or Flat:

For more mature students, who prefer to be independent during their stay in New Zealand, alternative accommodation is available. Universities, Polytechnics, Technical Schools and Private Tertiary Establishments do have limited dormitory space.

Motel, Hotel, or Backpacker:

If you prefer a motel/hotel or a backpacker, this can also be arranged (in most cases they are more expensive). You will have to consider your laundry and food requirements in these cases.