Apply to Study
Otamatea High School is committed to providing an exceptional, highly individualized educational experience. We are now accepting applications for 2026.
Enrolment Information
Otamatea High School will consider applications from students all over the world aged 10-19 years old.
You can download the enrolment form, fill it in and send it back to us by email enrolmentsohs@otamatea.school.nz
Enrolment Information (fees, calendar, subjects, activities, uniform, enrolment policy)
Study Period / Start Dates 2026
Most students study for a full year or longer but some only study for three months (one term) or six months (two terms = one semester). It is best for students to start at the beginning of term because we organise a thorough orientation process for them (more information about orientation below).
Term 1 (28th Jan – 2nd April) - This is an excellent time to start for six months - one year of study.
Term 2 (20th April – 3rd July) - This is the best time for one term enrolments.
Term 3 (20th July – 25th Sept) - Good time to start for six months - one year of study.
Term 4 (12th Oct – 12th Dec) - We can only take enrolments from junior students (Year 7 to 10) in Term 4.
Application Process
To apply to study at Otamatea High School, you need to submit the following documents (either by uploading them online or sending them by email or fax):
A completed enrolment form (including letter for host family, subjects, medical information)
A copy of the student’s passport
A copy of the student’s academic record
Enrolment Process
If the student is accepted, we send a Conditional Offer of Place and Invoice.
Fees can be paid online or at the bank. There is information about this on the invoice.
As soon as the fees have been paid, our International Team at international@otamatea.school.nz sends the Receipt and Confirmed Offer of Place.
The Confirmed Offer of Place is used to apply for a Student Visa through Immigration New Zealand.
New Zealand Academic Calendar
The New Zealand Academic year runs from February to December and is divided into four terms of around ten weeks each. Between each term there is a two week holiday, which is a great time for international students to travel around New Zealand. Classes at Otamatea High School are Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 8:50am until 3:30pm, and Wednesday 8:50 until 2pm. Students may participate in sports and other co-curricular activities at lunchtime, after school or at weekends.
Year Levels
New Zealand children start primary school when they are five years old and attend secondary school until they are 17 or 18 years old.
Otamatea High School has seven year levels:
Year 7 11/12 years old
Year 8 12/13 years old
Year 9 13/14 years old
Year 10 14/15 years old
Year 11 15/16 years old
Year 12 16/17 years old
Year 13 17/18 years old
Usually students are placed in the right year for their age, however, some students may choose a lower year level if their English is not very strong. This will give them additional time to improve their language skills before participating in national exams.
Placement
Otamatea High School will issue an Offer of Place to a selected student but the level of study offered is an indicator only. Selection and placement are conditional upon Otamatea High School being able to meet the needs of the student. Quality applicants are sought whose proficiencies and career intentions are matched by the opportunities Otamatea High School offers.
Generally students are placed with their age level. However, Otamatea High School has the right to place students in appropriate subjects and year levels for their abilities. Students entering Otamatea High School as International Students must have the prior learning necessary and the intellectual and emotional capacity to cope with study in New Zealand in English at the level they have enrolled in.
Conditions of Enrolment
Upon enrolment at Otamatea High School, the student will abide by the same conditions as regards behaviour and absence as apply to domestic students. Enrolment as an International Student at Otamatea High School shall be terminated:
At the end of the school year in which the student turns 19 years of age, in accordance with New Zealand law; or
At any time by agreement between the parties; or
By Otamatea High School if the student fails to pay fees in advance, or fails to abide by the same conditions as for domestic students, or fails to abide by the conditions of the International Student Tuition Agreement; or
If the student ceases to hold, or ceases to be eligible to hold, a valid student visa issued by the New Zealand Immigration Service.
Driving in New Zealand
International students are not allowed to drive a car while at Otamatea High School. If students are caught driving, they will be sent back to their home country immediately. Travel and medical insurance does not cover international students driving.
Questions about studying at Otamatea High School or living in New Zealand?
We know that moving to a different country and choosing a new school are big decisions and we're here to help with any questions you have! Send any queries to international@otamatea.school.nz