International

Welcome | Nau mai, haere mai

Kia ora and welcome to Mount Aspiring College Te Kura o Tititea.

We are pleased to welcome young people from around the world to our school community. It does not matter who you are or where you come from, there is a place for you at Mount Aspiring College. 

Our school is located in the town of Wānaka, a setting of outstanding beauty on the pristine waters of Lake Wānaka and surrounded by the spectacular alps of New Zealand’s South Island. This unique natural environment inspires our students to learn and grow, opening our students’ minds and inspiring their creativity as they enjoy a rich learning experience encompassing academic, artistic, cultural, sporting and outdoor pursuits.

We pride ourselves on providing a place for all students to grow and be proud of who they are.

We encourage our students to not only make the most of the academic opportunities available, but to get involved in all aspects of school life – arts, culture, service, sport and leadership. 

Toitū te whenua, toitū te takata
The land is strong, the people are fulfilled.

Nicola Jacobsen
Principal | Tūmuāki

What we offer

Our campus
At Mount Aspiring College, you can live and learn in one of the most beautiful locations on earth. Mount Aspiring College is located in the town of Wānaka, a setting of outstanding beauty on the pristine waters of Lake Wānaka and surrounded by the spectacular alps of New Zealand’s South Island. This unique natural environment inspires our students to learn and grow, opening our students’ minds and inspiring their creativity as they enjoy a rich learning experience encompassing academic, artistic, cultural, sporting and outdoor pursuits. Please read our Prospectus to learn more about the exciting and engaging learning experiences our students enjoy.
Prospectus
Curriculum and learning
At MAC, we recognise that every student has unique needs and learning styles. Our approach centres on the wellbeing of our students as a foundation for their engagement in their learning. Our school’s results are consistently well above national pass rates and reflect our commitment to academic excellence. Read more about our approach to teaching and learning.
Teaching and learning
A supportive culture
We understand that a young person’s wellbeing affects their engagement with learning and their social and emotional behaviour. When young people feel valued and supported, they are able to feel confident in who they are, engage with their learning, and feel optimistic about the future. This is why we put our students’ wellbeing at the centre of our educational approach. Read more about student wellbeing.
Student wellbeing
Leadership opportunities
We encourage our students to develop their leadership skills through engagement in all aspects of life at our school. Through a range of academic, artistic, sporting, cultural and service-oriented activities, our students can discover more about themselves and their capacity to lead. We believe that leadership is not a title or a badge, but is the way students behave every day: as role models, making people feel welcome, getting involved, and trying their very best. Learn more about leadership at MAC.
Leadership at MAC
A culture of personal growth
We encourage our students to learn about themselves, their environment, and to form relationships which will help them to prepare for their future pathways. Students are encouraged not only to make the most of our rich curriculum opportunities, but to get involved in all aspects of school life – academic, arts, culture, service, sport, sustainability, wellbeing and leadership. We encourage our students to develop themselves, build their leadership and collaboration skills, express themselves creatively, and contribute to their community through a range of activities outside the classroom.
Students in the community
Resources
International student prospectus & handbook
Read more

Accommodation

International students who study at Mount Aspiring College have a number of accommodation options they can choose from. 

Live with a school-approved homestay family

Homestay accommodation allows students to have an authentic kiwi experience in an English-speaking home. We carefully select homestay hosts to ensure our students have their own room and are safe and comfortable in the home environment. 

Stay with a designated caregiver

Students can stay with a family member or close family friend known to the student’s parents. This person is called a designated caregiver.

Stay with their mother or father

A student’s mother or father can apply for a guardian visa to accompany their child to New Zealand. The guardian cannot work while in New Zealand on a guardian visa.

Students may not live alone, or in accommodation shared with friends, even if they are over 18.

Our team

Mount Aspiring College has a team of experienced and skilled educators who can assist our international students with any support they may need during their time at the college.

Nicola Jacobsen

Director of International Students

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Homestay coordinator

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ESOL Teacher

More bio’s here

Fees and costs

International students are not funded by the New Zealand Ministry of Education. Fees and costs are payable for tuition, accommodation, and curriculum courses. 

  • 2024 international students fees and costs
  • Equipment and stationery costs
  • Medical and travel insurance
  • Terms and conditions
  • Refund policy

How to apply

Complete the online enrolment form 

Please note that all international students must have approved health insurance and show proof of this when applying. 

Contractual agreement

 

Dispute resolution

New Zealand has a disputes resolution service for international students. Accessing this service will be covered with students during their orientation, and further information can be found here.

Policies and procedures

  • Mount Aspiring College international student policy
  • Mount Aspiring College international student refund policy
  • Mount Aspiring College international student dispute resolution policy

Orientation

We look forward to welcoming you to our school. We recommend you read our international student handbook so you know what to bring and what to expect when you arrive.

Who to contact

Please contact our friendly team at: office@mtaspiring.school.nz

Become a host family
Hosting an international student in your home is an opportunity to learn about a different culture and create new connections and memories with a young person from a different country while they attend our school. If you live in the Upper Clutha community and are interested in becoming a host family, please contact the college at [to be completed] and we will be in touch with you.
Get in touch