International Student Welfare
When students from other countries come to study in New Zealand, it is important that those students are well informed, safe and properly cared for.
The International Department offers the utmost support in assisting students attain individual academic success, encouraging participation in co-curricular activities, and ensuring a happy and settled living environment with residential carers.
Auckland Grammar is signatory to and is bound by the Education (Pastoral Care of Tertiary and International Learners) Code of Practice 2021, as published by the Minister of Education. A copy of the Code is available from the NZQA website.
Living in Auckland
The Code of Practice states that international students at secondary school cannot live independently or in a flatting situation. There are three types of residential housing options available:
- Homestay – we highly recommend homestay accommodation as it gives international students the opportunity to fully participate in New Zealand life with a carefully selected host family. These families are managed and monitored by the International Department
- Designated Caregiver (DCG) – the DCG is a person that the student’s parents have chosen to take care of their child while they are enrolled and require approval by the School. Parents take full responsibility and accept the decisions made by the DCG about the day-to-day requirements of their child
- Parent – some parents accompany their enrolling child to New Zealand on a guardian visa. Parents assume normal responsibility for their care outside of school hours
Student Support
Extracurricular Activities
One of the benefits of enrolling at Auckland Grammar is the easy access to a wide range of extra-curricular clubs and societies. There are more than 100+ groups to join in sport, art, culture, music, technology, science, strategy, leadership and more. We encourage international students to join at least one club per term, as a great way to meet new people, try something new and discover talents.
Academic Monitoring and Peer Tutors
The Dean of International students has a key role in supporting international students towards their academic goals and monitoring progression. Peer and subject tutors are available on request.
Guidance and Counselling
When students are struggling with school or life in general, they are a able to meet confidentially with the School counselling staff to help them find a solution to the problem and identify suitable strategies to minimise difficulties.
Buddy Network
As part of the School’s internationalisation objectives, the Headmaster’s International Committee is a student-led group which aims to support international students by providing big brother support.
Careers and University Scholarship
Auckland Grammar students are highly sought-after and receive scholarship to attend university in New Zealand and abroad. The School regularly hosts university representatives, holds an annual careers fair, and provides professional guidance and has specialist knowledge on the submission of university scholarship applications.
Senior students also have an opportunity to participate in an Overseas University Tour led by Auckland Grammar staff to identify which ivy-league university in the USA or Oxbridge university in the UK they would like to enrol at through this first-hand school campus experience.
Our students enrol at some of best universities in the world and become part of our extensive alumni network worldwide. Recent graduates have enrolled at Oxford, Yale, Harvard, Princeton, Imperial College of London, Melbourne, Sydney, Auckland and Otago.