Higher Education Institutions
Dunedin’s esteemed higher education institutions make the city a first-class study destination and a global source of knowledge and research. With a wide range of study opportunities, and New Zealand’s strongest and most comprehensive student learning environment, Dunedin offers the very best in higher education at all levels and has the country’s oldest medical school and only School of Dentistry.
Otago Polytechnic | Te Pūkenga
Whether you want to improve your English or prepare for a career, you can study one of 180+ vocational programmes and enjoy the fun, safe, New Zealand lifestyle while you are at Otago Polytechnic.
Otago Polytechnic under Te Pūkenga, New Zealand’s largest tertiary education provider, offers a wide range of qualifications, from certificates to postgraduate programmes, and has been given the highest possible quality rating from the New Zealand Government.
University of Otago
Established in 1869, the University of Otago is not only New Zealand’s first university, but one of its most renowned. Ranked in the top 1% of universities globally, the University of Otago is also New Zealand’s top institution for educational performance and international learning. It has the highest possible 5 stars+ rating (QS) for teaching and research.
The University of Otago offers more than 200 undergraduate and postgraduate programmes across four divisions: Health Sciences, Sciences, Humanities and Otago School of Business. Otago’s Pathway and English Language Centre delivers dedicated pathways to university studies.
Otago provides a safe and unrivalled student experience in Oceania’s only true student city. Students from over 90 countries choose Otago for its vibrant student community and academic excellence. The university boasts one of the most beautiful campuses in the world, state-of-the-art facilities, 170+ student clubs and societies, 14 residential colleges, and adventure right on the doorstep.
Secondary Schools
Dunedin is widely recognised for its excellent high schools, which are dedicated to helping young students learn and grow in a safe and secure place. Providing rewarding pathways to higher learning, Dunedin is the place for a world-class high school education.
Bayfield High School
Bayfield High School was established in 1961 and is located on one of Dunedin's most picturesque sites on the Otago Peninsula. We provide a friendly, supportive environment where students are encouraged to reach their full potential.
We offer an extensive range of academic, cultural and sporting programmes with special strengths in Outdoor Education, Music, Art and IT. We have consistently achieved outstanding results in national examinations with students gaining access to prestigious universities around the world.
We are recognised for providing outstanding quality care for our International Students. The latest report from the NZ Government Education Review Office stated; "Students receive high-quality care and students value the care and attention school personnel provide in responding to their needs.”
Columba College
Nestled within an attractive campus with lush gardens and expansive open spaces, Columba College is one of New Zealand’s top performing secondary schools.
With an enviable reputation for academic excellence and extracurricular achievement, Columba cherishes the enduring Christian values and beliefs at its core by fostering character, critical thinking skills, curiosity, creativity, and a deep-seated love of learning.
With an enviable reputation for academic excellence and extracurricular achievement, Columba cherishes the enduring Christian values and beliefs at its core by fostering character, critical thinking skills, curiosity, creativity, and a deep-seated love of learning.
Through innovative teaching, access to state-of-the-art resources and an array of diverse extracurricular opportunities spanning sports, the arts and community service, Columba equips students with the skills and resilience required to thrive in an ever-evolving world.
John McGlashan College
John McGlashan College for boys, was founded in 1918 and successfully combines its rich heritage with an up-to-date educational philosophy. A main characteristic of this school is the warmth and vibrancy of its community life, where staff and students are friendly and inclusive, enthusiastic and hard-working.
The school has an excellent reputation for academic achievement and excels in the creative arts and sport. Examination results demonstrate that the school is placed among the top schools in New Zealand and many students have won scholarships to national and international universities.
It offers a full academic programme of subjects in conjunction with a comprehensive ESOL course for all international students who require it, and also offers the prestigious International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP).
Kaikorai Valley College
Located in a beautiful natural setting, Kaikorai Valley College is a co-educational school that believes in ‘opportunity and success for all’ by assisting students to develop into confident young adults in a safe and caring environment.
Renowned for providing high-quality international education for more than 30 years, Kaikorai Valley College promotes excellence in all facets of life, with teachers who are dedicated to maximizing the opportunities for every student.
Kaikorai Valley College has a ‘family’ atmosphere, where teachers know their students and can cater to their needs. Caring homestay families see students immersed in English-speaking culture, ensuring they are safe, supported, and able to acquire language skills.
King's High School
King’s High School is one of the top boys’ schools in New Zealand with proven academic results and known for helping boys achieve excellence.
Graduates have achieved significant scholarships to attend many top universities and students are encouraged to strive for personal excellence in academic pursuits, sporting achievement and cultural endeavours.
King’s sports performance programmes are well-known and the school maintains a proud sporting history.
International students have been coming to King’s for over 15 years and quickly become part of the King’s family where strong pastoral care, language learning and extracurricular opportunities are part of joining us at King’s High School.
Otago Boys' High School
Otago Boys’ High School, established in 1863, is one of the finest boys’ schools in New Zealand with a proud history of academic, sporting and cultural success both in New Zealand and worldwide.
The historic campus, which overlooks Dunedin city, provides excellent facilities for boys to learn, develop and build strong, life-long relationships.
The school provides an excellent caring and supportive environment which is essential to the well-being of its international students. It also ensures that each student is given an individual learning plan tailored to their personal needs and goals.
Otago Girls' High School
For over 150 years Otago Girls’ High School has provided a high-quality girls’ education, consistently producing remarkable women who have gone on to achieve success in their chosen fields.
Otago Girls’ High School has a robust and vibrant academic programme. The curriculum enables every girl to develop self-confidence and make appropriate choices whilst pursuing the goal of excellence.
The school has consistently excellent results and students receive preparation for international examinations and entry into universities worldwide. All international students are supported by the EL (English Language) programme, with intensive English or full mainstream subjects.
Queen's High School
Situated close to St Clair beach, Queen’s High School offers girls a strong tradition of academic excellence and achievement, in a positive, caring environment.
Its extensive pastoral care network supports international students of all levels through their form teachers, year level deans, guidance counsellors, homestay co-ordinators, ESOL teachers and a dedicated director of international students.
Its extensive pastoral care network supports international students of all levels through their form teachers, year level deans, guidance counsellors, homestay co-ordinators, ESOL teachers and a dedicated director of international students.
St Hilda's Collegiate School
A leading New Zealand secondary school for girls, St Hilda’s Collegiate School is a modern, attractive institution situated in the heart of Dunedin.
First opened in 1896, St Hilda’s is a positive, friendly environment where excellence and individual achievement is celebrated.
International students are provided specialised English language tuition, which is complemented with regular classes, where they work alongside New Zealand students, building strong friendships and connections.
St Hilda’s has a huge range of sporting and cultural activities on offer.
Taieri College
Taieri College is a co-educational high school located in Mosgiel, a countryside suburb of Dunedin with a 10-15 minute drive from the central city. It offers a full cultural experience through our educational programmes and belonging to our community.
Taieri College provides a dedicated team to fully support international students by ensuring they receive a high level of education and feel welcome and comforted in a family environment while in New Zealand.
Trinity Catholic College
Trinity Catholic College is a co-educational college in the heart of Dunedin city for students from 11-18 years old.
Trinity Catholic College is diverse and multicultural and has an excellent reputation nationally and internationally for providing excellence in teaching and learning, the best pastoral care, extensive opportunities in sports and the performing arts, and great outdoor education experiences and trips.
It does not expect international students to be Catholic, but it does expect that all students commit to the school values of respect, service, justice and truth.
The hallmark of Trinity Catholic College is its outstanding pastoral care. It creates a strong and caring learning environment where students, teachers and families work together to build well-rounded, confident and connected young people.
Trinity Catholic College has been a leader in international education in Dunedin, having successfully welcomed and educated students from all over the world for over 30 years.
