Study in Nelson Tasman
NMIT, Nelson City
With high-quality education providers, a sunny climate, and a lifestyle that’s second to none, our region is the perfect place to learn, live and launch into your future.
Catholic Co-Education
Garin College offers holistic education in a safe, supportive Catholic co-educational environment, blending strong values with modern learning. It's smaller size of around 650 students ensures individual attention and academic excellence. Whether you choose boarding or homestay, you'll join a close-knit community focused on your success. Welcoming non-Catholic and international students from around the globe, Garin College fosters inclusivity in an open, contemporary setting.
Total student roll: 650
International student roll: 20
Length of programme offered: 1 year minimum
Accommodation: Boarding Hostel and Homestay
Uniform: Yes
Co-Education
Golden Bay High School is a small, community Year 7-13 school set in one of the most beautiful areas of New Zealand, with a roll of around 320 students. The area is renowned for its natural beauty and outdoor opportunities with safe swimming, rock climbing, mountain biking, fishing, kayaking, caving and tramping. Residents are a mixture of farmers, eco warriors, small business owners, commune dwellers, horticulturists, artists and outdoor enthusiasts who co-exist in a harmonious and supportive manner.
Total student roll: 320
International student roll: 20
Length of programme offered: 2 terms minimum
Accommodation: Homestay
Uniform: Yes
Co-Education
Motueka High School sits at the heart of the Motueka community and is a vibrant and lively school with a growing roll of over 700 students. Students enjoy diverse programmes full of opportunities both within and outside the classroom. A school that has much to offer, with outstanding and sustained student achievements in academic, cultural, sporting, outdoor education and leadership areas.
Total student roll: 700
International student roll: 30
Length of programme offered: 1 term to 3 years
Accommodation: Homestay
Uniform: Uniform for Years 10-12, casual dress for Year 13
Co-Education
Nayland College has a proud tradition of innovation and academic excellence. The college is the heart of the local community, with all host families living within walking distance of the school. Renowned for their outdoor education and marine biology programmes, Nayland College places a deliberate emphasis on supporting students to excel across a wide range of academic, social, physical and cultural activities. The dedicated teaching staff provide an innovative curriculum, authentically engaging students in learning that is responsive to both place and culture.
Total student roll: 1,400
International student roll: 70
Length of programme offered:1 term to 3 years
Accommodation: Homestay
Uniform: Optional for senior students only
Boys School
Founded in 1856, Nelson College is New Zealand’s oldest state secondary school for boys. Located in Nelson, it offers a rich heritage, academic excellence, and a proud sporting history—including hosting New Zealand’s first rugby match. The school promotes leadership, inclusivity, and global awareness through a broad curriculum and extracurriculars. With modern facilities, dedicated staff, and diverse students, Nelson College provides a dynamic learning environment that prepares young men for success while honouring its storied past.
Total student roll: 1000
International student roll: 40
Length of programme offered: 3 months to 5 years
Accommodation: Boarding house and homestay
Uniform: Yes
Girls School
For over 140 years, Nelson College for Girls has empowered young women aged 13–19 with world-class education in one of New Zealand’s safest, sunniest locations. Students thrive where academic excellence meets opportunity. Enjoy outdoor adventures, a flexible, future-focused curriculum, and supportive boarding or homestay options. With strengths in arts, music, sports, numerous clubs and committees with dedicated international support, NCG is where girls grow in confidence, achieve their goals, and truly belong.
Total student roll: 950
International student roll: 40
Length of programme offered: 1 term to 5 years
Accommodation: Boarding house, homestay and designated caregiver
Uniform: Yes
Co-Education
Waimea College is a vibrant and lively school, offering the advantages that come with being one of the South Island’s largest secondary schools with the warmth and encouragement of the local community. The huge range of opportunities available at Waimea College is what sets them apart; offering a broad curriculum with individualized learning and one of the largest range of subjects of any school in the country. Waimea College is proud of its diverse student body and warmly welcomes international students from around the world.
Total roll: 1,600
International student roll: 80-90
Length of programme offered: Flexible
Accommodation: Homestay
Uniform: Yes
Education Consultancy for the European Market
Study Nelson arranges high school exchanges for German speaking students to schools across the top of the South Island and throughout New Zealand.
With Study Nelson you will have the opportunity to experience New Zealand up close and intensively. This will ensure that your school stay is an invaluable benefit – both academically and personally.
Established in 1905, today NMIT is the main provider of tertiary education in the northern South Island. NMIT is a government owned, Category 1 institution (highest rating possible) and offers vocational programmes through to master’s degrees. With the main campus located in central Nelson City, students can live, study and work within an easily walkable city centre. The majority of NMIT’s 1,000 international students enrol in information technology, business, nursing and social science qualifications, and NMIT also offers specialist programmes related to Nelson’s unique industries in creative industries and marine science.
English Language School
Nelson English Centre (NEC) is a leading English language school located in the heart of Nelson. With a strong focus on communication skills and real-world language use, NEC helps students achieve their goals in a vibrant and welcoming community.
Courses offered: General English, IELTS, Cambridge, 50+
Total student roll: 60 - 120
Length of programme offered: One week or more
Start date: Any Monday
Accommodation: Homestay
Age: 14 years and older
The Bench School for Jewellery is the only dedicated jewellery workshop in the top of the South Island. Located in central Whakatū, Nelson, The Bench is owned by Kay van Dyk, a contemporary jeweller with over 20 years experience teaching specialised workshops. Courses range from half and one day taster classes, two day intensives, and 20 hour Introductory and Open Studio workshops. If you are able to work independently The Bench offers rent a bench options, or stay longer for a self-directed residency in the creative hub with other jewellery makers.
The Bench looks forward to welcoming creatives to the exciting world of jewellery making!
The Centre for Fine Woodworking Trust is a not-for-profit school dedicated to offering the highest quality of tuition available in the traditions of fine woodworking. Located in beautiful Nelson North, the school offers students an opportunity to immerse themselves in the art and practice of fine woodworking under the guidance of highly experienced tutors and internationally renowned woodworkers. A wide selection of courses is on offer, suited across all skill levels. Short courses range from two days to two weeks. Applications are accepted for a 6-week Residency Course and a 8.5 month full-time Furniture Makers Programme. (Students must be 18+)