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.
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.
Catholic Co-Education
At Garin College, we offer students a holistic educational experience in a safe and supportive environment. As a Catholic co-educational secondary school, we combine strong, clear values with modern approaches to learning in an open, contemporary setting.
Garin College has a roll of around 670 students. Our smaller size means every student receives individual attention and support, leading to consistently high levels of academic excellence.
Whether you choose our boarding facilities or homestay accommodation, you'll find yourself part of a close-knit community where your success matters. Garin College extends a warm welcome to non-Catholic and international students from across the world.
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 unique, small, community Year 7 - 13 school set in one of the most stunningly beautiful areas of New Zealand. It was first established in 1862 (as Takaka Lower School) and has a roll of around 300 students.
Golden Bay (Mohua) is loved for its natural beauty, its outdoor opportunities with safe swimming, rock climbing, mountain biking, fishing, kayaking, caving and tramping, and also its arts and crafts.
An eclectic community, Golden Bay residents are a mixture of dairy farmers, eco warriors, small business owners, hippies, commune dwellers, horticulturists, artists, performers, outdoor enthusiasts and explorers etc. who live together 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
A warm welcome to Motueka High School, which sits at the heart of the Motueka community and is a vibrant and lively school.
With a roll of over 700 students and growing, students at Motueka High School enjoy diverse programmes full of opportunities both within and outside the classroom.
We are very proud of outstanding and sustained student achievements in academic, cultural, sporting, outdoor education and leadership areas and know that this school has much to offer.
Total student roll: 700
International student roll: 30
Length of programme offered: One term to three years
Accommodation: Homestay
Uniform: Uniform for Years 10-12, Casual dress for Year 13.
Co-Education
Nayland College is a co-educational High School of 1400 students with a proud tradition of academic excellence. We are the heart of our local community. All our host families live around the College which allows our students to walk or bike to school.
Nayland College is renowned for its outdoor education and marine biology programmes, but we also offer a range of subjects including; psychology, photography, dance, drama, music, hospitality, digital and visual design, painting, a range of technology subjects, fashion and design, biology, chemistry, physics, geography, history, business studies, sociology, mathematics, Māori and many more.
Other activities occur outside class time and after school, such as: dance and drama clubs, orchestra, choirs, bands, environment club, debating as well as different sports; including football, volleyball, rugby, basketball, futsal, netball, tennis to mention just a few.
Total student roll: 1,400
International student roll: 70
Length of programme offered: One term to three years
Accommodation: Homestay
Uniform: Uniform for years 10-12 and casual dress for Year 13. Senior international students (year 11-12) optional.
Boys School
Founded in 1856, Nelson College is New Zealand’s oldest state secondary school for boys. Located in the heart of Nelson, it boasts a rich heritage, strong academic traditions, and a proud sporting history - including hosting New Zealand’s first rugby match. The school fosters excellence, leadership, and character through a broad curriculum and extensive extracurricular opportunities. With a diverse student body, Nelson College emphasizes inclusivity and global awareness. Boarding facilities, modern classrooms, and supportive staff create a dynamic learning environment. The school’s legacy and commitment to innovation prepare students to succeed in a changing world while honouring its storied past.
Total student roll: 1000
International student roll: 40
Length of programme offered: 3 months to five years
Accommodation: Boarding House and Homestay
Uniform: Yes
Girls School
For over 140 years, Nelson College for Girls has been a trusted provider of high-quality education for students aged 13–19 (Years 9–13).
Located in the heart of Nelson, our school offers convenient access to shops, recreational activities, and provides welcoming boarding or homestay options.
We pride ourselves on a nurturing environment with a broad curriculum and strengths in music, the arts, and sport that empower students to succeed. Students can engage in a wide variety of clubs, committees, co-curricular activities, and leadership opportunities. Our ārahi (guidance) programme ensures each student is supported personally and academically throughout their journey.
With a roll of 950, including 40 international students, our experienced international team offers a personalised enrolment process and tailored academic pathways. Explore our international website and student handbook.
Total student roll: 950
International student roll: 40
Length of programme offered: One term to five years
Accommodation: Boarding House, Homestay and Designated Caregiver
Uniform: Yes
Co-Education
Waimea College is a vibrant and lively school. Our co-educational college has all the advantages that come with being one of the South Island’s largest secondary schools, yet we offer you the warmth and encouragement of a small school.
The huge range of opportunities available at Waimea College is what sets us apart. We offer a broad curriculum, with one of the largest range of subjects of any school in the country. This means there is something here to individualize your learning.
At Waimea College we are proud of our diverse student body and we warmly welcome international students from around the world.
Total roll: 1,600
International student roll: 80-90
Length of programme offered: Flexible
Accommodation: Homestay
Uniform: Yes
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.
Nelson English Centre is a leading English language school located in the heart of Nelson, New Zealand. Renowned for its high academic standards and supportive learning environment, the school offers a range of English courses, including General English, IELTS preparation, and business English. Students benefit from small class sizes, experienced teachers, and a friendly, multicultural atmosphere.
The school’s central location provides easy access to shops, cafes, and the stunning natural beauty of the Nelson region.
With a strong focus on communication skills and real-world language use, Nelson English Centre helps students achieve their goals in a vibrant and welcoming community.
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+)