1. Student Visas

(6-8 weeks before departure)

All international students studying at Catholic Cathedral College must hold a valid student visa or variation of conditions for the duration of their enrolment.

How to Apply: You can apply directly through Immigration New Zealand or via your registered education agent.
Our Support: Once your fees are paid, we will issue an official Receipt of Payment and an Offer of Place. These are the key legal documents you require to secure your visa.

2. Compulsory Medical and Travel Insurance

Complete before departure

Under New Zealand law (The Education Pastoral Care Code of Practice), all international students must have comprehensive medical and travel insurance from the day they leave home until the day they return.

What it covers: Your policy must cover medical care in New Zealand, emergency evacuation, and travel disruptions or lost property.

Our Preferred Provider: To make things simple for our families, Catholic Cathedral College can automatically arrange comprehensive, Code-compliant cover via our trusted partner provider, Student Safe International Student Insurance. The premium will be clearly outlined on your invoice. If you prefer to arrange your own insurance, a full English copy of the policy must be provided to us for approval prior to your start date.

3. School Uniform Guidelines

One week before packing

Wearing our uniform with pride is an important part of belonging to the Catholic Cathedral College family.

Long-Term Students: Full-year and multi-year students are expected to purchase the standard school uniform upon arrival. Our staff will assist you with a fitting during your orientation week.

Short-Term Students (4–10 Weeks): To save you significant expense, you may use our school uniform loan pool. You only need to pack basic black school shoes; we will provide the core uniform items when you arrive, subject to size availability.

4. Discovering Christchurch

Departure week

We are incredibly fortunate to be located right on the edge of the Christchurch CBD. Known as the "Garden City," Christchurch offers a perfect balance of modern urban lifestyle and spectacular natural beauty.

To explore what our vibrant region has to offer—from our world-class central library, Tūranga, to regional ski fields and surf beaches—we highly recommend exploring the official visitor guide:

Explore Our City: Visit ChristchurchNZ — The official regional guide to living, learning, and adventuring in Canterbury.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can international students apply to enter at any time of the year?

We warmly welcome applications across all year levels for entry at the beginning of Terms 1, 2, and 3. However, due to national NCEA senior examinations and study leave occurring at the end of the year, Term 4 entry is strictly limited to Years 7–9 (Junior School). Senior students (Years 10–13) are only accepted in Term 4 if they are enrolling specifically for our specialised 3-week end-of-year EOTC (Education Outside of the Classroom) programme and are not sitting formal exams.

What is the minimum length of time an international student can enrol for?

To ensure our international students have adequate time to settle into Kiwi life, build meaningful friendships, and benefit academically, our minimum individual enrolment period is 4 weeks. For group study tours or custom school cohorts, please contact our team directly at international@cathcollege.school.nz to discuss tailored options.

Do I need to be Catholic to attend Catholic Cathedral College?

No. While our school culture is deeply rooted in our Catholic Special Character and universal values of hospitality and mutual respect, we warmly welcome international students of all faiths, backgrounds, and cultures.

What happens if I get sick or feel homesick?

Student wellbeing is our absolute priority. We are a proud signatory to the Education (Pastoral Care of Tertiary and International Learners) Code of Practice 2021 meaning we have a dedicated support network looking after you. You will be paired with a local student "buddy" from day one, and you will have direct, daily access to our Director of International Students, and our professional on-site Guidance Counsellor.

How do international students get to and from school each day?

Because of our central city location, Catholic Cathedral College is incredibly well-connected to the Christchurch public transport network. Most of our international students walk to school if their homestay is nearby, or they take a short, direct trip on the local bus network. During your orientation week, our team will help you get a Metrocard (the local bus smartcard) and show you exactly which bus route to take from your host family's home.

Do I need to bring my own laptop or computer?

Yes. Catholic Cathedral College operates a BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) policy. We recommend a lightweight, reliable laptop or Chromebook with a good battery life that can connect to our campus Wi-Fi network. Your device will be used daily for accessing course materials, submitting assignments, and staying in touch with your teachers through our digital learning platforms.

How do I manage my pocket money and day-to-day banking in New Zealand?

We strongly advise against carrying large amounts of cash. During your first week, our International Student team will assist you in visiting a local central bank to set up a secure New Zealand bank account and debit card. This allows your parents to transfer funds safely from home, and gives you an easy way to pay for everyday items, bus fares, and school activities.

Can I choose which subjects I want to study?

Absolutely. While there are a few core foundational subjects depending on your year level (such as English language support and Mathematics), we offer a wide range of exciting options. Students can choose from subjects across the Visual and Performing Arts, Sciences, Technology, and Humanities. Our International team will sit down with you on your first day to review your personal goals and help you select a customised timetable that matches your interests and future pathways.

What happens during the school holidays?

New Zealand has a 2-week break between Terms 1, 2, and 3. During these holidays, most international students remain with their warm and welcoming host families, relaxing and exploring Canterbury. If you wish to travel within New Zealand during the holidays, you must submit a formal travel request form to the school for approval, as your safety and welfare remain our legal responsibility under the Code of Practice.