Program Finder
Wairarapa College
- New Zealand, Wellington
- Co-educational
- 83 Pownall Street, Masterton, 5810, New Zealand
- +64 6 370 0400 or +64 27 4699927
- https://waicol.co.nz/
- gshepherd@waicol.nz
Geoff Shepherd
International Student Director
| Description | Wairarapa College is a co-educational, state secondary school with approximately 1,200 students. The college is the largest secondary school in Masterton, a small city about two hours by car and rail from Wellington. |
| Tuition costs | In 2024 tuition fees will be $19,500. |
| Accommodation | The college has a large number of pre-approved homestays. Homestay fees in 2024 will be $375.00 a week. |
| School type | Private |
| Student support | The Director of International Students works closely with the college counsellors and learning support staff to provide comprehensive support for international students. A Homestay Co-ordinator liaises closely with homestay families and their international students. International students may access all the college’s support services including the fulltime nurse and mental health nurse. |
| Type of programs | Long-term programs (study for 1 year or more), Short-term programs (study for 3-6-9 month), Wairarapa College is willing to host short term individuals and we are happy to host groups. |
| English as second language | The college has an ESOL programme. |
| Years of entry for international students with parents : | From : Year 9 To : Year 13 |
| Years of entry for international students without parents : | From : Year 9 To : Year 13 |
| Sports | The college offers a very wide range of sport and extra-curricular activities. The college excels in boys’ and girls’ rugby, football, and hockey. Other popular sports include basketball, netball, squash, badminton and equestrian. |
| Application process | To enrol at Wairarapa College international students must provide recent school reports and, if possible, letters of recommendation from past teachers. The college may require interviews in some cases. |
| Features of the local area | The Wairarapa region is well known for its extensive, green farmland which includes very large areas of vineyards which produce world class wines. To the west of Masterton lie the Tararua Mountains, snow covered in the winter months. To the east and south of Masterton a spectacular shoreline provides great fishing and surfing. International students can access Wellington city via a regular train service. |
| Curriculum | Wairarapa College offers a broad range of subject choices. Subjects in years 9 and 10 are all based on the requirements of the New Zealand Curriculum and are delivered in six month long semesters. In years 11, 12 and 13 students study toward NCEA. (The National Certificate of Educational Achievement) A unique feature of the college’s curriculum is the provision of Agriculture at all year levels and taught on the college’s own sheep and beef farm. |
