Welcome to Central Southland College – a school where people matter, where we aim to fully meet the academic, cultural and sporting goals of all our students. We pride ourselves on academic excellence and on our friendly, caring family environment. We expect students to set high goals for themselves and work hard to achieve them. We also encourage all international to become involved with the many cultural, sporting and social aspects of the school. This helps develop independent, innovative and confident people who are ready to take full advantage of the next steps in their learning.

Academic excellence

International students can fully develop their English language skills through special tuition in ESOL and by integration into regular school classes. They can gain New Zealand qualifications in the National Certificate of Educational Achievement in Years 11, 12 & 13 and in Scholarship examinations. Senior class sizes are smaller, (about 10 to 20 in Year 13) so individual attention can be given.

As well as modern, well resourced classrooms, students have ready access to:

• computer suites

• library facilities

• technology workshops

• gymnasium and fitness centre

• swimming pool

Activities outside the classroom

On site sports and recreation are well catered for on the 7 hectares of landscaped grounds, courts and sports-fields.  Students can also express their creative talents in the drama suite, and art, music and fashion and design room.

The Great Outdoors

We live and work close to the great outdoors so there are many opportunities for adventure like kayaking, tramping, camping, rock-climbing, fishing and skiing.

Location

The College is located in Winton, a rural service town 20 minutes north of Southland's main centre Invercargill. Within 1½ hours in all directions are many locations of natural beauty and scenery. Mountains, lakes and forest are found at Queenstown, and also at the World Heritage area of Fiordland National Park. There are stunning seascapes on the Southern coast and on spectacular Stewart Island.

Accommodation

A comfortable, safe and happy home environment is perhaps the most important thing for an international student. All Central Southland College international students are home-stayed. Students are placed with carefully screened home-stay families. These homes are warm and inviting and can be in the township of Winton, or on local farms or in Invercargill. All students have their own bedroom, heating, a place to study, and are provided with three meals a day.  Their laundry will be done for them and while there is internet and phone access, this is paid for by the student.

Most students travel to school, free of charge, on warm and comfortable school buses.

Home-stay fees are: NZ$260 per week or $11700 for 45 weeks, including term holidays.

Support Systems

All International students have direct access to the Director of International Students, Mr Turnbull to discuss any problems over fees, school courses or home-stays.  Deans oversee the welfare of everyone in a particular Year level.  They follow their group from Year 9 through till Year 13 so they get to know their students really well. This is a very special, personal and positive feature of the way we look after people at our school.

The Careers Advisors are Mrs Ballantyne and Mrs Wood.  They are available to help students:

• Get more information about the careers

• Choose subjects that fit with a student's possible career

• Help students plan their University education

Ms Jenni Wood is the school Guidance Counsellor.  She and her staff are available to support students through any concerns they may have.

How to apply

Entry Requirements

• Central Southland College accepts international students from Years 9 to 13

• The College seeks students who have some English language skills

• Students must have a good attendance record at their current school and a genuine desire to learn

• International students must sign the Student Agreement and follow the school rules as they apply to them

• Students should send their school reports and testimonials with their application to study

• The College reserves the right to place the student in appropriate courses based on the student's competency in English

Step One

Print and complete the Application for Enrolment, including accommodation information, medical authorisation forms, IELTS results and academic record. Send these signed documents with a photograph and medical certificate.

Step Two

If your application is successful, you will be issued with an Offer of Place and Invoice. If you are unsuccessful you will also be notified.

Step Three

You should accept the offer in writing. Upon receipt of the funds (the account details will be provided on the invoice) you will be issued a Confirmed Offer of a Place.

Step Four

A receipt will be sent for your fees, and a guarantee that accommodation will be arranged. The receipt is a necessary document for obtaining a student visa, below.

Visa Application

To get your Visa, you must complete the ‘Application for Student Visa' form and attach a passport photo. Send this form to the nearest Immigration New Zealand with:

• a student visa application fee

• your passport or Certificate of Identity

• the Offer of Place letter from Step 2

• the Receipt for payment of fees from Step 4

• Guarantee that accommodation will be arranged-Step 4

• Local police clearance, if over 17 years

• Medical and X-ray certificates

• School report and attendance records

Code of Practice Declaration

Central Southland College has agreed to observe and be bound by the Code of Practice for the Pastoral Care of International Students published by the Minister of Education.  Copies of the Code are available on request from this institution or from the New Zealand Ministry of Education website at:

Regulations to better support international students   

Code of Practice resources available in different languages from NZQA.

Immigration

Full details of visa and permit requirements, advice on rights to employment in New Zealand while studying, and reporting requirements are available through the New Zealand - Immigration Service, and can be viewed on their website at www.immigration.govt.nz

Medical and Travel Insurance

International students must have appropriate and current medical and travel insurance while studying in New Zealand. Central Southland College provides insurance at competitive rates through Unicare: www.uni-care.org

Eligibility for Health Services

Most international students are not entitled to publicly funded health services while in New Zealand. If you receive medical treatment during your visit, you may be liable for the full cost of treatment. Full details on entitlements to health services are available through the Ministry of Health on their website at www.moh.govt.nz

Accident Insurance

The Accident Compensation Corporation provides accident insurance for all New Zealand citizens, residents and temporary visitors, but you may still be liable for all other medical and related costs. Further information can be viewed on the ACC website at www.acc.govt.nz