Nelson College
Secondary school in Nelson, New Zealand
Nelson College is renowned for academic excellence and is a leader in boys' education in New Zealand, providing opportunities both in and beyond the classroom. We welcome international students in Years 7-8 at Nelson College Preparatory School and Years 9-13 at Nelson College.
Students can choose to live in on-campus boarding houses or with local families in homestays. Comprehensive ESOL programmes, taught by qualified teachers, support English language development at all levels. International students can also prepare for IELTS and SAT exams.
The college offers a wide curriculum aligned with the National Certificate of Educational Achievement (NCEA) Levels 1-3, University Entrance, and NZ Scholarships. Students are guided to select courses that match their strengths and interests. Beyond academics, Nelson College provides diverse co-curricular opportunities, with over 30 sports codes, performing arts, cultural activities, and an outdoor education programme that takes advantage of the three National Parks surrounding Nelson.
Located at the top of New Zealand’s South Island, Nelson is a safe, friendly city with a population of 80,000. Known for its sunny climate, the region offers easy access to stunning beaches, mountains, rivers, and lakes. The lively city centre is within walking distance of the school, and daily flights from Nelson’s airport connect to Auckland, Wellington, and Christchurch.
About Nelson
Nelson is a compact coastal city with one of New Zealand’s highest sunshine hours. It blends arts and markets with beaches, cycleways and access to three national parks across the wider Nelson–Tasman area.
Nelson Region
The Nelson Region sits at the north-western tip of the South Island, blessed with sunshine, beaches, art scenes, craft breweries and a strong sense of local community. It combines coastal living, national parks such as Abel Tasman and Kahurangi, and a balance of lifestyle and education that can appeal to international students looking for something beyond big cities. Schools in Nelson can highlight the region’s creative, outdoor and relaxed character — attractive differentiators for families seeking quality New Zealand study options with lifestyle appeal.
Want to know more about Nelson College?
You can learn about curriculum, what’s offered, activities, location, see photos of the campus, videos of school life, and much, much more when you register with SchoolsNZ today. For many schools, you can begin the enrolment process right away. Join now, and see why SchoolsNZ is New Zealand’s premier international student destination!