If you are thinking of applying to Burnside High School as an international student, please read these notes carefully before completing your application.

Applicants should complete the International Students Application Form (please see attachment at the bottom of this page).  Full attention should be given to the list of requirements at the end of the application form. Applicants should be aware that International Students at Burnside High School are required to have some competency in English, both oral and written, above average academic results and a desire and commitment to fully co-operate and contribute to the life of the school. The English competency level is an IELTS of 5 or equivalent and must be able to achieve this level in an English test upon entrance to Burnside High School.  If the student can not achieve this level on entering Burnside High School then we reserve the right to either place the student in the Burnside High School Intensive Programme until the required standard is reached or at the school’s discretion, refer the student to an English language school or rescind the enrolment where the student must return to the student’s home country.  The option of Language school or returning to the student’s home country would be at the cost of the student’s parents. 

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS 

Entry to Burnside High School for International Students is dependent on two criteria.

Academic Achievement
Burnside High School is proud of the achievement of students at the school. International Students applying for entry must be able to demonstrate a positive attitude towards their studies, and a high level of achievement in their own country.

English Language Ability
Burnside High School has an excellent English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) department. Teachers in the department are expert at improving the language skills of International Students, enabling those students to function in the subjects they are studying. Students who have very limited skills in English will find studying in English very difficult. In such cases it may be a requirement for the student to attend our Intensive Programme until the required level of English is reached or at the school's discretion. Please see the ESOL course options attached below.

OFFERS OF PLACE

1. If the application is accepted by the school an 'Offer of Place' is sent - the offer remains open for one month
2. Acceptance by the applicant of the 'Offer of Place' is confirmed with the payment of the full year's tuition fees and signed acceptance letter.
3. Once the school receives the fees, a receipt is sent to the successful applicant who may then apply to the nearest New Zealand High Commission or Embassy for a Student Permit/Visa.  Both the Offer of Place and the receipt for fees payment will be required for permit/visa application.
4. Following acceptance, a letter detailing additional requirements may be sent to the student with the receipt for fees paid. International students who wish to transfer from another school or educational institution in New Zealand must follow all the above procedures and have their student permit/visa changed by N.Z. Immigration.

HOMESTAY

International students accepted at Burnside High School are full members of the school, subject to its rules and regulations as set out in the School Rules and Conditions of Enrolment for International Students and in the Board of Trustees Bylaws and to the guidelines for course selection as outlined in the annual 'Course Booklets'.

AT BURNSIDE HIGH SCHOOL

Once your application has been processed our Homestay Coordinator will be pleased to organise a family home. She will contact you via email when she has found a suitable host with details of the family. She will also meet students at the airport if required.  The school assures the responsibility of providing ongoing support and advice from the Homestay Coordinator for those who use our homestay service, at no additional cost.

Beginning of year procedure, advice on medical insurance and other information will be forwarded to all successful applicants. Please note that Medical and Travel Insurance is compulsory while attending Burnside High School. For further information  please  use the contact page  to send an email the  international  staff.

Eligibility for Health Services:  Most international students are not entitled to to publicly funded health services while in New Zealand. If you receive medical treatment during your visit, you may be liable for the full costs of that treatment. Full details on entitlements to publicly-funded health services are available through the Ministry of Health, and can be viewed on their website at: http://www.moh.govt.nz

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, adn can be viewed on their website at http://ww.immigration.govt.nz

Accident Insurance: The Accident Compensation Corporation provides accident insurance fro all New Zealand citizens, residents and temporary visitors to New Zealand, but you may still be liable for all other mediacl adn related costs. Further information can be viewed on the ACC website at http://www.acc.co.nz