International Students
Marian College welcomes International Students for the upcoming school year. We have an established record for care and concern for our International Students. Homestay placements and tuition needs are carefully monitored. Senior staff have specific responsibility for the supervision of international students.
Marian College is a signatory to the Code of Practice for the Pastoral Care of International Students. The code can be found below
Why Marian? Hear from our International Alumni and Students
The Inspiring Story of Hitomi Oka – Marian College's International Alumni from Osaka, Japan.
Hitomi's story is a testament to the power of determination and perseverance. After receiving the MVP award during her International Rugby Program (IRP) placement at St Bede's College in August 2019, she completed a year and a term of studies at Marian College. Despite not repeating a year, she passed all her NCEA exams and graduated with her peers. This remarkable accomplishment is a reflection of her intellect and work ethic.
Hitomi fully immersed herself in Marian College life, maintaining a balance of academics, athletics, and social events. She credits her study-abroad experience for reminding her of the importance of family, and expresses gratitude to her incredible teachers, host family, friends, and the IRP community.
Her pursuit of nursing studies in Hamilton demonstrates her passion for helping and caring for others. Nursing is a challenging yet rewarding profession that requires a combination of critical thinking, technical skills, and compassion.
Given Hitomi's past successes, we are sure she will continue to make great strides in her future endeavors.
マリアンカレッジは少人数の女子校で生徒達がお互い面倒を見合うような学校です。先生方も生徒それぞれの目標を達成できるように全力でサポートしてくださいます。多様性を大切にする学校で、留学生をとても温かく迎え入れてくれます。そんな学校で私の英語力はもちろん、国際人としての人間力も磨くことができました。マリアンカレッジの卒業生であることを誇りに思います。
"諦めない" - Hitomi Oka
Why Marian? Hear from our International Alumni and Students
Meet Misaki Tone – An International Exchange Student from Toho High School in Nagoya, Japan.
Misaki Tone is an international exchange student from Toho High School in Nagoya, Japan, who is currently completing her placement at Marian College.
Her passion for film motivated her to enhance her English-speaking skills, which would help her gain a better understanding of the language. During her stay, Misaki took full advantage of the opportunity by immersing herself in the English language. She developed her conversational skills by engaging with her classmates and teachers, participating in school events, and becoming a key member of the senior basketball team.
Exploring new customs and traditions was a highlight of Misaki's experience, and she looks forward to maintaining contact with her fellow students.
We are excited to witness Misaki's academic accomplishments continue to grow and excel.
" なるようになる、ええようになる" - Misaki Tone
International students entering Marian College are placed in normal school classes and are expected to take part in the academic programme of the year level. There is ESOL support available for them both in and out of class. They are also part of the normal House system and form class system. Although International students do not have to be Roman Catholic, all students must take part in the Religious Education Programme, which includes NCEA standard qualifications and a retreat. The Year 9 and 10 Physical Education programmes include outdoor education activities. International students are prepared for the New Zealand National Certificate of Educational Achievement (NCEA) examinations.
Click here to download the latest ERO report for Marian College.
Full details of visa and permit requirements, advice on rights to employment in NZ while studying, and reporting requirements are available through the NZ Immigration Service.
Most international students are not entitled to publicly funded health services while in NZ. 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 website.
The Accident Compensation Corporation provides accident insurance for all NZ citizens, residents and temporary visitors to NZ, but you may still be liable for all other medical and related costs.
For more information regarding this please see here
Postal Address
P O Box 27-064
Shirley, Christchurch 8640, New Zealand
School office
122 Barbadoes St
Christchurch Central 8011
(Last entrance on left going south on Barbadoes St)