Embark on a life-changing journey with YFU’s study abroad in New Zealand program.
Experience the vibrant culture, top-notch education, and breathtaking landscapes of New Zealand.
Choose Your Program
Academic Year Programs
Get to know New Zealand up close through an immersion program! You’ll live with a volunteer host family, attend a local public or private high school, and engage in the life of your new community over the course of the year.
2027 New Zealand Spring Year
$24,995Age Eligibility Born Aug 10, 2009 – Jan 31, 2012
- ✈️Depart: Late January
- ✈️Return: Late November
- ✓Host family placement
- ✓Orientations
- ✓School Placement
- ✓Airport transfers
- ✓Domestic & international travel
- ✓YFU Australia on-program support
- ✓Comprehensive insurance
- ⏰ Application deadline: Aug 15, 2026
2027 New Zealand Fall Year
$25,495Age Eligibility Born Jan 10, 2010 - Jul 10, 2012
- ✈️Depart: Early July
- ✈️Return: Late April
- ✓Host family placement
- ✓4 orientations
- ✓Language class
- ✓Airport transfers
- ✓Domestic & international travel
- ✓YFU Australia on-program support
- ✓Comprehensive insurance
- ⏰ Application deadline: Jan 15, 2027
Academic Year Program Details
School
Exchange students will be placed in public or private high schools at the year level and class schedule as determined by their host school. Most students will not be placed in the final year of high school, and attendance recognition is solely at the discretion of the school in which you are enrolled. Exchange students are expected to actively participate in school. While schools can vary, they follow a national curriculum that includes the following subjects: Arts, English, Health and Physical Education, Civics and Citizenship, Economics and Business, Geography, History, Languages, Mathematics, Science, and Technologies.
Orientations
All students applying for the year program must be available for a mandatory 3-day National Pre-Departure Orientation*, which usually takes place in mid-July or early-mid December (for Spring programs). This orientation is a required part of the program aimed at preparing students for their experience overseas.
After arrival in Australia, students will attend a virtual arrival orientation. Semester students will also be invited to attend a virtual mid-year and re-entry orientation. All orientation costs are included in program tuition.
Language
English (primary); te reo Māori (co-official language).
Because English is the primary language of instruction in New Zealand schools, there is no additional language requirement for this program. Students are warmly encouraged to arrive with an open curiosity about te reo Māori — New Zealand’s indigenous language and one of the country’s two official languages. Learning a few common Māori words and phrases, such as greetings and place names, is a meaningful way to show respect for the culture and connect more deeply with your host community. Cultural orientation resources will be provided ahead of departure to help students feel confident and prepared.
Semester Programs
Get to know New Zealand up close through an immersion program! You’ll live with a volunteer host family, attend a local public or private high school, and engage in the life of your new community over the course of the year.
2027 Spring Semester
$22,595Age Eligibility Born Jul 31, 2009 – Jan 31, 2012
- ✈️Depart: Late January
- ✈️Return: Late June
- ✓Host family placement
- ✓Orientations
- ✓School placement
- ✓Airport transfers
- ✓Domestic & international travel
- ✓YFU Australia on-program support
- ✓Comprehensive insurance
- ⏰ Application deadline: Aug 15, 2026
2027 New Zealand Spring Semester
$22,295Age Eligibility Born Aug 10, 2009 – Jan 31, 2012
- ✈️Depart: Late January
- ✈️Return: Late June
- ✓Host family placement
- ✓Orientations
- ✓School placement
- ✓Airport transfers
- ✓Domestic & international travel
- ✓YFU Australia on-program support
- ✓Comprehensive insurance
- ⏰ Application deadline: Aug 15, 2026
2027 Fall Semester
$22,595Age Eligibility Born Jan 10, 2010 – Jul 10, 2012
- ✈️Depart: Early July
- ✈️Return: Late November
- ✓Host family placement
- ✓Orientations
- ✓School Placement
- ✓Airport transfers
- ✓Domestic & international travel
- ✓YFU Australia on-program support
- ✓Comprehensive insurance
- ⏰ Application deadline: Jan 15, 2027
2027 New Zealand Fall Semester
$22,295Age Eligibility Born Jan 10, 2010 – Jul 10, 2012
- ✈️Depart: Early July
- ✈️Return: Late November
- ✓Host family placement
- ✓Orientations
- ✓School placement
- ✓Airport transfers
- ✓Domestic & international travel
- ✓YFU Australia on-program support
- ✓Comprehensive insurance
- ⏰ Application deadline: Jan 15, 2027
Semester Program Details
School
Exchange students will be placed in public or private high schools at the year level and class schedule as determined by their host school. Most students will not be placed in the final year of high school, and attendance recognition is solely at the discretion of the school in which you are enrolled. Exchange students are expected to actively participate in school. While schools can vary, they follow a national curriculum that includes the following subjects: Arts, English, Health and Physical Education, Civics and Citizenship, Economics and Business, Geography, History, Languages, Mathematics, Science, and Technologies.
Orientations
All students applying for the semester program must be available for a mandatory 3-day National Pre-Departure Orientation*, which usually takes place in mid-July or early-mid December (for Spring programs). This orientation is a required part of the program aimed at preparing students for their experience overseas.
After arrival in Australia, students will attend a virtual arrival orientation. Semester students will also be invited to attend a virtual mid-year and re-entry orientation. All orientation costs are included in program tuition.
Language
English (primary); te reo Māori (co-official language).
Because English is the primary language of instruction in New Zealand schools, there is no additional language requirement for this program. Students are warmly encouraged to arrive with an open curiosity about te reo Māori — New Zealand’s indigenous language and one of the country’s two official languages. Learning a few common Māori words and phrases, such as greetings and place names, is a meaningful way to show respect for the culture and connect more deeply with your host community. Cultural orientation resources will be provided ahead of departure to help students feel confident and prepared.
Study Abroad Participants
What to Expect
Kia ora! Welcome to the stunning country of New Zealand: home to dramatic fjords, volcanic landscapes, pristine beaches, and a deeply rich indigenous Māori culture that shapes the identity of the nation to this day.
New Zealand’s education system is internationally respected, consistently ranking among the top in the world for quality and innovation. New Zealand students typically take classes in English, science, mathematics, social studies, physical education, and the arts — with many schools also offering te reo Māori language instruction as part of their commitment to bicultural education.
While you are abroad, extraordinary experiences will be waiting around every corner. You may explore the geothermal wonders of Rotorua, visit a working sheep farm in the rolling countryside, or watch a powerful haka performance with your host family. Nature lovers will find no shortage of adventure — from hiking the world-famous Milford Track in Fiordland to swimming with dolphins along the Coromandel coast. Your host family may introduce you to beloved Kiwi staples like a traditional hāngī (food slow-cooked in the earth), meat pies, and pavlova, the iconic meringue dessert topped with fresh fruit and cream. On special occasions, you will likely gather around a backyard barbecue, a cherished New Zealand tradition shared with friends and family.
After an unforgettable adventure in New Zealand, you will return home with a deep respect for indigenous culture, a love of the outdoors, and memories of one of the most beautiful places on earth!
Discover the benefits of studying abroad in Australia—a nation celebrated not just for its iconic wildlife but for its vibrant culture and breathtaking natural beauty. Here’s what makes studying in Australia so rewarding:
- Top-Quality Education: Rated among the best in the world by the OECD.
- Cultural Diversity: From the metropolitans of Melbourne to the indigenous people of the outback.
- Healthy Lifestyle: Enjoy fresh, healthy foods and a variety of sports and outdoor activities.
- Global Perspective: Gain a broader understanding of global issues and diverse cultures.
For more details, visit the Australia section on the USA Embassy website.
At YFU USA, we pride ourselves on offering some of the best study abroad programs in Australia, tailored to ensure an enriching and seamless educational journey.
- Comprehensive Support: From pre-departure to post-arrival, we’ve got you covered.
- Flexible Options: Choose from trimester, semester, or year-long programs.
- Academic Excellence: Enroll in high-quality Australian schools.
Check out more programs on our Countries page.
Embarking on a study abroad journey in Australia is an exciting opportunity, and YFU USA makes the process straightforward and supportive. Follow these essential steps to start your educational adventure.
- Choose Your Program: Decide on a trimester, semester, or year-long stay.
- Apply Online: Complete your application on the YFU Application Portal.
- Prepare for Departure: Attend orientations and get ready for your adventure.
For common questions, visit our FAQ page.
YFU USA is proud to send over 200 American students on cultural exchange with a full or partial scholarship each year. Financial assistance may be in the form of a merit-based scholarship, need-based financial aid, or Legacy Grant for students previously involved in the YFU Community. Scholarships may vary in deadline, requirements, and eligibility. To learn more, please visit our Scholarships Page to find details on the following scholarships eligible for Australia:
Visa Information
Information regarding visas and other immigration processes will be provided upon enrollment.
Additional Costs
Textbooks, uniform fees, special school subject fees, extracurricular activities and excursions, school lunches, school administrative fees, and school transportation are not included in the tuition and vary depending on where students are placed. Students are also responsible for covering any fees related to obtaining a visa. Host families provide the same care and support as they would for their children but are not responsible for costs relating to entertainment, leisure activities, or other personal expenses/ spending money.
Your New Zealand Adventure Awaits
Ready to make the leap? Studying abroad in Australia with YFU is more than an academic experience; it’s a journey of personal and cultural discovery. Embrace the adventure and start your application today!
Have questions or want to learn more about YFU Study Abroad Programs?
Being an exchange student was the most influential experience of my high school years. I was placed in a small town in Tasmania, Australia with a very supportive host family. Now that I have returned to America, I have two families – my natural family and my Australian family. I encourage high school students to exchange to experience a new piece of the world through an optimal interactive learning model.
– Sara
