New Zealand Exchange Program Prices
Your guide to our programs and pricing information
The cost of your exchange program in New Zealand will depend on the duration of your exchange.
Explore our programs and prices. Then contact the high school exchange experts to answer all your questions and prepare a detailed quote to match your budget and goals. We have expert staff in both Australia and New Zealand to help make your exchange a success.
Programs available in New Zealand: Classic High School.
New Zealand Classic High School
The Classic High School program is the ideal choice for the flexible student. You will be matched with a host family on either the North or the South Island and attend a local high school.
New Zealand Classic High School Prices
| Classic Program Length | Price AUD | 2026/27 Program Dates | 2026/27 Program Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Academic Year | $9,450 | Jul 9, 2026 – Apr 24, 2027 | Jan 31, 2026 |
| Academic Semester | $8,400 | Jul 9, 2026 – Nov 28, 2026 | Jan 31, 2026 |
| Short 3 Months | $7,400 | Jul 4, 2026 – Sept 26, 2026 | Jan 31, 2026 |
| Academic Year | $12,450 | Jan 28 – Nov 27, 2027 | Sept 30, 2026 |
| Academic Semester | $9,950 | Jan 28 – Jun 26, 2027 | Sept 30, 2026 |
| Short 3 Months | $7,800 | Jan 23 – Apr 17, 2027 | Sept 30, 2026 |
Apply Early: Places are limited and deadlines may change, so we recommend applying early to secure your preferred program.
Program Dates: Start dates indicate approximate arrival periods. Confirmed travel dates will be provided in advance.
Flights, Surcharges & Changes: Program fees include a flight budget and a Flight Surcharge may apply, see Outbound Program Prices for details.
Flights follow partner-set schedules; early departures or personal travel changes incur a $300 fee (plus any airline charges).
The New Zealand Classic High School program includes:
- Return economy airfares from your nearest capital city with a reputable carrier.
- Travel to and from your host community at the beginning and the end of the program – this may be a domestic flight, bus or rail transfer. **
- Full comprehensive medical, hospital, health, accident, baggage, cancellation, personal liability & travel insurance. The policy can be viewed in full on the insurance page on our website.
- Your own Southern Cross Cultural Exchange Program Coordinator to support you throughout your time away as necessary and required.
- Application Support.
- Online Pre-Departure Orientation.
- Arrival Orientation meeting in your host country (may be in your host community).
- Full board in a carefully selected host family.
- Enrolment at your host school. In most destinations, students are not required to wear a school uniform. Additional costs will apply where required for uniforms, school cafeteria/canteen meals/books/materials/transport and excursions etc.
- Southern Cross Cultural Exchange admin costs.
- 24/7 emergency phone support.
- Organisation & Local Coordinator in your host country.
- Certificate of Completion.
** Southern Cross Cultural Exchange is required to book flights for students to arrive and depart at set times, as stipulated by the overseas partner. A further fee of $300 is required to make any additional changes to the flights for a requested earlier departure or for personal travel at the end of the program. This will be in addition to the airline cost to make any change to the flights.
Not included in New Zealand Classic High School program price:
| Personal spending money | AU$400-500 per month |
| Vaccinations & Visa Applications | Personal expense |
| School expenses | Books, school materials, transport to/from school/school trips |
| Welcome Camp | Included in program fee for Academic Semester & Year programs |
| Additional luggage fees | As charged by the airlines |
| Optional excursions and tours | May be arranged by your host school or Local Coordinator once on program at an additional cost. |