Reasons to Study at Dunstan

Academic Success

Dunstan High School offers a long tradition of academic success to all of our students.  International students who want to come to Dunstan to achieve qualifications and pathways to further training are assured of high quality teaching in a well resorced school with a long history of helping students achieve important goals.

  • Full Range of Academic Subjects to Yr 13 level
  • Range of specialty programmes including our well respected Outdoor Education and Performing Arts pathways.
  • High Quality Learning Environment with Highly Qualified and Motivated Staff.
  • Excellent ICT and other learner facilities.
  • Highly successful EFL programme ensures students are able to cope with all the subjects they are studying at Dunstan High School.
  • Proven record of results for students achieving required standard of English Language for further study in NZ.
  • Close links with tertiary institutions in Otago and beyond providing pathways to further study in NZ.
  • Annual tertiary institution visits and assistance with applications.
  • Very successful record of Dunstan international students achieving their goals in tertiary study in New Zealand.


Safe and Welcoming Community

Dunstan High School provides the perfect environment in which to live while studying in New Zealand.  The town of Alexandra is the heart the Central Otago Region – a safe and vibrant community set around stunning mountains and lakes and fantastic recreation opportunities they provide.  Our community spirit and warm welcome will ensure that students have the very best living conditions in which to live while in New Zealand, and parents can rest assured that their time here will be safe.

  • Safe community in which to live, very low crime figures .  
  • Dunstan High School international students make friends quickly and integrate easily into the community.
  • Dunstan High School international students enjoy a high living standard, away from schools crowded with international students.
  • Dunstan High School prides itself on offering the highest standard of ongoing pastoral care that you will find anywhere in the world.
  • Our international director is also the school counsellor and brings a wealth of experience, ability and genuine concern for student wellbeing and academic success to his role.
  • School hostel available with a family atmosphere and academic support.
  • Friendly and genuinely welcoming homestay families.  100% quality monitoring of all accommodation situations.


Diverse Opportunities

The Southern Lakes region is without  a doubt the scenic and adventure tourism capital of New Zealand.  Alexandra is the gateway to the Southern Lakes region just an hour from both Wanaka and Queenstown and close to fantastic Milford Sound.  The opportunities in Alexandra offer a genuine kiwi experience with a chance to enjoy real family life, a vibrant but uncrowded town centre, unrivalled sports and recreation facilities, excellence in the arts and culture and a beautiful setting surrounded by mountains and lakes. 

  • 1 hour from New Zealand’s famous tourist attractions - Queenstown & Lake Wanaka scenic and adventure tourism capitals.
  • Close to provincial capital Dunedin, famous for its eco-tourism opportunities, NZ oldest and most prestigious university, and its unique city life.
  • Easy access to Milford Sound, Mt Cook, Christchurch and other popular visitor destinations.
  • Students can join our Outdoor Education programmes or our “Learning Adventure” holiday programmes to make the most of the stunning environment in a safely managed and enjoyable way.
  • Opportunities for many sporting and recreational activities using school and town facilities.  Including excellent facilities for rowing, swimming, athletics, golf, tennis and ice skating.  Outdoor pursuits such as rock climbing, skiing, mountain-biking and kayaking.  Team sports such as rugby, soccer, netball, basketball and hockey.
  • Dunstan High School is well respected for the quality of its arts programmes and there is strong support for the arts in the local community.  Students can join drama, music, visual arts, photography, dance, film-making, multi –media and Maori culture groups or classes. 
  • Dunstan High School works closely with each international student to find range of activities that students can enjoy outside of school and study time.