Southland is a great place to learn.

World class education, excellent student/teachers ratios, low living cost, safe urban environment, exceptional outdoor and environmental educational opportunities, and an inclusive and welcoming community are some of the reasons why Southland is an increasingly popular choice for international students.

Foreign students are looking beyond the larger cities and recognise Invercargill as an ideal place to learn English while experiencing New Zealand life and culture.

Courses are provided by most of the secondary schools and the Southern Institute of Technology.

The Education Southland Initiative 

The Education Southland initiative has been set up to assist international students, their parents, and education agents overseas in accessing quality education in Southland. It involves many secondary schools, the Southern Institute of Technology and Venture Southland, Southland's local government and economic and community development agency.

Education Southland partner organisations are all highly committed to the provision of quality education opportunities in Southland.

The primary aim of Education Southland is to co-ordinate international student marketing activities and to promote the Southland region as a quality education destination for international students. It has developed and fostered opportunities in the export education sector for Southland since 2006. Education Southland is committed to maintain and further develop existing markets and agent relationships and develop strategic international partnerships with New Zealand Trade and Enterprise and other export education agencies.

There is also a commitment to maintain and further develop an effective Education Southland International marketing brand, a range of generic destination promotional material and a presence in identified markets.