Heartland NZ is a special partnership programme for schools in Aotearoa’s heartland. Located mainly outside the main centres, Heartland Partner Schools do not run large international programmes.
Through their partnership with AFS, Heartland Schools can offer their students and school community a variety of intercultural and international learning opportunities.

 This page is a place to access important information, such as special promotions, programmes, host student profiles, scholarship opportunities and events coming up for our Heartland Partner Schools.

 

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Exclusive scholarship for a Heartland School student

Student Scholarship: Year Programme to Canada

This is a year programme to Canada at a generously subsidised fee. The student who is selected will be hosted by a family in Eastern Ontario in a safe rural community or small town, surrounded by Canada’s beautiful lakes and rivers. At school, they will have the opportunity to experience the history and culture of the region’s indigenous population alongside the general curriculum and school activities.

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More Information
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Fully-Funded Educator Exchange

Teacher Scholarship: 6-Week Programme to India

  • Duration  
    31st October – 12th December 2026
  • Destination  
    Emerald Heights International School in Indore
  • School Experience
    NZ teachers will be paired with local colleagues in their subject area to be a part of daily school life.
  • Activities & Excursions
    Outside of school, cultural activities will be organised by AFS India volunteers, incl. Diwali Festival on 6 November

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Global Up Digital Global Competence Programmes

AFS Global Up programmes are 4-week digital programmes, combining self-paced online learning modules with facilitated live sessions. Participants develop intercultural understanding and tangible global skills and can earn the internationally recognised AFS Global Competence Certificate.

In 2026, we are offering our Heartland Partner Schools 5 FREE SPOTS across our Global Up cohorts.
Enrolments are NOW OPEN for our first two cohorts. Share the link with any teachers and students you would like to nominate.

  • Global Up Educator: 2 – 27 March 2026 (live sessions one night per week)
    Register here
  • Global Up Teen: 20 April – 17 May 2026 (live sessions weekly on Sundays)
    Register here
  • 20 July – 16 August 2026 (live sessions weekly on Sundays)

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AFS Aotearoa Scholarships | Ngā Karahipi Kaitiaki o Te Ao

Intercultural exchange programmes should be accessible for all students in Aotearoa New Zealand. With support from the AFS Educational Trust, AFS New Zealand provides a range of grants and scholarships for students from all corners of Aotearoa.

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$436,450 awarded in Scholarships since 2023, find out more...
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Encourage your students to join an Info Zoom Session

These webinars are perfect for anyone interested in an AFS study abroad programme and its life-changing opportunities. Hear from experienced AFS NZ staff, ask questions, and learn about the benefits of cultural exchange. Discover how studying abroad with AFS broadens horizons and builds meaningful global connections.

Learn about the application process and how AFS works.

Enquire now
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AFS is a Peace Organisation

AFS Intercultural Programmes is a leading non-profit organisation dedicated to creating a more just and peaceful world through intercultural education and exchange. For over 75 years, we have provided transformative experiences that empower young people to develop essential global competencies, including intercultural understanding, empathy and critical thinking.

By becoming active, engaged global citizens through deep personal connections across cultures, AFSers break down barriers and stereotypes and cultivate a profound sense of shared humanity.
Through its programmes, AFS directly contributes to peace by nurturing the next generation of leaders.

Your Contacts

Andrea Bevan, Programmes Manager

(for hosting and sending student scholarship applications)
[email protected], 021 796 494

Linda Rotaeche, Marketing Manager

(for digital programmes and in-person presentations)
[email protected], 021 207 3466