Kia ora koutou,
Thank you for your interest in applying to the 2026 China Volunteer Programme.
Please complete this form if you wish to be considered for the 2026 intake. While the application may appear detailed, this is a fully funded programme with a high level of interest and a limited number of placements. For this reason, we must carefully assess all applicants to ensure they are well suited to the programme and to our partner schools and universities in China.
All information provided in this form will be used solely for the purpose of assessing your application. Applications are reviewed by our team in New Zealand. For applicants who are shortlisted and recommended, relevant information will be shared with our programme coordinators and host institutions in China.
We ask that you answer all questions honestly and thoughtfully. Please ensure all required fields are completed. For written responses, use full sentences and clear English, with attention to grammar and spelling. As successful applicants will be supporting English language learning in classrooms, this form also helps us assess your written communication skills.
Before submitting your application, please ensure you have read and understood the Programme Terms and Conditions. All volunteers are required to agree to these terms prior to participation.
This programme is made possible through the support of New Zealand local government and iwi partnerships, which provide the foundation for the programme to operate and grow. We would like to acknowledge and sincerely thank our current supporters, including:
- Whakatāne District Council
- Ōpōtiki District Council
- Kawerau District Council
- South Waikato District Council
- Hastings District Council
- Te Whakatōhea
- Ngāti Kahungunu
Applicants who live in these districts, or who have whakapapa connections to these iwi, may be given priority when allocating host schools and placements. If you are from outside these areas, we strongly encourage you to speak with your local council or iwi about becoming involved. There is no cost for councils or iwi to support the programme, and their written endorsement significantly assists us in expanding the number of volunteer placements available. Please feel free to contact me directly if you would like to discuss this further.
We encourage applications from young people across New Zealand who are New Zealand residents. This programme is specifically designed for those aged 18 to 30 years who may not otherwise have the opportunity to live and volunteer in China. To ensure accessibility, we have deliberately kept barriers to entry low. The programme is fully funded, covering return airfares, visa fees, insurance, a local phone plan with data, accommodation, meals, and a modest living allowance while in China.
No tertiary qualification is required. However, all volunteers must successfully complete our pre-departure training programme, demonstrate a high level of English-language fluency, and show the maturity and commitment required to represent New Zealand overseas. We particularly encourage applications from those with Te Reo Māori knowledge and familiarity with tikanga Māori, as these skills are highly valued within the programme.
If you have any questions about the programme or the application process, please do not hesitate to get in touch. We encourage all eligible applicants to apply.
Ngā mihi nui,
Simon Appleton
Programme Organiser
China Volunteer Programme
