Student Life

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Got questions about what it's like to study at SPBC? We have answers:

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Location

SPBC is located at 201 Otumoetai Road, Tauranga, New Zealand. 

Tauranga (which means “safe anchorage” in Te reo Māori) is on the north-east coast of the North Island. It is known for its fabulous beaches, surf, and picturesque settings, including its landmark feature Mt Maunganui. With more than 2000 hours of sunshine annually (one of the highest in the country) and healthy rainfall, it has become well known for its farming, horticulture, and forestry.

The Bay of Plenty was named by Captain Cook in late 1769 after he noticed the abundant food supplies at several Māori villages he visited on the coast. Today the population of the Bay of Plenty is around 325,000 with 145,000 in Tauranga city and district. It is one of the fastest growing districts in New Zealand. It is a two-and-a-half hour drive from Auckland, where one third (nearly 1.5 million) of New Zealand’s population live.

Our campus is within walking distance of shops and public transport, and a five minute drive from the Tauranga town centre. The Otumoetai Church of Christ is also just five minutes away - convenient for many international students who make this their church home during their time in New Zealand.

For more about Tauranga, explore the links in our Living and Studying in New Zealand section.

The South Pacific Bible College is located in Tauranga, New Zealand. Meaning “safe anchorage” in Te reo Māori, Tauranga is on the north-east coast of the North Island and is known for its fabulous beaches, surf, and picturesque settings, including its landmark feature Mt Maunganui (above). With more than 2000 hours of sunshine each year – one of the highest in the country – and healthy rainfall, it has become well known for its tourism, farming, horticulture, and forestry industries.

Facilities

Our premises includes the main building as well as several on-campus student houses. 


The main building features:


Learn more about student housing.

Community

Our students tell us the supportive, culturally-diverse, Christian community at SPBC is one of the most enriching aspects of their study here.

As the saying goes, you get out what you put in, so we encourage students to make the most of the opportunities available to them.

These opportunities include:

As a hub for mission and ministry training in the South Pacific region, SPBC also hosts a range of visiting teachers, missionaries, past students, and others who often provide excellent connections for students, both in their study and development, and also their future ministry. 

This is in addition to the deep and lasting friendships that often form among classmates who experience this time of spiritual transformation together.

Daily, Quarterly and Yearly Schedules

The information below serves as a guide only. Schedules are published to students, and are subject to change. Part-time students will be provided with the current quarterly schedule during their admission process.


Daily Schedule


Quarterly Schedule

A quarterly schedule of classes is given to students for planning purposes.


Yearly Schedule

Orientation Week and the first classes happen in early February. Classes finish in early December, immediately followed by Graduation. This gives 44 weeks of classes, interspersed with public holidays and holiday blocks between quarters. Students receive a schedule for the year during Orientation.

Faculty and Staff

Meet the dedicated staff and faculty at SPBC.

Study Options

Learn about the qualifications and study options we offer.