At first the Methodists conducted schools for the Maoris and for the children of the early white settlers. Believing that in a scattered community the State would be in a better position to cover the country with schools, the church closed its day schools. The granting of free secondary education by the State was the culminating consideration in closing Prince Albert College (a boarding and day school in Upper Queen Street, Auckland, which was faced at the time with heavy capital debt). Wesley College, formerly a Maori Boys' College with early State grants of land, was able to continue, and it later became multi-racial. Today it serves both Maori, Pakeha, and other races as well. It is the policy of the church to conduct hostels for students, and at present there are nine.

Trinity College, Auckland, trains students for the Christian ministry. At first all ministers were sent out from England, but since 1870 New Zealand candidates have been trained here. The college includes a hostel for university students, and there are approximately 60 students in residence, with a resident staff of four theological teachers. Associated with the college is a “School for Christian Workers” with 20 young men in training.

In Christchurch since 1907 there has been a training centre for deaconesses; and there are, in addition to the seven trainees, over 20 young women students in the hostel associated with the house.