How to Pay Fees
How to Pay Fees
All fees are payable in advance and may be paid by Student Pay or telegraphic transfer.
Bank charges are to be paid by the payer.
Scholarship students must provide evidence from their scholarship provider in the form of a financial guarantee, i.e. a statement from your scholarship provider that they will pay for your fees.
Custom House Student Pay - International Payments Made Easy
Our preferred method for overseas fees payment is Custom House Student Pay, which is a safe and fast payment method that lets you:
- Track your payment progress
- Pay in your local currency
- Pay with various major currencies
Note: Every country has different banking laws, which will determine available currencies.
To make a payment via Custom House Student Pay, you will need:
- Your student reference number
- Your offer letter or invoice
- Access to a printer
Click here to make a payment now: Custom House Student Pay
Or, for more help, please see instructions below:
Step-by-step Instructions
- Student information
- Choose your preferred language
- Enter your personal details (all fields marked with an * are required)
- Click Next >>

Payment Information
- Select the fee types that you want to pay
- Enter the amount (in NZD$) that you are required to pay
- Select Display/Print payment instructions for Wire Transfer
(Note: Western Union is only available in China to make payments in local currency) - Click Next >>

Payment Process
- Select the currency to pay your fees (the currency selector allows you to compare conversion rates and select your preferred currency or bank)
- Click Process transaction
- Click OK on the pop-up to confirm you will complete payment within 48 hours (the exchange rate quoted is guaranteed for only 48 hours)

Payment Instruction
The Payment Instruction shows the amount of local/major currency you are to pay and the Custom House bank account details to where the funds will be transferred.
Paying by Personal Online Banking
- Print the Payment Instruction and use to make payment transfer within 48 hours
- Retain the Payment Instruction for your records. This completes the transaction.
Payment through Local Bank Branch
- Print the Payment Instruction and take to your local bank within 48 hours.
- Request your bank to use the details to transfer the amount from your bank account to the Custom House bank account.
- Print a copy of the Payment Instruction for your records. This completes the transaction.

An e-mail will be sent to you with the following details:
"Thank you for using Custom House, a Western Union company, to initiate your funds transfer to University of Otago Language Centre and Foundation Year. We know how important it is that your funds transfer is completed quickly, accurately, and securely.
After you initiate the funds transfer from your local bank to a Custom House, a Western Union company, banking partner, you will receive a confirmation email within 2 business days. If you do not receive this email, please contact us immediately at nz@customhouse.com and include a scanned copy or screen print of your payment and receipt details issued to you by your bank.
Thank you for allowing Custom House, a Western Union company, to meet your financial needs. As the world's largest provider of international payments and foreign exchange solutions, we look forward to continually providing you with expert services and solutions."
Telegraphic Transfers, Bank Deposits and Cheques
Telegraphic transfers, bank deposits and cheques are payable to:
Account: University of Otago Foundation Studies Ltd.
Bank and Branch: National Bank of NZ
University of Otago Branch
62 Albany Street
Dunedin 9016
New Zealand
Account number: 06-0901-0373808-00
Swift Code: ANZBNZ22
StudyLink
If you are a New Zealand citizen or Permanent Resident studying Foundation Year or the Certificate of University Preparation programmes you may pay fees through StudyLink. Please note that the Bridging Course programme does not qualify for StudyLink funding.
If you are applying to have your tuition fees paid by StudyLink, you must provide a copy of your contract with StudyLink in order to secure a place and complete enrolment.
Insurance for International Students
Medical and Travel Insurance
The New Zealand Government requires that all international students have appropriate and current medical and travel insurance while studying in New Zealand. This includes students on a Work Permit/Visa with a Variation of Condition to study part time. Evidence of suitable medical and travel insurance must be presented as a condition of enrolment at the University of Otago Language Centre and Foundation Year.
Insurance Information for International Students
The University of Otago Language Centre and Foundation Year's preferred insurance provider is Studentsafe-University, and will be underwritten by Vero Insurance Ltd.
Studentsafe-University policies are available for:
- Bridging Course
- Foundation Year
- Language Centre
Students must take the package that covers their period of study.
Cover will begin automatically when the student leaves home to travel to University of Otago Language Centre and Foundation Year, so long as this occurs no earlier than 30 days prior to the commencement date of the period of study. The end of cover occurs the earlier of nine days after the end of study or return to country of origin.
Studentsafe - University
Studentsafe - University is the preferred insurance provider. The University of Otago Language Centre and Foundation Year has negotiated highly competitive premiums which are outlined below. If you elect to purchase the Studentsafe package, you will be able to arrange the insurance directly with the University of Otago Language Centre and Foundation Year and pay the insurance premium with your tuition fees.
The Studentsafe - University medical insurance package is specially designed to meet the needs of international students in New Zealand and fully complies with the New Zealand Code of Practice insurance guidelines. For the schedule of benefits check the Studentsafe website.
The 2010 Studentsafe - University rates are as follows:
Individual Options Language Centre
| Number of Months | 2011 Fees (NZ$) |
|---|---|
| 1 | $89 |
| 2 |
$137 |
| 3 | $186 |
| 4 | $235 |
| 5 | $283 |
| 6 | $318 |
| 7 | $342 |
| 8 | $390 |
| 9 | $439 |
| 10 | $488 |
| 11 | $536 |
| 12 | $585 |
Individual Options Foundation Year
| Course | 2011 Fees (NZ$) |
|---|---|
| Bridging Course | $137 |
| Foundation Year |
$390 |
If you wish to purchase the family option, please contact the insurance administrator at uolcfy.student-support@otago.ac.nz and request a family member policy application form.
Other Insurance Policies
The following New Zealand policies are regarded as meeting the University of Otago Language Centre and Foundation Year's requirements:
- Uni-Care NZ Student Plan
- Southern Cross Student Max
- Orbit Protect Prime
The Language Centre and Foundation Year follows the University of Otago policy and will accept policies that meet all the conditions of the Guidelines for the Code of Practice.
When you pay for your tuition fees you must also pay for the medical and travel insurance that is stated on your invoice. This insurance is provided by StudentSafe University.
After your enrolment you are able to present us with another policy up to eight days after your course has started. If the policy is assessed and passes compliance, you will receive a refund for the monies already paid to us for medical and travel insurance.
Read our medical and travel insurance policy for more details.
Student Health Services
Student Health Services is a team of health professionals on campus including doctors, nurses and counsellors committed to your overall well-being during your period of study. For more information about the full range of services and costs please refer to the Student Health Services website.
Dental Care
You will need to consult a private practitioner for any dental problems. Most student insurance policies in New Zealand will not cover dental care. There are a number of private dental practices close to campus. Students can also access trainee dentists at the School of Dentistry.
Accident Insurance
The Accident Compensation Corporation (ACC) provides accident insurance for all New Zealand citizens, residents and temporary visitors to New Zealand, but you may still be liable for all other medical and related costs. Further information can be viewed on the ACC website.
After fees have been paid
Language Centre
When we have received full payment of all fees, Language Centre students will be sent a receipt, which will be required for the student visa application.
Foundation Year
When we have received full payment of all fees:
International Foundation Year Students
International Foundation Year students will be sent a receipt and a Confirmation of Enrolment (if all conditions on the offer have been met), which will be required for the student visa application.
Domestic Foundation Year Students
Domestic (NZ citizens or permanent residents) Foundation Year students will be sent only a receipt, unless they have applied to have their fees paid by StudyLink.
- StudyLink requires your University of Otago student ID number in order to finalise your StudyLink application. This University ID number is not the same as your 5 digit Foundation Year reference number. You will receive your University ID number within 2 weeks of completing enrolment at Foundation Year. Payment of allowances and/or living costs will begin after you have provided StudyLink with your University ID number and will be backdated to the beginning of the course, as long as you have applied for your loan before the course starts.

