Important information for students who have been successfully nominated to Immigration New Zealand for entry into New Zealand.
The information on this page is regularly checked and updated. Continue to check here for the most up-to-date information about your return to on-campus study at Otago.
Government advice for returning international students
Advice and information, resources and support from the government
Immigration New Zealand (INZ) process
Students who have been through the University of Otago nomination process and are now being considered by INZ for entry to New Zealand should first refer to the process outlined in the 'Information for students being considered for entry to New Zealand' document linked to below.
Do NOT book flights until after you know that your visa is granted.
Information for students being considered for entry to New Zealand (PDF)
- It is important that you follow the steps outlined in the document in the order given
- When providing additional evidence for your visa application (see page 3), it is important that you provide as much detailed information as possible in your cover letter to INZ
- You may need additional documentation from the University to support your application to INZ. This could include an updated Confirmation of Enrolment or Offer Letter, and/or scholarship information if you are a University of Otago scholarship recipient. We will provide you with the correct documentation to match your situation.
Please note that the Current Enrolment Statement that can be generated through your eVision portal is not acceptable for visa application purposes.
If you need assistance understanding the Immigration New Zealand (INZ) and visa process, or to request supporting documents for your visa application, please email student.visa@otago.ac.nz
Travel to New Zealand
It is your responsibility to arrange all travel to return to New Zealand and on to the location of your University of Otago campus.
- Ensure you understand and have followed all requirements for COVID‑19 testing and quarantine in relation to your travel and transit arrangements
Note: Some travellers now require a negative COVID‑19 test result prior to departure. For more information, check NZ Ministry of Health travel advice
Confirm your travel details
You must let us know when you'll be arriving in New Zealand. Please complete the quick “confirming my travel to New Zealand” survey as soon as you have confirmed your flights to Dunedin (or other Otago campus). This will ensure that your insurance is initiated and you have access to University resources.
Complete the travel details survey
If your travel details change after submitting the survey, please email us the updated information.
Email returntootago@otago.ac.nz
Insurance
Once you complete the confirming my travel to New Zealand survey, the Insurance team will contact you to ensure that your travel to New Zealand is covered under the Studentsafe Inbound University insurance policy.
Detailed information about insurance for international students can be found on our website:
If you require a record of your Studentsafe insurance cover for travel, download the Otago Studentsafe brochure.
Please remember that you (and your family) are not covered for pre-existing conditions unless cover has been arranged with the insurer directly.
Information about pre-existing conditions
The full policy wording for the Studentsafe medical and travel insurance cover (PDF)
Email us if you have further questions about insurance: international.insurance@otago.ac.nz
Accommodation
It is important to start arranging your accommodation in New Zealand as soon as possible and before you arrive. The University's Student Accommodation Centre has information and advice about finding private accommodation in Dunedin and near our other Otago campuses. There may be limited accommodation available in University managed residences.
Accommodation information for postgraduate students or students with families
Accommodation information for other international students
Once you are in New Zealand
Contact the International Student Support team
You can email the team at any time international.support@otago.ac.nz
Orientation/Re-orientation
On your return to campus, all students must see an international student advisor at the AskOtago Central Hub between 11:00am - 3:00pm, Monday to Friday.
Students must also attend an in-person orientation session with International Student Support.
At this session we will check your visa details and ensure you have access to resources as an on-campus student.
Register here for your on campus orientation seminar
For more information please email international.support@otago.ac.nz
Contact us
Email us for any questions about returning to Otago.