13 May 2022
In September 2021, the government announced a one-off residency pathway for migrants holding an eligible work visa in New Zealand to transition to residency – the 2021 Resident Visa. Some critical purpose visa holders arriving in New Zealand between 30 September 2021 and 31 July 2022 on long term visas may also be eligible for the new visa.
Dependent children (up to the age of 25) of migrants who are eligible to apply for the 2021 Resident Visa, are able to access tertiary education at the domestic fee rate, through the Dependent Child Tertiary Student Visa
Find further information at the links below, which we recommend returning to regularly, as the guidance around these new visas continues to develop:
If you think your parents are eligible for the 2021 Resident Visa – get in touch
If you are a new or returning student and believe that your parents are eligible to apply for the 2021 Resident Visa, you will need to apply for a Dependent Child Tertiary Student Visa in order to study at Otago and be eligible for domestic tuition fees. You do not need a fees receipt to apply for this visa.
If you have questions please email our Student Visa team: student.visa@otago.ac.nz
You will need to send us confirmation of your student visa as soon as it is approved.
Tuition fee adjustment
Once you have provided evidence of approval of the Dependent Child Tertiary Student Visa the following will happen:
- Your eligibility for any scholarship previously awarded will be reviewed
- Your tuition fees will be revised to the domestic rate in your fees account
- Our Student Finance team will contact you to advise you of your revised fee to pay, and if necessary
- Our Scholarship team will contact you to discuss any changes to your scholarship
Once you have been advised of your revised fee, this amount will be payable in full within 20 days.
Declined 2021 Resident Visa applications
If your parents’ application for the Resident Visa is declined at any stage during the year, your Dependent Child Tertiary Student visa will remain valid until its expiry date, or the end of 2023, whichever is earlier. If you are still studying after that date, you will be required to pay international fees for any further study.
Haven’t applied to Otago yet?
Although the due date for applying to study at Otago in semester two 2022 has passed, it is still possible to submit a late application for consideration. Please apply as soon as possible, as an International student, and follow the instructions noted above to apply for your visa.
Keep in touch
The more we know about your situation, and the earlier we know it, the more we can do to help.
Keep our Student Visa team up to date with your visa plans by emailing student.visa@otago.ac.nz
