Student visa
You are responsible for understanding and meeting the student visa requirements for your exchange destination.
Deciding where to go on exchange
- Check the official government website for the country you’ll be studying in
- Confirm application timelines, costs, and required documents
- Find out where you can apply (from New Zealand, Australia, or another country)
- Check if you need an in-person appointment or interview
- Review visa information on your host institution’s website
- If you’re going on two exchanges, check how and where to apply for the visa for your second destination
Important
- All visa questions must be directed to the relevant embassy or consulate
- Otago Global Exchange Advisers cannot provide visa advice
Visit the Ministry of Foreign affairs website for country-specific guidance
Travel and health insurance
All exchange students must have comprehensive travel and medical insurance that meets Otago Global requirements.
What you need to know
- Insurance must cover you from the day you leave home until you return
- Cover must include all travel during your exchange, including holidays
- Some exchange partners have compulsory insurance requirements
- You may need more than one insurance policy to meet both Otago Global and host institution requirements
- Most policies do not cover extreme or high-risk sports unless you purchase extra cover – always check your policy details
Recommended insurance
Otago students are strongly encouraged to purchase
Studentsafe Outbound
- 25% discount code will be emailed to you
- Covers Otago Global minimum requirements
Studentsafe Outbound – full policy and online quote
Otago Global travel and medical insurance requirements
Your insurance policy must include:
Coverage period
- From departure to return home
- All additional travel while on exchange
- Trips back to New Zealand or your home country
Medical cover
- Minimum cover of NZ$1,000,000 (higher or unlimited is strongly recommended)
- GP visits, prescriptions, hospitalisation, emergency dental
- Accident treatment and emergency services (ambulance, paramedics)
- Preferably no excess on medical claims
Emergency evacuation and repatriation
- Medical evacuation and return home if required
- Travel costs for medical professionals and family members, if needed
- “Unlimited cover” is ideal
Accompanying relative cover
- Flights, accommodation, and living costs for a parent/guardian if you become seriously ill
- Travel home and return if an immediate family member becomes seriously ill or dies
- Cover for mental illness (medical costs and repatriation)
Personal cover
- Personal effects (e.g. laptop, instruments, sporting equipment)
- Loss or theft of baggage, money, tickets, and travel documents
- Travel disruption and delays
- Personal liability cover of at least NZ$1,000,000
Choosing an insurance provider
Your insurer must be:
- A reputable, established provider
- Experienced in travel and medical insurance
- Financially secure, with a credit rating of at least:
- A (Standard & Poor’s), or
- B+ (AM Best)