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
Insurance Companies
These three companies meet Otago's requirements, as may some others that are not listed here.
Southern Cross Travel Insurance
Southern Cross Members may receive a discount.
Please contact Otago Global for the 25% discount code.
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)