International students can return home for a short time, however you should always speak to a student visa expert at the International Office before you leave, so that you are aware of potential impacts on your visa. You can visit the office or email student.visa@otago.ac.nz
Student Visa Services – location and hours.
If you want to take off a semester or a year and return home, you should also seek advice first, either from the International Support team or Student Visa team.
When you are ready to come back to study, you may have to reapply in eVision for your programme. Once this programme is approved, you can add your papers in eVision, then submit them for course approval.
You must also apply for a new student visa, email student.visa@otago.ac.nz for information and to request a confirmation of enrolment letter. You will need to apply for your student visa to return to New Zealand directly through Immigration New Zealand.
Government-sponsored students (Middle East or South-East Asia)
If you want to return to your home country for a semester or a year, you must contact your designated international student adviser (ISA) at the International Office to discuss this before making any decisions and to seek approval. Before returning to study, you may need to re-enrol. Contact your international student adviser (ISA) for guidance.
Manaaki New Zealand Scholarship students
If you need to return home – before making any decisions, you must contact your ISO for approval and to discuss the impact on your scholarship. Your scholarship may be compromised if you leave without approval. You will be given a support plan with information on the steps you need to take before returning. Contact your ISO for further information.
Email International Student Support: international-support@otago.ac.nz
Email the Student Visa team: student.visa@otago.ac.nz
Returning home at short notice
If you are an international student and you need to return to your home country at short notice, email an international student adviser (ISA): international-support@otago.ac.nz
They will help contact your departments, the Examinations team in Student Administration, the Student Visa team and your insurance provider if necessary.