International students can return home for a short time, however you should speak to a member of the Student Visa Services team at the International Office before you leave.
Contact the International Office
If you want to return to your home country for a semester or a year and you are a sponsored student or a New Zealand Scholarship student, you must contact your designated International Student Adviser before you make any decisions.
When you're ready to come back to study, you may need to apply for another programme in eVision. Once this programme is approved, you can add your papers in eVision, then email student.visa@otago.ac.nz 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.
New Zealand Immigration — Study in New Zealand
Returning home at short notice
If you are an international student and you need to return to your home country suddenly, contact an International Student Adviser by emailing international-support@otago.ac.nz
They will help contact your departments, the Examinations team in Student Administration, and your insurance provider if necessary.