The University of Otago requires your citizenship and residency information to ensure the most accurate information is recorded for the purpose of enrolment and fees.
New Zealand citizens are classed as domestic students for the purpose of fees and enrolment.
You are classified as a domestic student for admission and tuition fee purposes if you will be residing in New Zealand for the duration of your studies and:
- You hold a New Zealand residence class visa, or
- You are an Australian citizen or permanent resident visa holder
If you're a New Zealand residence class visa holder, or an Australian citizen or permanent resident visa holder, who will reside outside of New Zealand while studying, you are classed as an international student. Contact the International Office regarding your admission to the University of Otago.
Citizens of the Cook Islands, Tokelau, and Niue are classified as domestic students for admission purposes.
To confirm your citizenship or residency details, you need to supply the University of Otago with an original or correctly certified (witnessed/notarised) copy of documents to support the change.
Becoming New Zealand or Australian citizens
If you become a New Zealand or Australian citizen and would like to update your status, you will need to provide:
- The page of your passport that shows your name and other details, or
- Your citizenship certificate
Becoming New Zealand or Australian residence class visa holders
If you become a New Zealand or Australian residence class visa holder and would like to update your status, you will need to provide:
- The page of your passport that shows your name and other details
and either:
- Your residence visa label, or
- Appropriate documentation confirming you have been granted an electronic visa/eVisa (New Zealand residents only), or
- A confirmation email sent directly from the Visa Entitlement Verification Online (VEVO) service to AskOtago that you have been granted an electronic visa/eVisa (Australian permanent residents only)
If you get New Zealand citizenship, permanent residency, or residency, as an international student you can request to have your status updated from international to domestic. This also applies if you are residing in New Zealand and get your Australian citizenship or permanent residency.
New and current international students with pending New Zealand residency are advised to seek advice from the University about their situation:
- New students – email: international.admissions@otago.ac.nz
- Returning students – email: student.finance@otago.ac.nz
Refugee status
If you have refugee status, you must provide the original or a certified copy of the letter from the Immigration Service entitling you to reside in New Zealand or Australia.
Further information