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.
If you want to return to your home country for a semester or a year and you are a government-sponsored student (Middle East or South-East Asia) or a Manaaki New Zealand Scholarship student, you must contact your designated international student adviser for approval.
When you're ready to come back to study, you may need to apply for another programme in eVision. If you are sponsored or a Manaaki Scholar, you must contact International Student Support: international-support@otago.ac.nz
Once this programme is approved, you can add your papers in eVision, then submit them for course approval. You must 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.
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, the Student Visa team and your insurance provider if necessary.
Further information