Book health and travel insurance
You need health and travel insurance to go on exchange – healthcare is private in many countries, and getting treatment can be expensive.
As a Massey exchange student, you need to buy a Studentsafe Outbound insurance policy that covers you for the whole time you're away. This is compulsory – it's in your Outbound Student Exchange Contract. We'll cancel your exchange approval if you don't show us proof of Studentsafe cover, even if you've already booked your flights.
Massey students get a 25% discount on Studentsafe Outbound. Use the code 360OSE when you buy your insurance.
Buy an outbound insurance policy at Studentsafe
Host university insurance policies
Some host universities have their own medical insurance plans for exchange students. If your host university has an insurance plan you need to sign up for, they'll give you the details. You'll still need to buy Studentsafe insurance.
International Student Exchange Programme (ISEP) medical insurance
Most students going on exchange to a university that's a partner through ISEP will need to buy ISEP's comprehensive medical insurance policy. It's compulsory for most ISEP universities – and you'll still need to buy Studentsafe insurance, too.
Learn more about ISEP's comprehensive medical insurance policy
There are some countries where you won't need ISEP's full medical insurance policy.
Check ISEP's list of countries with health insurance exemptions
Get a student visa
You'll need a student visa to go to most countries on exchange. Your host university will tell you if you need a visa, and which one to apply for.
It's your responsibility to apply for a visa if you need one. Follow your host university's advice, and give yourself plenty of time – student visas can take a few months to come through.
Steps for exchange to the USA
1, Get the DS-2019 form from your host university
When your host university accepts you as an exchange student, they'll send you a form called the DS-2019.
2, Fill in the visa application online
As soon as you get your DS-2019 form, you can complete the DS-160 Non-Immigrant Visa Application.
3, Pay the fees
There are two fees you need to pay:
- Student Exchange and Visitor Information System (SEVIS) I-901
- Machine Readable Visa (MRV) fee.
Pay your fees as soon as you can – you need to do this before you can have an interview at the US embassy.
4, Book your interview at the US embassy in Auckland
You need to go to an interview at the US embassy in Auckland before your visa can be approved.
Don't forget to take your application documents with you. These must be originals – not photocopies, printouts or pictures on your phone.
Apply to get StudyLink payments overseas
You can keep getting your loan or grant from StudyLink while you're on exchange.
Book your accommodation
You're responsible for organising your accommodation while you're on exchange. Contact your host university to find options.
ISEP accommodation
If you're going on exchange through ISEP, you'll pay Massey for your accommodation. We'll email you details about this process.
Enrol in courses at your host university
For some universities, you'll need to enrol in courses before the start of your exchange – for others, you'll enrol when you arrive on campus. Contact your host university or check its website to find out when you need to enrol, so you don't miss any deadlines.
Changing your courses
Check with us before you change the courses you take at your host university while you're on exchange. We need to make sure you can transfer credits from your new courses to your Massey qualification.
Check if you have an orientation
Most universities run orientation programmes for exchange students before the start of each semester. They're a great opportunity to learn about your new university and city, and meet other international students. At some universities, they're compulsory.
Your host university will let you know about their orientation programme. It's a good idea to book your flights to arrive a few days before orientation starts, so you've got time to settle in.
Book your travel
You're responsible for booking your own flights and travel to your campus. Wait until you've been accepted by your host university to do this – you may not be able to get a refund if things don't go to plan.
Ask us questions about planning your exchange.
International Mobility Team
- studyabroad@massey.ac.nz
- Phone
0800 MASSEY (0800 627 739)
- Phone from outside NZ
- Fax
- Location
Physical and courier address
Office of Global Engagement
SST Level 6, Room 6.16
Massey University, Tennent Drive
Palmerston North 4474
New ZealandPostal address
Office of Global Engagement (PN721)
Massey University
Private Bag 11 222
Palmerston North 4442
New Zealand