Moving to a new country to study is a big step. Depending on where you come from, New Zealand might be very different from what you are used to.
To help you settle in, we’ve put together a guide with useful information. We recommend reading it before you arrive.
Preparing for your trip
Passport and visa
International students need a valid passport and visa to enter and study in New Zealand. Most international students need a fee paying student visa to study full-time in New Zealand.
We recommend you apply for your student visa as early as possible, at least 3 months before your expected arrival in New Zealand. Contact us early as we may be able to refer you to a licensed immigration adviser.
Booking your flight
Plan to arrive in New Zealand 1 week before your classes start so you can attend orientation. Orientation Week is compulsory for all international students. Our international student welcome programme is designed to make sure you have everything you need to stay happy and safe as a student in New Zealand.
- It’s best to arrive on campus at least 2 days before orientation starts, that’s the week before your classes start.
- Contact the International Office at international@massey.ac.nz if you will not be able to start studying on the date stated on your Offer of Place.
- If you are studying a pre-degree or foundation qualification or an English language course, let us know your arrival date in advance.
Pre-degree and foundation qualifications
English language courses - If you are a doctoral or English language student, your study may start and finish on different dates from other qualifications.
Check the dates of all our important events
Travelling to New Zealand
There are many rules and regulations about what you can and cannot bring into New Zealand, so before you start packing your bags, you need to know what is OK to bring with you. It is very important that you know what is in your bags. For this reason, you should pack your suitcases or bags yourself. Do not let someone else pack your bags for you as they may put something in there that you are not allowed to bring into New Zealand. There are many common food items which you cannot bring into New Zealand.
Check if you can bring an item to NZ
You will also need to complete a New Zealand Traveller Declaration 24 hours before you start your trip.
New Zealand Traveller Declaration
Medical and travel insurance
Massey has worked with Studentsafe Insurance to design a special insurance policy for international students. This policy meets the New Zealand Government’s legal requirements for international student visas.
You don’t need to do anything to get Studentsafe Insurance. You are automatically covered by Studentsafe Insurance when you accept your Offer of Place at Massey. Your insurance premium is added to the cost of your tuition fees. Pre-existing conditions (eg asthma, diabetes etc) are not automatically covered and you need to declare these conditions to the insurance provider.
More about insurance for international students
Accommodation
If it is your first time living away from home, or your first time living in a foreign country, we recommend you start your journey in Massey accommodation.
If you feel comfortable, you can arrange your own accommodation. However, there are many things to consider such as bond money, furniture, rent, flatmates, location, transport to university and the tenancy agreement.
At first, private accommodation might seem cheaper than the accommodation provided by Massey, but sometimes it ends up being more expensive when you add up all the costs.
It’s wise to apply for your accommodation on-campus or in a Massey-approved homestay as soon as you can. Some accommodation options are very popular and fill up quickly.
If you are under 18 years of age you need to live in accommodation that has been approved by Massey.
Read about accommodation at Massey
New Zealand lifestyle
Part of preparing for life in another country is getting to know about the lifestyle and culture of the place. What do people do in their spare time? What are some words you need to know? What do people usually eat? What’s appropriate Māori culture? Is there anything else you need to know?
New Zealand customs and communication
Living costs
As well as tuition fees, you will need to pay for textbooks, non-tuition fees and your personal expenses. Initial fees payment is an estimate and you may have an outstanding balance after enrolling that you have not anticipated.
If you enter New Zealand on a student visa, New Zealand Immigration requires you to have NZ$20,000 available in addition to your course fees for each year you’ll be studying in New Zealand, plus money for return airfares. Living costs can vary considerably depending upon accommodation option, location, and personal spending habits, so you may require more money than this. You may be surprised by the cost of things like food and rent in New Zealand.
It’s a good idea to bring everything you might need from home, like clothes, electronics, medicine, and personal care items. These things can be a lot more expensive in New Zealand compared with other places.
If you bring your family with you, think about how you will support them. Your partner may not be able to get a job to help with family costs. In New Zealand, children’s schooling has additional costs for textbooks, school activities, sports and uniforms.
Scholarships and awards
A range of scholarships and awards are open to international students studying at Massey.
Scholarships to study with us as an international student
Money and banking
Some banks let you open a bank account before you arrive in New Zealand. They include:
When you open a New Zealand bank account, you need to give your overseas tax status and overseas tax identification number (TIN). If you open an account before you arrive, you will need to visit the bank once you get to New Zealand to activate your account.
It’s wise to bring about NZD$500 in cash with you for transport from the airport, food and other things you need to buy when you arrive. It’s also a good idea to have an EFTPOS card.
Living in New Zealand
Smoking/vaping
Smoking and vaping are not allowed in most public places. All Massey University campuses are smoking and vaping-free except for the temporary designated smoking/vaping areas.
Restrictions on vaping and smoking in New Zealand
Drugs and alcohol
International students should know the rules about drugs and alcohol in New Zealand. Misusing these substances can lead to serious trouble, including legal penalties.
Drug and alcohol laws in New Zealand
Driving in New Zealand
New Zealand roads might be different from what you’re used to. They can be narrow, go through hilly areas, and range from motorways to unsealed gravel roads. It is illegal to use a phone while driving. We drive on the left hand side of the road and you must wear a seatbelt. Buying and running a car can be expensive. We recommend you buy third-party car insurance, check this out with your NZ bank or insurance companies.
Road safety for visitors to New Zealand
Culturally appropriate behaviour
New Zealand has a relaxed, friendly lifestyle, but New Zealanders may think some things you are used to doing are not polite. An example of this could be pushing in front of someone who was waiting before you if that is normal in your culture.
Culturally appropriate behaviour in New Zealand
Working in New Zealand on a student visa
Your visa conditions may include work rights, and if so that will be recorded on your eVisa or the visa label in your passport.
Transport
Download a campus map and find out how to get to your campus.
Health, disability and neurodivergence support
It is important that you check the university is able to meet your specific requirements, as the type and level of support for international students may differ from those at your home. For example, is your medication available in New Zealand?
You will be required to complete a health, disability and inclusion declaration. We would like to support your smooth transition, tell us what you need so we can partner with you and make a plan.
We recommend you get in touch with us before you book your flights so we can discuss your requirements. Email: international@massey.ac.nz
Academic expectations
As a student, you are expected to make a genuine effort in your studies. This includes attending classes regularly, actively participating in the learning environment, and completing and submitting all assessments on time. Massey monitors your results and as part of our Academic Progress regulations you will receive a status at the end of each semester.
Maintaining good academic progress is also a requirement for your visa, and if you are not meeting these expectations, we may need to inform Immigration New Zealand.
We offer a variety of services to support you while you study.
Arriving in New Zealand
Airport arrivals pathway
Top tips for a smooth arrival
- Book transport to your accommodation before you leave home.
- Have your passport and all entry requirement documents ready.
- Complete a New Zealand Traveller Declaration.
- To avoid delays and any possible fines, we recommend you don’t bring food with you into New Zealand.
Immigration/customs
After disembarking from your flight, follow the signs to Customs. You will need to go through an eGate or see a Customs officer to clear you for entry into New Zealand.
Baggage collection
Once you have been cleared by Customs, make your way to the baggage hall to collect your checked luggage.
Biosecurity/bag screening
The last step before exiting the airport is a biosecurity check. You will need to show your documents and your bags will go through a security check to make sure you do not have any prohibited items.
Prohibited and restricted items in New Zealand
Travelling to Palmerston North and Wellington from Auckland
Most travellers arrive in Auckland. We have 3 campuses and if you are studying in Palmerston North (Manawatū campus) or in Wellington (Wellington Pukeahu campus), you will need to arrange a further domestic flight. You can book this while you are in your home country. When booking your domestic flight, allow at least 3 hours after you plan to arrive in New Zealand in case there are any delays. Both cities are in the North Island.
At Auckland, the Domestic and International airport terminals are in different places. You arrive at the International terminal and will need to clear Customs and Immigration before making your way to the Domestic terminal.
There is a free terminal transfer bus every 15 minutes between 5am and 10.30pm. The bus stops just outside the terminal doors. You can also take the inter-terminal walk, which takes around 10 minutes, by following the green line on the footpath outside each terminal.
Terminal transfer bus information
After you have arrived in New Zealand
Getting connected by phone and Wi-Fi
The first thing you will probably want to do when you arrive is get connected to a mobile network and the internet. Auckland Airport has free unlimited Wi-Fi in both the international and domestic terminals. Just choose Auckland Airport as your wireless network and click Get online on the login page.
Buying a SIM card
If your phone does not have an auto roaming facility you will need to get a New Zealand mobile phone number. To do this you will need to buy a SIM card so that you can connect to a New Zealand mobile network. There are a number of different mobile network providers in New Zealand. You can buy a SIM card from an airport store.
Getting to your accommodation from the airport
You must arrange your own transport from the airport to your accommodation in advance. Depending on where you are staying, your first stop should be to your accommodation to drop off your luggage and rest before visiting the Campus Information Service.
View Campus Information Services locations on our campus guides and maps
If you are staying in Massey Halls Auckland we can help you organise a shuttle. We recommend you book this service at least 3 days in advance.
Shuttles to the Massey Auckland Halls
Health and safety
We want you to stay safe during your time in New Zealand.
Outdoor activities
New Zealand has higher ultraviolet (UV) levels than many other countries and some of the highest rates of skin cancer in the world. Cover up with sunscreen, a hat, clothing that protects you from the sun. This is especially important between 10am and 4pm and in the warmer months from September to April.
If you decide to go on an outdoor trip, make sure you plan your route and how long you expect to take. Then tell someone or leave your plans with a friend. You can find trip details on iSite. New Zealand weather can change very quickly so make sure you check the weather forecast and prepare for change.
Earthquakes
Depending on where you study, you may experience earthquakes during your time in New Zealand. Make sure you know what to do if the ground or the building you are in begins to shake.
University life
We are here to help you with visa renewals, insurance, accommodation, transport and general campus information. We also connect students to other support services. We run an International Registration and Welcome programme to help you settle in, and a number of events and activities throughout the semester.
1, Get set up on Massey systems
2, Visit your Campus Information Service
It is important when you get to New Zealand that you visit your closest Campus Information Service. We are open Monday to Friday 8.30am to 4.30pm.
View Campus Information Services locations on our campus guides and maps
Have your student ID ready so we can:
- confirm your enrolment status
- verify your documents
- check you are set up on Massey systems
- view your timetable
- help you apply for a Student ID Card
- provide letters for setting up a New Zealand bank account
- show you where to register with your campus health centre.
3, Orientation – the week before classes start
Orientation is the time we welcome you to Massey and help you prepare for your first semester. Orientation happens in the week before the semester starts. It is compulsory for international students.
During that week we will tell you about services you can access as a student and share information about student life. There will be lots of opportunities to meet other new students, and our Massey Guides will be there to answer any questions you might have. You will also receive an orientation to the College and qualification you will be part of.
Supporting you while your study
There are several support services available to you while you are studying with us. This may be in the form of academic support (help with your studies), or support with your health and wellbeing.
We understand the challenges tertiary study can bring and the importance of a holistic approach to keeping well through your study journey. Our teams can guide and support you through every stage of your learning journey.
Support services for international students
We follow New Zealand’s Education (Pastoral Care of Tertiary and International Learners) Code of Practice.
Code of Practice for the Pastoral Care of Students
Academic Advice
Academic Advisers can help you to choose and plan your qualification and courses, and help you stay on track with your study. They can also help with changing to a different programme of study and creating a balanced workload.
Make an appointment with an academic adviser
Study and assignment support
We provide a range of free services to help you develop your academic writing and study skills.
Study and assignment support and guides
Academic integrity, AI and plagiarism
It is important to understand our expectations to ensure you meet our standards for honest, careful, ethical and responsible academic work at Massey.
Academic integrity student guide
Student achievement support
We understand that navigating tertiary education in a new country can be challenging. That is why we are committed to helping you thrive in your studies. We recognise that seeking support and guidance can be daunting, especially when you are unsure where to turn. It is important to know if you are on the right path and if there are additional steps you can take to succeed. Our coaching team includes professionals experienced in assisting international students like yourself. During coaching sessions, we use the GROW model to focus on goal setting, assessing your current reality, exploring options, and planning the way forward.
Student life support
We offer a wide range of support to help you have a positive student experience and to make the most of student life. These include academic, medical, counselling, disability, chaplaincy, student care and recreational services, and clubs and interest groups.
Graduation
Once you have completed your qualification, make sure you apply to graduate.
You might decide to stay in New Zealand, travel or work until you graduate, and then return home. If you choose to do this, you need to extend your travel and medical insurance to cover the full length of your student visa. The Studentsafe policy only covers you for 31 days after the last day of exams.
You also need to apply for a visitor visa to cover the period between your student visa’s expiry date and your graduation date.
Find out about visitor visas from Immigration New Zealand
Things to do before you return home
Depending on your living situation, before you leave New Zealand you might need to:
- give notice to your landlord
- cancel your electricity and phone plan
- pay any outstanding bills or fines
- return any library books
- arrange for your rental bond to be refunded to you
- clean your accommodation before you leave
- sell or donate any furniture or appliances you don’t want to take with you, for example by listing them on TradeMe or donating to a charity shop
- let New Zealand Transport Agency know if you have sold your car, and cancel your insurance policy
- close your New Zealand bank account and arrange to send your money to your account back home
- get cash out in your home currency to take with you when you travel
- change your contact details with Massey.
Important contacts and useful links
Contact us
We are available Monday to Friday between 8.30am and 4.30pm
General information
Email international@massey.ac.nz
Visa and insurance
Email visa@massey.ac.nz
Emergency contacts
On campus security after hours, phone 0800 627 750
Police, ambulance and fire fighters, phone 111
Useful links
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