Moving to a new country to study is a big step. Depending on where you come from, New Zealand might be very different.
To help you settle in, we’ve put together a guide with useful information. We encourage you to read it before you arrive.
Travelling to New Zealand
New Zealand has many rules and regulations about what you can and cannot bring into the country. Before you start packing your bags, you need to know what is OK to bring with you. You must know what is in your bags, so make sure you pack your suitcases or bags yourself. Do not let someone else pack your bags for you. They could 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.
You will also need to complete a New Zealand Traveller Declaration 24 hours before you travel.
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.
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.
Health, disability and neurodivergence support
It is important that the university can meet your specific requirements. The support available to international students in New Zealand may differ from that in your home country. For example, is your medication available in New Zealand?
You will be required to complete a health, disability and inclusion declaration. We are here to help. Before booking your flight, contact us to discuss your specific requirements.
Email: international@massey.ac.nz
Booking your flight
Plan to arrive in New Zealand 1 week before your classes start so you can attend Orientation Week. Orientation is compulsory for all international students.
It is best to arrive on campus at least 2 days before orientation starts, which is the week before your classes start. If you:
- cannot start studying on the date stated on your Offer of Place, contact the International Office at international@massey.ac.nz
- are studying a pre-degree or foundation qualification or an English language course, let us know your arrival date in advance
- are a doctoral or English language student, your study may start and finish on different dates from other qualifications.
Travelling to Palmerston North and Wellington from Auckland
Travelling to Palmerston North and Wellington from Auckland Most travellers arrive in New Zealand at Auckland Airport. If you are studying in Palmerston North (Manawatū campus) or in Wellington (Pukeahu campus), you will also need to arrange a domestic flight to that city.
You can book a domestic flight while you are in your home country.
In case of any delays, book your New Zealand domestic flight at least 3 hours after your international flight arrives in New Zealand. Palmerston North and Wellington cities are in the North Island.
The Domestic and International terminals at Auckland Airport are in separate buildings. After you arrive at the International terminal and clear Customs and Immigration, you must make your way to the Domestic terminal to catch your next flight. You can walk or use the free inter-terminal bus. The bus comes every 15 minutes, between 5am and 10.30pm. The inter-terminal walk takes around 10 minutes. Follow the green line on the footpath outside each terminal.
Medical and travel 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, such as asthma and diabetes, are not automatically covered. You need to declare these conditions to the insurance provider.
Money and banking
Some banks let you open a bank account before you arrive in New Zealand. They include:
You will need to give your overseas tax status and overseas tax identification number (TIN) when opening a New Zealand bank account. If you open an account before entering New Zealand, you will need to visit the bank to activate your account.
You should bring around NZD$500 in cash with you for transport from the airport, food and other items you need to buy. It is also a good idea to have an EFTPOS/debit card.
Accommodation
If it is your first time living away from home or living in a foreign country, start living in ۶Ƶaccommodation.
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.
Private accommodation might seem cheaper than the accommodation provided by Massey. But sometimes, when all the costs are added up, it can end up being more expensive.
Apply for campus accommodation or 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 must live in accommodation that has been approved by Massey.
Arrival in New Zealand
One of many bays around Auckland.
For a smooth arrival in New Zealand and to avoid any delays or fines:
- Book transport to your accommodation before you leave home.
- Have your passport and all entry requirement documents ready.
- Complete a .
- Do not bring food with you into New Zealand.
- Arrive in time for Orientation Week.
Airport arrivals pathway
Immigration and Customs
After disembarking from your flight, follow the signs to the Customs area. You will need to go through an eGate or see a Customs officer to clear you for entry into New Zealand.
Baggage collection
Collect your checked luggage from the baggage area once you have been cleared by Customs.
Biosecurity bag screening
Before exiting the airport, you will need to complete a biosecurity check. You will need to show your arrival documents, and your bags will be scanned for prohibited items as part of the security check.
Phone and Wi-Fi connections
You can connect to the free Auckland Airport unlimited Wi-Fi in both the international and domestic terminals. Choose 'Auckland Airport' as your wireless network and select 'Get online' on the login page.
SIM cards
If your phone does not have auto-roaming or eSIM, you will need a New Zealand mobile phone number and SIM card to connect to a New Zealand mobile network. There are several 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 at your accommodation to drop off your luggage and rest before visiting the Campus Information Service.
If you are staying at ۶ƵHalls Auckland, we can help you organise a shuttle. We recommend you book this service at least 3 days in advance.
Visit Campus Information Service
Once you have arrived in New Zealand and been to your accommodation, visit the Campus Information Service on your campus with your student ID so we can:
- confirm your enrolment status
- verify your documents
- check you are set up on Massey's 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.
Campus Information Services details:
Orientation Week
Orientation is the time we welcome you and help you prepare for your first semester at Massey. It is the week before the semester starts.
Orientation 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 are many opportunities to meet other new students. Our ۶ƵGuides will be there to answer any questions you might have. You will also receive an orientation for the college and the qualification you are joining.
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.
Study and living costs
The amount of money you need to live and study in New Zealand may be different from what it would be in your home country.
Cost of living
You need to pay for textbooks, non-tuition fees and your personal expenses, as well as tuition fees. The initial fee payment is an estimate. You may have an outstanding balance after enrolling that you did not anticipate.
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 on accommodation, location and personal spending habits, so you may require more money. The cost of items such as food and rent in New Zealand may be a surprise to you.
It is a good idea to bring everything you might need from home, such as clothes, electronics, medicine and personal care items. These items can be a lot more expensive in New Zealand compared to 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.
Funding and scholarships
A range of scholarships and funding is open to international students studying at Massey.
Transport
If you are a full-time student, you can get a public transport concession or free public transport depending on your campus.
Download a campus map and find out how to get to your campus.
If you have a driver’s licence from your home country, you may be allowed to drive in New Zealand. But be aware that buying and running a car can be expensive.
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.
۶Ƶmonitors your results. 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. If you are not meeting these expectations, we may need to inform Immigration New Zealand.
۶Ƶoffers a variety of services to help you while you study.
New Zealand's lifestyle and culture
Carter Fountain, Oriental Bay, Wellington.
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?
Culturally appropriate behaviour
New Zealand has a relaxed and friendly lifestyle, but New Zealanders may think some things you are used to doing are not polite. For example, pushing in front of someone who was waiting before you, if that is normal in your culture.
Smoking and vaping
Smoking and vaping are not allowed in most public places. All ۶Ƶcampuses are smoking and vaping-free except for the temporary designated smoking and vaping areas.
Drugs and alcohol
Make sure you know and understand the rules for drugs and alcohol in New Zealand. Misusing these substances can lead to serious trouble, including legal penalties.
Health and safety
We want you to stay safe during your time in New Zealand.
Emergency contacts
Campus Security, phone 0800 627 750
Police, ambulance and firefighters, phone 111
Find out more about our campus security service
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. Everyone in the vehicle must wear a seatbelt.
Buying and running a car can be expensive. We recommend you buy third-party car insurance. You can ask your NZ bank or insurance company about car insurance.
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.
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 and 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, plan your route and the time it will take to complete. 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 check the weather forecast and be prepared for change.
Working in New Zealand on a student visa
Your visa conditions may include the right to work. If so, it will be recorded on your eVisa or the visa label in your passport.
Graduation and returning home
Once you have completed your qualification, you need to apply to graduate.
Learn more about graduating from Massey
You might decide to stay in New Zealand to 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.
Graduation excitement in Palmerston North.
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, such as donating to a charity shop or listing them on
- sell your car and cancel your vehicle insurance. If you sold your car, tell the
- close your New Zealand bank account and arrange to transfer your money to your account back home
- get cash out in your home currency to take with you when you travel home
- update your contact details with Massey.
Contact us
We are available Monday to Friday between 8.30am and 4.30pm
General information: international@massey.ac.nz
Visa and insurance: visa@massey.ac.nz
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