This page provides advice for New Zealanders travelling to overseas destinations for study. If you are an international student wanting to study in New Zealand, see the Study with New Zealand website.
Make sure you register on SafeTravel before travelling overseas to study.
Do your research
- Read the travel advice for your destination, and make sure you understand risks, local laws and customs, potential health issues, and required travel documentation.
- If your destination has one of our highest advice levels (Level 3 or Level 4), and you are uncomfortable with the level of risk, chose another destination.
- Research your education institution. Speak to other students who have studied at the same institution, learn about the living and studying conditions, quality of the health facilities, and what you should pack. Find out about their safeguarding and incident management policies.
- Ensure that your host school, college, or university is properly accredited by local authorities.
- Check whether your host school, college, or university will arrange your student visa for you, and make sure you’re aware of what your student visa allows you to do. You should always check whether earning income is allowed.
- Contact the High Commission, Embassy, or Consulate of your destination country for up-to-date visa information.
Organising your travel insurance
You should always get comprehensive travel insurance before heading overseas. Make sure you check the following against your policy:
- Does it cover you for all activities you plan to undertake, including adventure sports or skiing?
- Does it cover you for medical evacuation if you can’t be treated in your destination country?
- Does it cover any pre-existing conditions you have?
- Will it cover you if you travel onwards to a third country for a holiday?
You can read more about our advice for travel insurance on our travel insurance page.
Staying healthy
It is important to consider your physical and mental health before going to study overseas. You should see a doctor before you go, and check the following:
- if you have a pre-existing condition, ask if it’s safe to travel.
- Tell your doctor where you’re going, and ask for preventative advice, including any vaccines or boosters you may need.
- Find out about common infectious diseases in your destination.
- Travelling overseas can come with lots of changes. If you have trouble adjusting once you arrive in your destination country, speak to your education provider to check what services are available for help.
- Read Health New Zealand’s advice for keeping healthy while travelling.
