Pre-departure Checklist

Once you have received a letter/offer of acceptance from your host university, you need to complete the following steps.

Victoria University of Wellington

  • Obtain course pre-approval from your faculty (the Exchange Course Approval form can be downloaded here)
  • Enrol into your exchange code (this can be done after obtaining course approval from your faculty).
  • If you are going on exchange in Trimester 1, enrol in Trimester 2 courses to secure your spot for when you return.
  • Pay your Victoria University of Wellington tuition fees.

StudyLink & Funding

  • Submit your Overseas Study Application Form to StudyLink and confirm the dates on your form match the dates of your exchange.
  • Submit a letter (provided by the Wellington Global Exchange team) to IRD to  excuse you from paying interest on your student loan.
  • Follow payment instructions from the Scholarships Office upon host acceptance for your $1,000 Wellington Global Exchange Grant.
  • Apply via CareerHub in order to receive the $1,000 Wellington International Leadership Grant.
  • Apply for any scholarships or grants you may be eligible to receive.
  • Apply for your student visa in your host country (if applicable).

Travel & Accommodation

The Wellington Global Exchange office cannot provide immigration or visa advice, please direct all queries to the relevant embassy/consulate.

  • Ensure your passport and visa (if applicable) will remain valid for the duration of your time outside of New Zealand.
  • Check if your host university requires you to arrive by a certain date (most universities will run a compulsory orientation for all international students).
  • If you are currently in New Zealand on a student visa, consider the implications an exchange might have on your NZ visa status.
  • Book your flights. Do not book any non-refundable flights until you have received acceptance from your host university.
  • Book and re-confirm your exchange accommodation (if possible). Obtain the required travel and medical insurance for your exchange. Register on the SafeTravel website.
  • Store emergency contact numbers for your Host University, embassy/consulate, bank, doctor, family and friends.