International students

Students from all over the world live at all our residences.

We can cater for specific cultural requirements, such as halal food, alcohol-free or single gender accommodation, so that you can feel comfortable in your new environment.

The application process, accommodation fees and residential rules are exactly the same for New Zealand and international students, who live together in all the residences.

If you do not wish to stay in a University-managed residence or were not offered a place, please come and see Accommodation Services as we may be able to help you with finding an alternative place to stay.

Contact Accommodation Services

Applying for accommodation is easy using our online application form.

Find out how to apply for accommodation

You can apply even if your enrolment at the University has not been confirmed. If you are on an official exchange and will only be in Auckland for one semester, you are eligible to apply for one semester only.

Although there is no closing date for applications, you are strongly encouraged to apply by 1 October so that your application can be considered in the first round of offers. Please apply early even if you do not yet have confirmation about your admission into the University. If you do not gain admission, we will refund you your deposit but we are often unable to offer you a suitable place if you only apply once you have confirmed admission. This could be as late as February, at which time you may have to wait for a withdrawal to be offered a place.

If you will be under 18 years old when the academic year starts, please contact Accommodation Services as special conditions apply to you. You may need to apply for a place in a home stay.

References
If you are applying for a place in a residence for the first time, you must provide one of the following:

• The Common Confidential Reference Form (download the form below) completed by your school if you have been at school in the past two years. Please attach your last school report or results.
• Two written character referee statements in English (these cannot be completed by your family or friends), or a copy of the reference provided for your application to The University of Auckland for admission to the University to study.

If you are an international scholarship holder or a member of a Study Abroad or other group, please make sure that you indicate this clearly and fully on your application form.

The following Study Abroad and international scholarship groups currently have formal arrangements with The University of Auckland. If you are not attached to any of these groups but are on official exchange, please provide the name of your home university.

Study Abroad

• American University Abroad
• Arcadia University
• AustraLearn – Study in Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific
• Institute for Study Abroad Butler University
• University of Denver
• Frontiers Abroad
• Georgetown University
• IES Abroad (Institute for the International Education of Students)
• Loyola University Maryland
• Marist College
• Northeastern University
• The Education Abroad Network
• Wheaton College – Center for Global Education

International Scholarships

• NZ Aid
• MARA BEdTESOL Cohort
• MARA BSc Cohort

As an international student arriving in Auckland for the first time, you will be met at the airport and transported to your accommodation.

If you are eligible for this free service, you will receive the "International Student Airport Transfer Application Form" in your acceptance package, which is sent by Auckland International.

Flight details

• The Airport Transport form must be received by fax or email by Accommodation Services at least 4 days or 96 hours before your arrival.
• We do not arrange any transfers without receipt of this form. Requests by ordinary email or fax will not be accepted.
• Please print your email address clearly on the form.
• An email confirmation will be sent to you. Please read this carefully and look out for a board with “University of Auckland” once you enter the arrivals hall.
• You may be held liable for any costs incurred if your plans change but the transfer operator was sent to meet you at the original time.
• Please advise us of any changes in your plans as soon as possible.
• Our office is closed between 20 December and 10 January and all transfer requests for this period must be received before 20 December so that we can arrange the transfer in advance.

Temporary accommodation

• If you need temporary accommodation while you look for a flat, we can arrange up to two weeks' accommodation in a University managed residence (subject to availability) or at a similar establishment, at your own cost.
• You can apply for temporary accommodation on the "International Student Airport Transfer Application Form" which is sent to you by Auckland International with your offer.
• This accommodation is for a minimum of three nights and is at your own expense.
• If you are arriving before the start of your accommodation contract and have a confirmed place in a residence, you will be able to move directly into your room for the year. Make sure you provide your accommodation application number.
• You will be charged a special daily rate for the extra days before the start of your contracted period.
• We strongly recommend that you use this opportunity to take your time in finding and deciding on permanent accommodation, should you not be staying in University accommodation.