Emergency updates

You have cold, flu or COVID-19 symptoms.

COVID-19 symptoms(external link that opens in a new tab) can include a cough, sneezing and a runny nose, a fever, a sore throat, shortness of breath, a temporary loss of smell or changed sense of taste.

For a medical emergency call 111 anytime, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

COVID-19 tests are widely available in New Zealand. Visit this page to learn how to get a COVID-19 test.(external link that opens in a new tab)

You can purchase RATs at most pharmacies and supermarkets across New Zealand.

RATs can also be available to you for free. You can request free rapid antigen tests (RATs) from a collection site near you(external link that opens in a new tab) or enquire at your place of study.

You can find participating pick-up points for RATs and masks at COVID-19 Testing - Healthpoint(external link that opens in a new tab) or by calling the RAT helpline on 0800 222 478 and choosing option 1.

Check the expiry date of any RATs you already have to ensure they are valid to be used if someone in your household gets sick.

Some countries require travellers to confirm a negative COVID-19 test before they leave New Zealand. If you are in this situation, click here to learn about getting a pre-departure test(external link that opens in a new tab). You will need to pay for a pre-departure test, as they aren't part of New Zealand's public health response to COVID-19.

If you test positive with COVID-19 you are not legally required to self-isolate, but it is recommended you isolate for 5 days to keep yourself and others safe.

If you still feel unwell after you have completed 5 days of isolation, we recommend you stay at home until you are recovered. If you decide to leave isolation, we recommend wearing a mask, especially if you need to visit a healthcare or aged residential care facility.

If your COVID-19 symptoms get worse, or you are concerned about someone you care for, you can call Healthline on 0800 611 116 anytime for free health advice and information. If it’s an emergency, call 111.

If you have tested positive, visit the Ministry of Health's Covid-19 Health Hub(external link that opens in a new tab) - it explains how to self-isolate, monitor your symptoms, look after yourself, and other useful information.

Vaccines are available to everyone in New Zealand aged 5 and over, including international students, free of charge. Click here to learn all about New Zealand's COVID-19 vaccines, including how to get one and what to expect.(external link that opens in a new tab)

It's important to also get your booster dose if you're eligible, find out more about booster doses here(external link that opens in a new tab).

If you want to book your vaccine over the phone, you can call the COVID-19 vaccination advice line on 0800 28 29 26 from 8 am to 8 pm, 7 days a week. You can ask for an interpreter if you need one.

There are many places around New Zealand where you can get a COVID-19 vaccine without an appointment, including many pharmacies.

Find out more from the Ministry of Health on COVID-19 vaccines(external link that opens in a new tab) and from experts on common questions about the COVID-19 vaccine(external link that opens in a new tab).

If you need to get proof of your vaccination, click here to see your options. (external link that opens in a new tab)

If you don’t have someone to talk to, you can call or text 1737(external link that opens in a new tab) to talk with a trained counsellor. This free service runs 24 hours a day/seven days a week. Also, think about contacting others who might need help.

Diversity Counselling New Zealand(external link that opens in a new tab) offers free counselling to international students, migrants and former refugees from Asian, Middle Eastern, Latin American, African, and continental European backgrounds. This service is online and in different languages. Call or text them on 021 0262 5587, or email them at contact@dcnz.net(external link that opens in a new tab).

If you've just tested positive for COVID-19, are isolating or unwell, you can visit this site for resources to help you manage your own mental health(external link that opens in a new tab).

Find services and advice if you are feeling lonely, homesick or depressed.

Your education provider has signed up to The Education (Pastoral Care of International Students) Code of Practice(external link that opens in a new tab). They have an important responsibility to make sure that you are well informed, safe and properly cared for. This means you should have access to up-to-date information about COVID-19, know who to contact if you need support for health, wellbeing or accommodation issues, and know how to access health and counselling services.