A change to homestay
Homestay is an accommodation option mainly used by international students who would like to experience what it’s like to live in a typical New Zealand home. This option can also be utilised by domestic students who are looking to move to Dunedin from around the country and want a family-like environment.
From 2026, we will be providing homestay placements through an external provider called New Zealand Homestay (NZH).
New Zealand Homestay delivers global standards for hosted student accommodation. They are part of the Global Homestay Alliance and recruit, screen and train host families to provide safe, welcoming and culturally enriching homestays.
Each student is carefully matched to a host using their unique Homestay Management System (HMS) to set up a positive experience.
Apply for homestay through NZH >
Our current homestay hosts can apply to become a host with NZH and Student Success have sent them an email about this change.
Otago Polytechnic is still responsible for pastoral care and emergency support for homestay students.
Published on 13 Nov 2025
Orderdate: 13 Nov 2025
Expiry: 13 Nov 2027
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A change to homestay
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