Student ID cards

You can apply for your Student ID card during the course enrolment process. You'll need it to enter buildings, access services, use printers and the library.

Choosing your name and photo

We will use the preferred first name you provided in your admission application for your card.

Photo submission

There are two ways to supply a photo for your student ID. You can:

  • Submit a photo in the online enrolment system when you enrol for your courses.
  • Email a photo (in JPG or JPEG format) to student-cards@vuw.ac.nz. You need to include your full name, preferred first name, date of birth, and student ID number in the email message.

Requirements

We have strict requirements for photos to be used on student ID cards. The photo you supply must:

  • be a .jpg or .jpeg file format
  • include your whole face and head
  • show you facing forward and not have been taken from an angle
  • be in full colour
  • show you clearly.

The photo you supply must not:

  • be of you wearing a hat or sunglasses
  • show any logos or icons
  • include other people
  • be in black and white
  • be a copy of the photo on your passport or driver license.

You may find the photo instructions on the New Zealand passport website useful. You are, however, allowed to smile in the photo on your student ID card.

Get your student ID

Student ID cards are issued by the Admissions and Enrolments Office. Our counter is on Level 1 of the Hunter building, near the main reception area at Gate 2 of the Kelburn campus.

The email address for the student ID card team is student-cards@vuw.ac.nz or you can call us on 0800 04 04 04.

Our opening hours are 8.30 am–5 pm, Monday–Friday.

Access on your student ID card

Access is granted 10 days before the start date of your course if you are fully enrolled and have paid your fees (or have arranged payment with the Student Finance team). Your access will continue until 10 days after the end of your course date.

Access is revoked if you have outstanding fees or a fees hold on your account, or are not currently enrolled in any courses.

Length of validity

  • PhD and conjoint degrees–valid for four years
  • Bachelor degrees–valid for three years
  • Master's degrees–valid for two years
  • Postgraduate and undergraduate certificates and diplomas, and Honours degrees–valid for one year

If your card has expired, come to the Admissions and Enrolments Office, HU103, Level 1, Hunter Building, Kelburn Parade, Gate 2, Kelburn campus, and bring your expired card with you.

Using your card

You need to have a current student ID card to:

  • access student services and support
  • visit your Student Success team to add or drop courses, or request documentation such as academic transcripts
  • access computer labs after-hours
  • access some halls of residence
  • use printers and photocopiers on campus
  • borrow library books
  • collect assignments
  • enter examinations
  • attend lectures and tutorials where the class has been divided into groups (streams)
  • receive discounts for Metlink-run public transport and the cable car, and at some movie theatres and restaurants.

Renew your ID card

If you are a current student and your card has expired, you can request a new card by sending us an email with your details. You will need to be enrolled and have paid your fees as described above.

Replacement ID cards

Your first student ID card is free. We will charge you a $21 fee for replacing a lost or damaged card, unless one of the circumstances listed below applies. The card replacement fee is non-refundable.

There are two options for the photo for your replacement card. You can choose to use the photo that was on your lost or damaged ID card (current photo option), or to upload a new photo.

Request and pay online

You can request and pay for a replacement student ID card online through the ‘Other payments’ tool in our Pūaha student portal. We will email you when your new card is ready to collect.

Replacement without charge

We won’t charge you a replacement fee under the following circumstances:

  • Your student ID card has expired and you are still enrolled.
  • Your student ID card is faulty—you will need to bring it in to the Admissions and Enrolments Office to be tested.
  • Your ID card has been stolen and you can provide a police report.
  • You have had a gap in your studies of two or more years.
  • You have changed qualification (and have not already had a card issued for the new qualification).
  • Your official name change has been processed and you need a card with your new name.

Talk to the Student Cards team instead of requesting a replacement card through Pūaha—either email student-cards@vuw.ac.nz or visit the Enrolments counter in the Hunter building.

All other requests for exceptions to the fee need to be approved by the Admissions and Enrolments manager.

Thesis students

If you have an active suspension you will lose access.

There is a grace period of access for thesis students after your programme of study has ended or thesis is submitted.

Student ID card enquiries

The Admissions and Enrolments Office
HU103 Level 1, Hunter Building, Kelburn Parade, Gate 2, Kelburn campus
Phone: 0800 04 04 04
Email: stucards@vuw.ac.nz

Opening hours

8.30 am–5 pm, Monday–Friday.