by Distance Learning

Student ID card and number

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Your ID card is your key to what Otago has to offer. It identifies you as a member of the University of Otago community, provides essential personal identification, and should be presented on request to University staff whose assigned responsibilities authorise them to seek proper identification.

Student ID Number

Your Student ID Number appears on your registration acknowledgement letter, your University ID card and (where applicable) on your examination advice letter.

In all correspondence with the University, you should cite your student ID number – even when communicating less formally (such as telephoning AskOtago or Student Finance). Providing your student ID number enables the University to provide a faster, more efficient service to you.

ID Card

Information about Distance Learning ID cards is available online.

Distance students can obtain a University of Otago ID card from the Dunedin Campus or can have one mailed to them by completing the ID card application form. Before completing the form, check the website as there may be several options available, depending on your location and level of study. If you have been issued an ID card in the previous year of study, you should be eligible to use the Online Application Form.

To avoid delays in processing your card, please ensure ALL sections are completed correctly.

Your card can only be issued after course declaration has been completed. Details of the Course Declaration process can be found online. 

Once you have completed and returned your ID Card Application Form AND you have been course approved, your ID card will be sent to you. Your PIN (Personal Identification Number) will be sent only if they have not been previously issued. (Note: they will not all be sent in the same envelope.) 

Printed on your ID card are:

  • your name and photograph
  • your Student ID Number, which should be quoted whenever you communicate with the University
  • your University of Otago email address
  • your username for accessing all University computer-related services such as Blackboard, eVision and online resources such as past exam papers, and
  • your library barcode (for borrowing books and other resources)

Your ID card can be used as:

  • identification for examinations
  • your library card – allows you to borrow material from any University of Otago Library on any campus, and also from other university libraries with which we have agreements
  • printing services, e.g., photocopying, printing
  • after-hours access– providing you with after-hours access to certain sites and buildings in Dunedin.
  • In Wellington, access is restricted to on-campus students. For Christchurch and Auckland access information, contact your department
  • a discount card– many shops and services offer discounts to students.

Your ID card is a proximity card which allows you to access buildings on the Dunedin campus that have proximity readers and is based on the access entitlement relevant to your courses. Please visit the ID card office when the Dunedin Campus for your confidential PIN (Personal Identification Number) for afterhours access when required.

Note: Students visiting the Christchurch campus require a separate card for door access.

Please note: DO NOT punch holes in your card, as it will cause the proximity chip to malfunction. Replacement cards cost $25.

General ID card information can be found here.

If you have any queries about your ID card after you have applied for it, please contact:

ID Card Office
Information Services Building
Cnr Albany & Cumberland Streets
Email idcard.officer@otago.ac.nz
Tel 64 3 479 5330