Nor will it enforce a blanket ban on medical students' overseas placements.
Health Sciences pro-vice chancellor Prof Paul Brunton said the university had been looking closely at the impact of Covid-19 on overseas elective for its students.
‘‘This remains a rapidly evolving situation and students need to be aware that this could change at any time.
‘‘Currently, the only locations that we are advising students to return from are those countries that have a Ministry of Foreign Affairs ‘Do not Travel’ or ‘Avoid all unnecessary Travel’ advisories.’’
Those countries include mainland China and Iran.
The university was also now withdrawing approval of electives in destinations that require self-isolation on return, including Republic of Korea and northern Italy.
‘‘All students have been reassured that if they are feeling at all uncomfortable for any reason and wish to return to New Zealand early, the University will fully support an early return to New Zealand.’’
An email to medical students said, “please do not let concerns regarding terms influence your decision; if you are uncomfortable remaining overseas, your personal safety is our main concern and you should return.”
If students returned early, it would not impact on their ability to fulfil terms’ requirements, he said.
‘‘Currently, we are working on identifying and building a database of potential New Zealand supervisors/electives.’’
Last week the University of Auckland called about 70 of its medical students to return home.
