VPN access for students based in China

Instructions to download, install and configure the Forticlient Virtual Private Network (VPN) Service for students based in China.

The University Virtual Private Network (VPN) service will improve your experience when watching lecture recordings and downloading course content from Canvas, as well as access to other University applications. 

These instructions will help students and partners based in China to download, install and configure the University’s VPN Service, known as Forticlient VPN. You can use the Forticlient VPN on your laptop, desktop computer or phone.

Step 1: Download the FortiClient VPN Client

Download the correct VPN client installer for your computer by right-clicking the appropriate link below and saving the file to your computer:

Windows
MacOS (earlier MacOS versions)
Android
Windows 32

Please note: The installer download may be slow, but after installing the VPN client, in most cases, your connection to University resources will be faster.

iPad/iPhone
Search for ‘FortiClient VPN’on the AppStore
https://apps.apple.com/md/app/forticlient-vpn/id1475674905

Android Devices
“FortiClient” available in Google Play Store.

Please note: Installation and configuration instructions are the same as for desktop and laptop installations

Step 2: Install the FortiClient VPN Client

  1. Open the downloaded installer
  2. Accept the license agreement
  3. Follow the prompts to install the VPN client
  4. Restart your computer or device

Restarting your computer or device will improve your ability to access the University of Auckland's VPN.

If you are having trouble connecting to the University's VPN, please email studentinfo@auckland.ac.nz. 

Step 3: Set up the FortiClient VPN Client

  1. Open the FortiClient VPN Client
  2. Click the I acknowledge checkbox, then click I accept.
  3. Click Configure VPN
  4. In the New VPN Connection window, enter the following informaion:
  • VPN: SSL-VPN
  • Connection Name: UoA-VPN-SZ
  • Description: UoA-VPN-SZ
  • Remote Gateway: Enter the details for the nearest location to you. If you are unable to connect to the nearest location, or if the service is very slow, try a different location:
    • Shanghai: 106.15.137.68
    • Shenzhen: 120.78.11.69
  • Customize port: Tick, enter 10443
  • Client Certificate: None
  • Authentication: Select Save login
  • Username: Enter your University of Auckland account username (UPI)
  • Do not Warn Invalid Server Certificate: Tick
  • Click Save.

Step 4: Connect the Fortinet VPN Client

If you are a student based in China, you will need to login to the Fortinet VPN every time you want to access University of Auckland content. You need to download, install and configure the VPN before you can login. You will need your UPI and password to login. 

Reminder: You will only be able to log in to one computing device at any given time.

The login window will open.

  1. Enter your University of Auckland UPI and password.
  2. Click Connect.
  3. The VPN Client will start connecting. When the connection is complete, the VPN Connected window will display.

If you are having trouble connecting to Fortinet VPN after you have installed it, please restart your computer. This will improve your ability to access the University VPN.

Step 5: Test your VPN connection to the University of Auckland

Once connected via the VPN as above, test the connection by logging in to Canvas, the University of Auckland's Learning Management System (LMS):

1. Go to https://canvas.auckland.ac.nz/
2. Login using username and password

Disconnecting your VPN connection

When you no longer need the VPN connection, open the VPN Connected window and click Disconnect.

Download VPN access instructions