University of Otago

EXCHANGE FACT SHEET2024

THE UNIVERSITY AND ITS SURROUNDINGS
Welcome to the University of Otago – a globally
recognised university nestled among the natural beautyof New Zealand’s spectacular South Island. The Universityof Otago is New Zealand’s first university, foundedin 1869, and is the top university in the country foreducational performance (TEC Educational PerformanceIndicators). The Dunedin campus is the fifth mostbeautiful in the world, with impressive historic andmodern architecture, situated just a short walk fromthe main city centre.

students living, working, and studying in Dunedin,
creating an energy and atmosphere you will only findat Otago. Experience a true “kiwi” student lifestyle in the
lively neighbourhoods surrounding campus, living as acommunity in Uniflats, self-catering flats. Otago is ranked#1 in the country for international student learning,with high student satisfaction rates, and world-classresearch-led teaching. For the adventure seeking
student, experience the duality of study and travelthat is highly appealing and accessible in Otago.

Dunedin is Australasia’s only true student city, offering
an unmatched student experience with over 20,000

Join our community of international students frommore than 100 countries!

DUNEDIN is a small yet lively city on New Zealand’s South Island, recognised for its striking natural beauty

and rich cultural heritage. Enveloped by gorgeous natural scenery, between the mountains, the harbour
and the sea, with plenty to see and explore. Adventure is on Dunedin’s doorstep, with the beauty of all
four seasons prompting an abundance of opportunities, from surfing, to skiing, to mountain biking with the South Island travelable within a day. No other city in New Zealand has the same range,
quality and accessibility of leisure activities. Spend your weekends hitting New Zealand’s top ski
fields in Central Otago, and return home to the country’s wildlife capital, with rare creatures
such as the Yellow-Eyed Penguin decorating Dunedin’s coast.

More information:
otago.ac.nz
otago.ac.nz/student-exchange
otago.ac.nz/international
International Mobility and Partnerships Team
Study Abroad and Exchange Guide
exchange@otago.ac.nz

AucklandWellington
Christchurch
Dunedin

Otago videos:
360° Campus Video
Study Abroad at the University of Otago
UniFlats Student Accommodation at Otago
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EXCHANGE INFORMATION
CampusExchange students attend courses offered at the Dunedin
campus only.

Academic year

The academic year is divided into two main teaching
periods (semesters), and a Summer School.
Summer School: January to February
Semester 1: February to June
Semester 2: July to November
Key dates: otago.ac.nz/news/events/keydates
Minimum duration: Summer School (January–February)
Maximum duration: two semesters

Restricted programmes

Medicine, Dentistry, Psychiatry, Physiotherapy, Pharmacology,
Pharmacy or any other clinical course are not open toexchange students. Some Otago courses such as MBA,Wildlife Management and Master of Science Communication
are restricted in admissions.

Academic requirements

Normally students are required to have a minimum B average
grade (70%) in order to gain admission to the University of Otago.

English proficiency

Students are required to meet the English language
requirements to study at the University of Otago. For theexchange nominees Otago will accept the Otago English
Language Proficiency Statement completed by the Exchange/
Study Abroad Adviser at the home institution.

Mandatory insurance• Studentsafe-University is Otago’s recommended insurance
policy.
• This is a comprehensive travel and health insurance.
• Registration is automatic.
• Alternative insurance policies must be assessed up to six
weeks before you start at Otago.

Course load

• Exchange students are required to maintain afull-time student status while at Otago.
• Minimum course load: 54 points per semester(three papers).
• Maximum course load: 72 points per semester(four papers).
• Entry to any course (except 100-level) is based on
relevant academic background.

Explore courses

Otago offers flexible study options with over 140 subjects
to choose from! There is no limit on the number of students
accepted to a particular course, entry to any course isbased on relevant academic background.
• Academics – information for exchange students• Full list of courses offered at Otago• Division of Humanities• Otago Business School• Division of Sciences• Summer School at Otago• Study options when English is a second language• Discover Aotearoa/New Zealand: A selection of
New Zealand and Pacific-focused courses• Discover Aotearoa/New Zealand: Fieldwork courses• School of Māori, Pacific and Indigenous Studies• Study climate change and sustainability• School of Geography• Study Politics• Study Psychology

Visa

All exchange students must obtain a student visa prior totheir arrival in New Zealand.

Examination

Students must sit their final exams while still on the Otago campus.
Further information: otago.ac.nz/exams

Transcripts

As global higher education moves towards more sustainable
practices, the University of Otago has transitioned toelectronic transcript sharing via My eQuals

Otago on Social Media• facebook.com/otagouniversity• facebook.com/OtagoInternationalOffice• facebook.com/OtagoGlobalStudentExchange• instagram.com/universityofotago/• instagram.com/universityofotagointernational/• instagram.com/otagoexchange/

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NOMINATION AND APPLICATION
Nomination deadline

Nomination system

Please send us your exchange nomination by completingthe 2024 Exchange Nomination Form.

• 1 October (for Summer School and February start)• 1 March (for July start)
Early nominations are preferred; late nominations may beaccepted. Please contact the Otago Exchange Adviser onindividual cases.

The University of Otago will email the application instructions
directly to the nominated student.

Exchange application timeline

SEMESTER 1SEMESTER 2123456

Your homeuniversity
nominates you

An Otago Exchange
Adviser emails
you application
instructions

You applyonline

You receive
acknowledgementof application
completition

An offerof a place isemailed to you

You apply
for your NZ
student visa

By 1 October

From August

By 30 October

4–6 weeks

As soon as possible

By 1 March

From February

By 30 March

4–6 weeks

As soon as possible

ACCOMMODATION
University Flats

The University of Otago is renowned for its residential
campus environment and you are encouraged to apply
for accommodation in one of our University Flats (UniFlats). All Uni Flats are located within an easy walk of theUniversity campus and main shopping centre. Students
share the cleaning and cooking duties and usually shop
together for food. The residential fee includes the cost of
your room, electricity, internet, bed linen, community eventsand the services of the Uni Flats team. All Uni Flats are fully
furnished, including a basic kitchen setup.

Cost of Living

Please see Otago Living Costs for detailed information.

M01698-LJ-20230621

otago.ac.nz/uniflats
In order to be considered for accommodation with Uni Flats
you must first register and then apply online through theStudent Accommodation Centre:
Apply for University Flats accommodation3