University of Otago

Exchange Fact Sheet
2025
The University of Otago
Nau mai, haere mai ki Ōtākou Whakaihu Waka – a globally
recognised university nestled among the natural beauty ofNew Zealand’s spectacular South Island. The University ofOtago is Aotearoa New Zealand’s first university, founded in
1869, and is the top university in the country for educationalperformance (TEC Educational Performance Indicators). Our
Dunedin campus is recognised as one of the world’s
most-beautiful campuses, with impressive historic andmodern architecture, situated just a short walk from themain city centre.

Dunedin is Australasia’s only true student city, offering
an unmatched student experience with over 20,000
students living, working, and studying in Dunedin,
creating an energy and atmosphere you will only find atOtago. 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 travel that is highly
appealing and accessible in Otago. Join our community ofinternational students from more 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 andaccessibility 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.

AucklandWellington

More information:

Otago videos: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

360° Campus Video
Study Abroad at the University of Otago UniFlatsStudent Accommodation at Otago
Pride in Identity
A place of many firsts

ChristchurchDunedin
1

Exchange Information

Restricted programmes

Exchange students attend courses offered at the Dunedin
campus only.

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

Academic year

Academic requirements

Campus

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

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

English proficiency
Students are required to meet the English language requirements to study at the University of Otago. For the exchange
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.

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

Course load
• Exchange students are required to maintain a full-timestudent status while at Otago.
• Minimum course load: 54 points per semester (threepapers).
• Maximum course load: 72 points per semester (fourpapers).
• 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 is basedon 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 NewZealand and Pacific-focused courses
Discover Aotearoa/New Zealand: Fieldwork courses
School of Māori, Pacific and Indigenous Studies
Study climate change and sustainability
English, Linguistics and Writing
Philosophy, Politics and Economic
Physical Education, Sport and Exercise Sciences
Study Psychology

2Examination
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 to electronic 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/

Nomination and Application
Nomination system

Nomination deadline• 1 October (for Summer School and February start)• 1 March (for July start)

The home institution should send exchange nominations
by completing the 2025 Exchange Nomination Form.

Early nominations are preferred; late nominations
may be accepted. Please contact the Otago
Exchange Adviser on individual cases.

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

Exchange application timeline

12Your home
An Otago Exchange
university
Adviser emails
nominates you
you application
instructions

34

56You apply
online

You receive
acknowledgementof application
completition

An offer ofplace is emailed
to youYou apply
for your NZ
student visa

Semester 1 From 1 Aug - 1 Oct

From August

By 31 October

4-6 weeks

As soon as possible

Semester 2 From 1 Jan - 1 Mar

From February

By 31 March

4-6 weeks

As soon as possible

Accommodation
University Flats

Cost of Living

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.
otago.ac.nz/uniflats

Please see Otago Living Costs for detailed information.

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