University of Otago Study Abroad
The University of Otago offers students an exceptional Study Abroad experience, both inside and outside the classoom.
Otago boasts modern lecture theatres, research labs and libraries; engaged and accessible teachers who are experts in their fields; and a campus regularly voted amongst the most beautiful in the world.
Study Abroad students can select from an extensive range of papers (courses), with many opting to learn more about their adopted home or even get out and explore Dunedin and the wider region through numerous papers with a fieldwork component:
Dunedin Life
Our 20,000 students make up one fifth of Dunedin’s population, creating an energy and atmosphere that you’ll only find at Otago. The town and the University campus developed together, so Dunedin is one of just a handful of places worldwide where education is the main activity of the city.
Our campus and student accommodation are located in the heart of town, and all of Dunedin’s cafés, music venues, designer boutiques and stores, museums and galleries are never more than a short walk away.
When it comes to sport, Otago takes on the best in the world. The University’s facilities are state-of-the-art and New Zealand’s only covered sports field, Forsyth Barr Stadium, is right on your doorstep for top-level rugby.
Adventure awaits
Dunedin is a small city between the mountains, the harbour and the sea – that means there’s heaps to do and it’s easy to get to. Experience the distinctive beauty of each of Dunedin’s four seasons. The temperate climate brings warm summers and mild winters with some frost and very occasional snowfalls. No other city in the country has the same range, quality and accessibility of leisure activities. Ride the best waves in the world, take on mighty mountain biking tracks, paddle-board, kayak or sail on the harbour, or head to Central Otago for a weekend on New
Zealand’s top ski fields.
Imagine changing out of your wetsuit then walking to the city centre for lunch, or snowboarding all day and getting home in time to catch your favourite band. It’s just part of life in Dunedin.
Applying to Study Abroad at Otago
Study Abroad students can enrol for one or two semesters at the University of Otago independently, or as part of a Study Abroad programme organised by their home university or a Study Abroad placement organisation. Students can enrol in Semester One (starting February), Semester Two (starting July), or Summer School (starting January).
Applying to Otago as a Study Abroad student is a simple process. All you need to do is:
- Complete our online application by clicking the Apply Now button on this page
- Attach all necessary supporting documents
- If English is not your first language, you need to meet our undergraduate English requirements
See more application information
Accommodation
Almost all of Otago’s study abroad students choose to live in University Flats. All of the flats are located in the main local student neighbourhoods, and all are within 15 minutes walk of campus and the city centre. We endeavour to place at least one local student in each University Flat, these students are known as “kiwi hosts”. This unique living arrangement offers a much higher level of integration with the local student community and is a major benefit of the Otago Study Abroad experience. Every flat houses between 2-6 students, and all are furnished; plus you will have your own bedroom which is also fully furnished with double bed, mattress, desk, chair, and drawers.
Study Abroad Tuition Fees & Estimated Living Costs
Tuition fees and living costs information
Study Abroad Scholarships
- Go Overseas Study Abroad in New Zealand Scholarship
In conjunction with Go Overseas, Education New Zealand and the New Zealand universities are offering a one semester full-tuition scholarship. Find out more about the Go Overseas Study Abroad in New Zealand Scholarship. - Generation Study Abroad
The University of Otago has committed to the USA’s IIE Generation Study Abroad Initiative to increase the number of American students studying overseas. The University of Otago is proud to support this initiative with scholarships in association with Education New Zealand. Find out more about the Generation Study Abroad Excellence and Travel Awards. - Dream NEW Scholarships
Education New Zealand and the New Zealand universities offer scholarships for students studying at institutes in the European Union who are wishing to spend a semester in New Zealand. Find out more about Dream NEW Scholarships.
When can I study at Otago?
Study Abroad students can join Otago for:
- Semester One: February-June
- Semester Two: July-November
- Summer School: January-February
Otago International School
For international students looking for a shorter term study option the Otago International School is a three-week programme, taught on our Dunedin campus as a full-credit study option. It is then followed by an independent study period, which can be completed by distance.
In 2019 the Otago International School will take place in June and July. Exact dates for the 2019 programme are still to be confirmed, please check back soon.