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Study opportunities on the Christchurch campus

If you find a topic of interest, email the potential supervisor with your curriculum vitae, and academic transcript.

Once you have received confirmation that the academic staff member is willing to supervise you, go online to complete an application. The University operates an online application and enrolment system called eVision. You will be guided through the process as you go.

Student visas

Once you have received an offer of place you can apply for a student visa.

Support Services for International Students

Introduction to Christchurch City

Arriving in Christchurch

Students should arrange short-term accommodation before arriving in Christchurch.

Living in Christchurch

Christchurch is the gateway to New Zealand's South Island. Bordered by hills and the Pacific Ocean, it is situated on the edge of the Canterbury Plains that stretch to the Southern Alps.

Food and drink

Asian Foods Markets:
  • Big T Asian Supermarket
    21 Foremans Road, Hornby (03) 349 0288
  • KOSCO Asian Supermarket
    227 Blenheim Road (03) 343 3101
  • Maihan Supermarket & Halal Meat
    303 Colombo Street, Sydenham, (03) 332 1897
  • Guruji Indian Supermarket
    12 Bath Street (near South City Mall) (03) 374 5222
  • Halal NZ Meat
    292 Lincoln Road, Addington (03) 339 6344
Halal Food guides:
Alcohol

The legal drinking age in New Zealand is 18.

Many bars and restaurants will require proof that you are at least 18 years old before they will serve you alcohol.

Most places will not accept your international driver's licence as a form of identification. In order to avoid carrying your passport with you, you may want to purchase an 18 Plus Card.

18 Plus Card website

Getting around Christchurch

Buses

Cycling

Christchurch is the city of cycling, with more people biking here than any other city in New Zealand.

  • Cycle map and cycle routes
  • Safety information - helmets and lights are compulsory
  • Always lock your cycle. The Christchurch Hospital complex has a secure bicycle parking area with swipe card access.

Driving in New Zealand

The New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA) website is a great resource for finding information on driving in New Zealand. Free phone: 0800 822 422.

The Visiting Driver Training Programme is an interactive video that will assess your knowledge and understanding of driving in NZ and help you prepare for NZ road rules and road conditions.

Before driving around the city:
  • You must have a drivers licence. You can use your international drivers licence for a maximum of one year. After one year you must get a New Zealand licence.
  • You need to know the road rules. The rules are explained in a book called the Road Code. You can access it online on the NZTA (New Zealand Transport Agency) website
  • Parking in Christchurch

Contact information

Email postgrad.uoc@otago.ac.nz

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