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Certificate of Proficiency – Undergraduate (COP)

Overview

If you wish to take one or more papers without enrolling in a University of Otago qualification, you may enrol in the Certificate of Proficiency (COP).

Application

There are two application options for the COP:

  • Certificate of Proficiency — General Otago. For the general study of papers at the University of Otago which are not being credited towards an Otago qualification
  • Certificate of Proficiency — Other NZ university. For students intending to credit their University of Otago study to another university in New Zealand

Student exchange and Study Abroad

Exchange and Study Abroad students coming from outside New Zealand should follow the application processes for these programmes:

Otago Global Student Exchange

Study Abroad at Otago

Ready to apply?

If this is the qualification for you, get started with your application today.

Programme details

University jargon

Starting to research your study options and already feeling lost in the jargon? Here are some handy links for common terms you’re likely to come across.


Further study

We offer postgraduate opportunities tailored to your interests at Honours, Master's and PhD level.


More information

Contact our Schools' Liaison and International teams

Want to connect with a real person and get some advice? Find your Schools' Liaison officer, chat with our International team in New Zealand or your own country, or submit a question through our online form.

Taking a COP paper at another New Zealand university

A candidate who requires less than a full-time course to complete an Otago qualification may do so by taking approved papers for Certificate of Proficiency (COP) at another university in New Zealand. Prior written approval must be obtained from Student Development. 300-level papers will not be approved unless the 300-level papers specified in a major subject requirement have previously been passed at the University of Otago.


This information must be read subject to the statement on our Copyright & Disclaimer page.

Regulations on this page are taken from the 2025 Calendar and supplementary material.

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