An exceptional Study Abroad experience, both inside and outside the classroom.
If your university doesn't have an exchange agreement with us you can still study at Otago on our Study Abroad programme.
You can apply independently, as part of a programme organised by your university, or through a Study Abroad placement organisation.
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).
Detailed information about applying to study with us
You can select from an extensive range of papers (courses). Learn more about your adopted home, or even get out and explore Dunedin and the wider region through a number of papers with a fieldwork component:
Study Abroad and Exchange Guide (PDF)
Study Abroad and Exchange Guide (eBook)
Apply to Otago as a Study Abroad student
Follow these steps:
- Make sure that you have all the necessary supporting documents for your online application
- If English is not your first language, you need to meet our undergraduate English requirements
Tuition fees and estimated living costs
The tuition fee for one semester of Study Abroad at the University of Otago is NZ $13,500
Information about tuition fees and living costs
Study Abroad scholarship
Gilman-McCain Scholarship
Education New Zealand has partnered with the US Department of State to provide additional funds for the Gilman New Zealand Scholarship. Applicants must be receiving a Federal Pell Grant to be considered.
Learn more about the eligibility requirements and application processes.
Dunedin life
Our 20,000 students make up one sixth 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.
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 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.
Applying for accommodation – University Flats
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