Make the most of your time at Otago
The University of Otago is a great place to study – and the Pacific Islands Centre can help smooth your journey from first year through to graduation. Looking for help with assignments, funding for your studies, or just the opportunity to socialise with other Pacific students? The Centre can help make your time at Otago successful and fun.
Don't be afraid to ask for help and contact the services that can best help you during your time at Otago.
Facilities within the Centre
Come see us for study assistance, general advice, or just to relax. Enjoy the use of our study space, student computers, and wireless internet.
Academic Mentoring Programme
The Taimane Academic Mentoring Programme helps Pacific students achieve their full potential at Otago.
Find out more about the Programme
Extra tutorials and study nights
Need a hand with your studies? Extra tutorials held by the Pacific Islands Centre are free for all Pacific Islands students, except NZAID sponsored students. NZAID students have funding to cover extra private tutorials. Mainstream tutors from the academic departments are recruited to run these tutorials.
Tutorials schedule
- The Extra Tutorial schedule is usually available shortly after the main lecture timetable is finalised
- However please note that times are subject to change so please continually check your student email for the latest updates
- Please contact the Academic Programmes Coordinator for any queries regarding tutorials
- Please fill in our online form to register for extra tutorials
Study nights
Supervised study nights are also held at the Pacific Islands Centre, Oceania House from Monday - Thursday, 7pm-9pm. While these are set up mainly for Fofoa students, any Pacific student may attend if they wish.
Please contact us if you'd like to help organise and set up study groups.
The Student Learning Centre
The Student Learning Centre has a variety of study workshops on offer (essay writing, note taking, referencing, how to write a thesis, exam workshops, etc), Peer Assisted Study Sessions (PASS) and plenty of online resources to help you through your studies.
Please contact the Pacific Islands Centre if you cannot find what you need.
Postgraduate student support
The Pacific Postgraduate Reference Group supports Pacific postgraduate and research students.
Scholarships advice
The University of Otago has a large and generous scholarships scheme, with some scholarships specifically available to Pacific people. Study grants are also available to Pacific students to study at postgraduate level.
Find out about scholarships available to Pacific Island students.
Pacific Islands community networks
Make contact with Pacific communities within New Zealand
Embassy contact information is also provided.
Distance Pacific students
Study at Otago – and live elsewhere. You don't have to live in Dunedin to be a part of the Pacific student network at Otago. The University of Otago has over 120 programmes available for you to study by distance.
Our job at the Pacific Islands Centre is to assist you in your academic journey in any way possible – and we would love to meet you in person when you graduate!
Find out about the Academic Mentoring Programme
Contact us for blackboard access to the Pacific Islands Centre, which will provide you with important information and details of upcoming events.
Check out the Otago Distance Learning Programme website
Students' Associations
Pacific students' associations at Otago provide strong advocacy support
Graduation – celebrating your success
Otago graduation ceremonies take place in May, August and December. The Pacific Islands Centre holds graduation breakfasts for graduates and their families to celebrate their achievements.
Visit the Graduation at Otago page on the main University site