Postgraduate International students
There are seven important steps involved in the process of coming to the University of Otago to study at postgraduate level
Application Information & Closing Dates
Application Notes
All applications will be acknowledged and sent to the relevant academic department and divisional office for evaluation and approval.
Applications for PhD study will also be assessed by the Graduate Research Committee.
The application processing time can be up to four weeks for coursework programmes, and up to three months for programmes that are research only.
You are encouraged to apply as early as possible.
Closing Dates for Coursework Programmes
The application closing dates for programmes containing a coursework component are:
- First Semester: 31 October of the preceding year
- Second Semester: 30 April of the current year
Please Note
- Applications for Dentistry programmes close on 31 May for commencement in the next academic year. Applicants must complete an additional School of Dentistry application.
- Applicants for the MBA (Master of Business Administration) programme should visit the MBA website.
- Successful applicants for postgraduate Physiotherapy programmes will need to arrange for temporary registration as a physiotherapist. Further information can be obtained from the Physiotherapy Board of New Zealand.
- Applicants for the Postgraduate Diploma in Wildlife Management (PGDipWLM) must submit all application materials by 1 October. Applicants must complete an additional application form.
- Applicants for the Master of Science Communication must complete an additional application form.
Research Only Programmes
Applicants for research-only (thesis) programmes may commence study at any time of the year and may submit an application throughout the year.
Specific entrance requirements for Postgraduate International students.
Finding Supervision for your Research
If you are interested in studying at the University of Otago as a PhD or Masters by thesis student you will need to contact the relevant department(s) to ensure that supervision is available for your proposed area of research is able to be undertaken at the University of Otago.
Prior to application, you need to:
- Identify the research interests of the relevant department(s) and individual staff members. The University of Otago expertise database is a good place to start.
- Develop a possible research topic that fits in with these interests.
- Approach a potential supervisor to see if vacancies exist for research supervision.
When applying, you need to include the following with your application:
- A detailed research proposal that shows you are familiar with current literature surrounding your topic.
- An up-to date curriculum vitae.
- The name of the academic staff member with whom you have been in contact.
- An approximate start date.
Meeting the English language requirements
All courses at the University of Otago are taught and examined in English. If your first language is not English you must provide evidence of a satisfactory level of English language proficiency.
The minimum requirements for postgraduate study are:
- University of Otago English for Otago with a grade of C or higher
- IELTS (International English Language Testing System) score of 6.5 in the academic module (with no individual band below 6.0)
- Paper-based TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) score of 587 with TWE (Test of Written English) 4.5
- Internet-based TOEFL score of 95 with a minimum writing score of 22
- Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE) - Grade B
- APIEL (Advanced Placement International English Language) Examination - Grade 4
Some programmes require higher levels of achievement than the minimum requirements listed above. The following is not an exhaustive list:
- Postgraduate Diploma/Master of Public Health - IELTS of 7.5 - must be provided before applications will be considered
- Postgraduate Dentistry courses - refer to School of Dentistry application form for details
- Graduate Diploma of Teaching - IELTS of 7.5 in the academic module with no individual band below 7.5
- Postgraduate Marketing and Accounting - IELTS of 7.0
Students enrolling in courses leading to the Diploma for Graduates (regardless of content or endorsement) must meet the standard postgraduate English requirements above.
If your English proficiency does not yet meet the required standard you may take a course at the University of Otago Language Centre (UOLC). The UOLC offers courses in General English and English for Academic Purposes, and is a registered test centre for TOEFL and IELTS.
Most academic departments will consider applications on a conditional basis, pending receipt of English test results.
Payment of Fees
- The University of Otago does not charge an application fee.
- Tuition fees must be paid in full before a student visa can be issued.
- Tuition fees cannot be paid in instalments.
Information about international tuition fees
If you have any further queries please check the frequently asked questions on AskOtago.
