What to expect
Once the examination timetable has been finalised, each student's examination information will be displayed in the Timetable section of their eVision portal.
As per the University of Otago Examination and Assessment Regulations, candidates are expected to sit their final examinations as scheduled. In exceptional circumstances, clearly beyond the candidate's control and known about in advance, a Variation to the Regulations may be granted.
The standard start times for University of Otago examinations are 9:30am, 2:30pm, and 6:30pm (please note that the timetable uses 24-hour time), and most examinations are two or three hours long.
There is no provision for a separate reading time during University of Otago final examinations. Candidates are admitted into an examination room five minutes before the start time. Examinations are held in rooms across the Dunedin campus and, in the case of Distance Learning students, venues in New Zealand and overseas.
Prior to examinations, all candidates must read the relevant rules for examinations:
- Examination rules (PDF)
- Digital Examination Rules (PDF)
There is also a link to the University of Otago Examination Rules in the Examinations and Results section of the student eVision portal.
The University regards any infringement of the Examination Rules very seriously. For more information, please see:
Academic Integrity and Academic Misconduct Information for Students
Support services during examinations
The University of Otago can provide support for candidates during a time that can be stressful. Please see below for some resources that you may find helpful. If your circumstances don't seem to fit into any of the categories outlined below, please email examinations@otago.ac.nz to discuss what kind of support we may be able to offer.
Disability Information & Support
The University of Otago is committed to supporting candidates who experience difficulty sitting examinations under conventional circumstances as a result of permanent, recurring or temporary impairment. Alternative Arrangements for final examinations accommodate the needs of these candidates to provide an equitable opportunity to participate and achieve.
Student Health
Student Health is committed to providing the best health care possible in a manner that is competent, compassionate, confidential, timely and in an atmosphere of mutual responsibility and respect.
Student Learning Development
Student Learning Development has a wealth of experience and resources available to help you develop effective study skills. They can help with everything from developing positive study habits to preparing for examinations. They run regular workshops and have a great selection of online resources.
University Chaplains
The Otago Tertiary Chaplains can help anyone dealing with spiritual or religious questions, homesickness or grief. They provide pastoral care and a listening ear, support people of faith, or no faith, in groups or individually, pray with or for you, and provide informal worship opportunities.
OUSA
Student Support is free, friendly and confidential. They are there to help you with any concerns or questions you may have and will work with you every step of the way.
Other student services
Use of calculators in final examinations
Examiners will decide on one of four available options:
- No calculators permitted
- Calculator models as specified by the University of Otago in List A of approved calculators (scientific calculators)
- Calculator models as specified by the University of Otago in List B of approved calculators (scientific and graphing calculators)
- Any model of calculator provided this is battery powered, silent, truly portable and free of communication capabilities
Prior to your examinations, please ensure that you are aware which option applies for each of the papers you are studying.
University of Otago approved calculators:
List A – Scientific Calculators:
- Casio FX82
- Casio FX100
- Sharp EL531
- Casio FX570
- Casio FX95
- Casio FX991
List B – Scientific and Graphing Calculators:
- Casio FX82
- Casio FX100
- Sharp EL531
- Casio FX570
- Casio FX95
- Casio FX991
- Casio FX9750
- Casio FX9860
Any version of the approved models will be accepted. Calculators that are not one of the approved models will not be permitted, regardless of how similar they may appear to the approved models. If you bring a non-approved calculator into an examination which allows approved calculators only, it will be confiscated for the duration of the examination.
Pre-examination checklist
1. Date and location
Check and double-check your eVision portal for the:
2. Examination rules
Familiarise yourself with the relevant rules:
- Examination rules (PDF)
- Digital Examination Rules (PDF)
3. Identification
Make sure you have approved photo ID – your Otago Student ID is preferred, but you may use a current passport or driver's licence.
4. Calculators
Check with the course co-ordinators regarding the calculator provisions for your examinations:
- Calculator provisions (PDF)
If only approved calculators will be permitted, ensure that you will have access to one for the examination(s) concerned.
Final Examination Student Feedback form
To report any exam-related issues or to provide feedback on your exam experience, please fill out a Final Examination Student Feedback form.
Final Examination Student Feedback form
Please note: To report a specific IT or system incident that has occurred during an online exam, use the Online Examinations Incident report form (below).
Online Exam Incident Report Form
The Online Examination Incident Report form is used to let us know about any questions or problems during an exam.
Online Examination Incident Report Form
Please complete the Online Examination Incident Report form if you are a:
- Student and experience a problem that affects your exam performance (e.g. IT / technical problem, illness or other exceptional circumstance)
- Staff member and provide assistance to a student during their exam
Please describe the incident and actions taken in as much detail as possible.