The University of Otago has three main examination periods
- The Summer School examinations run from 16 to 21 February 2013 (inclusive)
- Semester One examinations run from 5 to 19 June 2013 (inclusive)
- Semester Two and Full Year examinations run from 16 October to 9 November 2013 (inclusive)
Examination Timetables
Information about the Examination Timetables will be displayed as follows:
- Summer School - late January
- Semester One papers - mid-April
- Semester Two and Full Year papers - mid-August
Students’ individual timetables will be displayed on PIMS prior to each written final examination period, giving the date, time, and venue for each examination they are to sit, once these details are finalised.
When the examination timetables are available they are also posted on this website.
Times, dates and venues for Department-run examinations such as oral and practical examinations will be displayed on Department notice boards or on Blackboard.
Standard start times for written final examinations are 0930, 1430 or 1830 hours. Examinations are either 2 or 3 hours in duration unless you have been advised otherwise by your lecturers.
- Check the details of each examination and make sure you know which room to go to.
- Take your Student ID Card to each examination as proof of your eligibility to sit that examination.
The last dates for withdrawal are 4 February for Summer School papers, 3 May for Semester One papers, and 13 September for Semester Two and Full Year papers. Withdrawal after these dates is normally only possible in exceptional circumstances (for example, for medical reasons).
Any candidate who decides not to continue with a paper after the above dates and does not sit the final examination will receive a final result comprising a zero for the examination plus any results obtained for internal assessment.
Alternative Examination Arrangements
Alternative Examination Arrangements are designed to assist students with impairments who may experience difficulty sitting exams under conventional circumstances. Alternative Examination Arrangements accommodate the needs of students with impairments to provide for them an equitable opportunity to participate and achieve.
To apply for alternative arrangements for final examinations, pick up a request form from Disability Information and Support, fill it out, attach documentation (from your doctor, physiotherapist, counsellor, psychologist, learning specialist, etc.) verifying your need for such arrangements, and return the completed form to Disability Information & Support by the closing date. Late applications (other than in the case of an accident, or the onset of a new condition) will not be accepted. Deadlines for applying for alternative examination arrangements are as follows:
- 15 January - Summer School papers
- 1 May - Semester One papers
- 1 September - Semester Two and Full Year papers
Further Information regarding Alternative Examination Arrangements.
Variations from the University's Regulations
There are no provisions for candidates to sit final examinations at different times or at different places from those scheduled. In the case of internally enrolled students the examination centre is Dunedin. In the case of Extramural or Distance Learning Programme students, the examination centre is the nearest University examination venue to their normal study location.
Variations from the University's Examination Regulations are granted only very rarely and only in exceptional circumstances clearly beyond the candidate’s control. Established criteria for such circumstances include:
- Bereavement in immediate family;
- Wedding of a member of immediate family, or where the candidate has been invited to be a member of the bridal party;
- Serious illness / incapacity (candidate or immediate family);
- Posting of a member of the New Zealand Armed Forces or of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs;
- Competing or participating as a national representative
- Competing or officiating at an international competition recognised by a fully constituted international governing body
- Trialling, as a genuine contender, for selection as a national representative, as verified by a fully constituted national governing body
- A candidate’s religious commitment prohibits such activity on the date scheduled.
All applications must include verifying documentation.
Variations are not possible other than in the above circumstances so be sure to make your bookings for your return home for a date after the conclusion of the examination period.
If your circumstances fall into one of these categories, please write by the deadlines below to the Group Leader, Examinations Office, University of Otago, P O Box 56, Dunedin, outlining your situation, and include verifying documentation with your letter.
Deadlines:
- 1 February - Summer School papers
- 1 May - Semester One papers
- 1 September - Semester Two and Full Year papers
Variations cannot be considered at short notice.
If you have queries or concerns about examinations, come and talk to the staff at the Examinations Office. We will do our best to help you to resolve any problems.
Examination Rooms
Download the Dunedin Examination Rooms location map (in PDF format).
