Information for Incoming Exchange students
- About the Exchange Programme
- Academic Information
- Papers Available
- Prepare for Otago
- Study Options for International Students
- Accommodation
- Obtaining a Student Visa
- Medical & Travel Insurance
- Financial Matters and the Cost of Living in New Zealand
- University of Otago on iTunes U
About the Exchange Programme
Students from partner universities can attend Otago for either one or two semesters on exchange, pay no tuition fees and credit the work they complete at Otago back to their home degree. This is made possible under a bi-lateral agreement which has been signed by your home university and the University of Otago.
The Exchange Office of the University of Otago is dedicated to facilitating the exchange of students and assisting both outgoing and incoming exchange students to take part in this unique international experience.
Your first point of contact when applying to come to the University of Otago as an exchange student should be the Exchange Office at your home institution. So if you have not yet done so, please contact your home university for more information about the requirements to come to the University of Otago as an exchange student.
University of Otago worldwide exchange partners
If your home university is not on this list then you are not eligible for student exchange but can come to the University of Otago as an international study abroad student.
Further information for Study Abroad students
Academic Information
Language of instruction
English is the language of instruction.
Course Information
While there is no limit on the number of students accepted to a particular course, entry to any course is based on relevant academic background.
Please note:
- some Otago courses such as Master of Business Administration (MBA), Wildlife Management and Marine Science are restricted in admissions - see the notes in the course catalogue.
- the following courses are not open to exchange students: Medicine, Dentistry, Psychiatry, Physiotherapy, Pharmacology, Pharmacy or any other clinical course.
Course Load Requirements
Minimum = 54 Points per semester
Maximum = 90 Points per semester
Additional information on academic work load and points
Papers Available
If you are considering coming to the University of Otago as a Study Abroad or Exchange student you may wish to have a look at the papers that are available.
Please note: Not all of these papers are available to International students.
Prepare for Otago
The University of Otago offers new exchange students a free course in February each year focusing on study, language and cultural skills. Prepare for Otago is designed to be an extended orientation course. It will focus on the elements of Academic English students will need while studying at the University of Otago, and there will be a strong emphasis on language practice. This course will also offer students the chance to familiarise themselves with the New Zealand accent and some aspects of New Zealand academic culture before lectures start.
For information on course objectives, dates and application form, please download the Prepare for Otago application form.
Study Options for International Students
Study options for International students whose first language is not English (550k in pdf format).
If you have any further queries please ask the International Office for further details on the application procedures.
