Benefits of studying at the University of Otago Foundation Year
Welcome to the University of Otago Foundation Year
- Study at the University of Otago, New Zealand's first university and the top ranked university for research quality*.
- Learn in a modern and comfortable building on campus at the University of Otago.
- With over 20,000 students and 2,500 international students from 80 countries on campus, you will meet people from all over the world.
- The university offers many courses at undergraduate and postgraduate level in Humanities, Health Sciences, Science and Business.
- Foundation Year prepares you for undergraduate degrees in Humanities, Health Sciences, Science and Business.
- Our academic streams are designed to help you prepare for and gain the knowledge you will need for undergraduate study.
Streams
Special Features
- Highly qualified and experienced teachers and friendly, professional staff
- Diverse student cultures and nationalities
- Fast processing of applications and online visa service will renew student visas or change a visitor visa to a student visa
- Three intakes per year - February and June - all streams, October - all streams except Health Sciences
- Five week Foundation Year Bridging Courses available - January, May and September
- Non-IELTS pathways to the Foundation Year Bridging Course or Foundation Year
- Small class sizes - 16 students
- Academic advice on future study pathways and career planning
- Access to the Internet and email
- Wireless campus
- Student common room
- Welcoming Kiwi homestay families and free airport pickup if you stay with a homestay family. Most homestays are located on bus routes that link to the city and campus.
- University owned accommodation or private flats
- Comprehensive introduction to study and living in Dunedin - a safe, attractive city
- Weekly sports and social activities
- Student ID card gives access to University of Otago resources
Other Benefits
- You will find out what it is like to be taught in lecture theatres and laboratories on campus as well as being taught in our comfortable classrooms.
- You will learn how to work and study independently and in small groups.
- You will develop communication, time management and problem solving skills.
- You will learn how to improve your essay writing and research skills
- You will build on your English language skills by taking our Academic English course.
- You will have free one-on-one consultation times where teachers help you learn new information and study skills.
University Study
- Guaranteed places are offered in first year undergraduate courses if you meet all requirements.
- Courses that have restricted entry have a small number of places available for international students. These courses are Dentistry, Pharmacy, Physiotherapy, Medical Laboratory Sciences, Physical Education and Land Surveying.
- The Foundation Year Certificate (Foundation Studies Certificate) is recognised by all universities in New Zealand and by most Australian universities on a case by case basis.
* Ministry of Research, Science and Technology, Research and Development in New Zealand (Wellington, 2006), Tertiary Education Commission, PBRF Quality Evaluation 2006 (Wellington, 2007).