How to chose your papers
Watch the video to learn how to plan and structure your degree.
Follow these steps to select your papers and submit them for approval.
Step 1 - Log into eVision
Log into your eVision portal to select the papers you wish to study for the year. The system will guide you through the process by suggesting papers relevant to your programme.
Step 2 - Select your papers
As you select papers, eVision automatically enforces paper selection rules, such as checking you have completed any prerequisite papers. A pop-up window will appear if you don't meet the conditions to select a particular paper and explain why.
- If you're enrolling for more than one programme, you'll need to complete the selection of papers for one programme before going back to select papers for the next. Only click 'Submit' once you've selected papers for all your programmes.
- In some cases (e.g. double major), you may have to scroll down to select a required paper listed under your second major.
- For some specialised programmes (e.g HSFY , HSUPP ) the paper selection is automated and students don't need to choose their papers.
- Some programmes such as PhD, EdD and Diploma for Graduates, require University staff to select papers for you in eVision.
Special and Departmental Permission
If you want to select a paper that the rules don't allow, you can request 'Special Permission' at the end of the paper selection process by entering your request on the 'Review and submit' page.
Some papers require Departmental Permission. You can select these papers during paper selection but a place is not immediately guaranteed. University staff will use eVision to approve or decline the papers when they assess your course for approval.
This process is used for a number of reasons, including where the number of places in a paper are limited for resource-related reasons.
- See the list of papers with enrolment limitations
- Learn more about Special Permission and Departmental Permission
If you've questions about the paper selection process or how to request permission for papers, our team at AskOtago can help.
Step 3 - Review before submitting
Once you've selected all your papers, eVision shows you a summary of your course on the 'Review and submit' page, which includes any warnings about your choices, such as a high workload and timetable clashes.
You're also given the opportunity to view your 'Course Fee Assessment' detailing your course tuition fees based on your current paper selection and enrolment fee status.
Step 4 - Submit your paper selection
If you're happy with the course, select 'Submit'. If not, click 'Change papers' to make changes to your selection.
What happens after you submit your papers for approval.
Need help choosing your programme or papers?
If you're unsure, talk to your Schools' Liaison Officer or one of our Student Development Student Advisers.
- Contact our Schools' Liaison and International teams
- Make an appointment with a Student Adviser
- View recommended workload for first-year students
Learn about the application process at Otago
View our step-by-step instructions for applying for a place and enrolling as a student at Otago
How to apply