International students starting on campus in semester 2, 2026
For all students who are not undertaking a PhD or masters' by thesis programme, the semester 2, 2026 orientation and enrolment seminars are due to take place 6–9 July 2026. Friday 10 July is the Matariki Public Holiday and the university is closed.
We recommend new international students arrive on campus by 6 July at the latest to complete enrolment, participate in orientation activities and adjust to their new surroundings ahead of the first day of class.
Orientation seminar registration guide
Certificate of Proficiency (COP) students on a Study Abroad or Exchange programme:
Please register for one of the Study Abroad and Exchange Seminars on Monday 6 July or Tuesday 7 July.
Postgraduate students by coursework (Postgraduate Certificate, Postgraduate Diploma, Honours, or Master’s):
Please register for the Postgraduate Seminar on Wednesday 8 July.
All bachelor’s degree students and Diploma in Arts, Diploma in Commerce and Diploma in Science students:
Please register for one of the General Orientation Seminars on Tuesday 7 July, or Thursday 8 July.
If you will not be on campus during Orientation Week:
Please register for one of the Late Orientation Seminars.
If you cannot attend your recommended seminar, feel free to attend one of the General seminars.
Register for your seminar day and time
Register nowAfter registering
You must email us:
- a high-quality PDF scan of your passport bio page and facing page
and - the PDF of your visa once you have received it from Immigration New Zealand
Email international.orientation@otago.ac.nz
Please include your full legal name and student ID number in the email so that we can identify you.
You must bring your passport to the seminar with you and have it ready to present at the attendance desk.
If you have any questions, please contact us via the above email address.
Distance learning students
For a seminar day and time to attend orientation online, students starting their qualification by distance learning should contact:
Email international.orientation@otago.ac.nz
Research masters’ or PhD students starting on campus
If you are an international PhD or research master's (thesis-based) student enrolling on campus for the first time (this includes students who have already begun their study remotely/online), you must report to the AskOtago Central Hub in Dunedin, or the AskOtago reception if you are studying at one of the other Otago campuses.
In Dunedin, the AskOtago Central Hub is in the Information Services Building and the drop-in hours are Monday–Friday, 11:00am–3:00pm.
You will need to bring your passport and electronic visa with you to be verified. This step activates a series of important steps and services to support you with a smooth transition for your studies on campus, including an on-campus orientation session (mandatory to attend).
Please also register for an on-campus orientation / welcome session for PhD and masters' students by completing this survey:
Enrolment and orientation seminar registration survey – PhD/master's
International students starting semester 1, 2027
The semester 1, 2027 orientation and enrolment seminars are due to take place 22–26 February 2027.
We recommend new international students arrive on campus by 19 February to move into accommodation, complete enrolment, participate in orientation activities and adjust to their new surroundings ahead of the first day of class.
The full list of seminar session dates and times and the link to register, along with information for those starting in Summer School (early January) will be published on this webpage in the coming months.