Once you receive your Offer of Place, you must complete important enrolment steps before arriving on campus.
Key international application dates
The main international student application period is 1 May–15 November, for most studies commencing in semester 1 (February).
International student applications can be submitted from 1 May–30 April for studies commencing the following semester 2 (July).
Note: Some programmes have different application periods (e.g. programmes in teaching, oral health, dental technology, postgraduate dentistry, postgraduate nursing). PhD and thesis-only Masters' applications can be submitted year-round, with support from a supervisor.
Key dates leading to semester 1 2027
| 1 May 2026 | Application round opens for most studies commencing in 2027 (semester 1 or semester 2) |
|---|---|
| 1 July 2026 | Applications open for undergraduate entrance scholarships (for domestic and onshore international students in a New Zealand high school) |
| 1 August 2026 | Applications open for residential college places (suitable for first-year undergraduate full degree students, Foundation Studies and Diploma students) |
| 1 August 2026 | Applications open for Uni Flats accommodation (suitable for exchange, Study Abroad, postgraduate and some other groups of students) |
| 15 August 2026 | Deadline for onshore international students to apply for Otago entrance scholarships |
| 30 September 2026 | Deadline for onshore international students to apply for residential colleges (offshore international students encouraged to apply by now too) |
| 15 November 2026 | Deadline for offshore international students to submit an application for full degree studies commencing in semester 1, 2027 |
| 1 December 2026 | Deadline for Study Abroad applications |
| 1 December 2026 | Deadline for offshore international students to apply for Residential Colleges or Uni Flats accommodation |
| 10 December 2026 | Deadline for onshore international students to apply for studies commencing in semester 1, 2027 |
| 6 January 2027 | Uni Flats contract start date for semester 1 (possible to access the flat) |
| Approx 20 February 2027 (TBC) | Residential colleges “move-in weekend” |
| 21 February 2027 | Recommended last day to arrive on campus for new international students studying in semester 1 |
| 22-26 February 2027 | Orientation Week – compulsory international orientation and enrolment seminars |
| 26 February 2027 | Preliminary lectures |
| 1 March 2027 | Semester 1, 2027 – formal lectures begin |
Key dates leading to semester 2 2027
| 1 May 2026 | Application round opened for studies commencing in 2027 (semester 1 or semester 2) |
|---|---|
| 1 April 2027 | Applications open for residential colleges and for Uni Flats |
| 30 April 2027 | Deadline for international applications commencing in semester 2, 2027 |
| 15 May 2027 | Deadline to apply for accommodation for semester 2 (in residential colleges or Uni Flats) |
| Approx 1 July 2027 (TBC) | Uni Flats contract start date for semester 2 (possible to move in from this date) |
| 5 July 2026 | Recommended last day to arrive on campus for new international students starting in semester 2, 2027 |
| 5-9 July 2027 | Orientation Week – compulsory international orientation and enrolment seminars |
| 12 July 2027 | Semester 2, 2027 – formal classes begin |