Otago Global Student Exchange: Get ready for exchange

Eligibility criteria

To be considered for the Otago Global Student Exchange Programme, you must:

• Have completed at least one semester of full-time study at Otago before applying
• Ideally have and maintain a minimum B average (cumulative GPA of 5.0)
  • Students with a lower GPA may be considered on a case-by-case basis
• Be enrolled full time at Otago while on exchange
• Receive academic approval to go on exchange
• Enrol in a full-time, paper-based workload at the host institution

Programme restrictions

Clinical and professional programmes – papers taken overseas cannot be credited towards Medicine, Dentistry, Psychiatry, Physiotherapy, Pharmacy or other clinical courses.

Good to know:

You may still be able to go on exchange by enrolling in a different Otago degree for the duration of your exchange. Talk to an Exchange Adviser early to explore your options.

When to apply

Finances

Costs to budget for

• Living costs at your host institution (accommodation, food, transport)
• Flights
• Insurance
• Visa costs (if applicable)
• Personal travel and holidays

Financial support available

• You continue to pay Otago tuition fees (0.5 EFTS per semester, regardless of how many points you credit back)
• You’ll receive an Otago Global Scholarship ($1,000 in 2026)
• You continue to receive StudyLink loans and allowances
• You may apply for:
  • Scholarships and awards available to Otago students
  • Region/country specific scholarships and awards

Good to know:

• There is no fee to apply for or withdraw from the exchange programme
• Depending on your destination, living costs may be similar to or lower than Dunedin

Academic planning

Course advice and degree planning

The Student Development team can help you:

• Plan how exchange fits into your Otago degree and suggest the best semester or year to go on exchange
• Identify which papers or points you could take overseas

How to get academic advice:

• Book an appointment with the Student Development team
  • Under “I would like to discuss”, select Exchange
• If your Exchange Learning Agreement is already signed by your department, you can have it signed by Student Development at their drop-in service:
  • 1–3pm, weekdays
  • AskOtago, Central Library (check in at reception)

Department-specific guidance

• Law students
• Psychology students
• Check your department’s website for exchange advice or recommended destinations for your major

Important academic notes

• Course availability isn’t guaranteed — be flexible
• Complete core papers at Otago and take electives on exchange where possible
• Check host institution course information to ensure:
  • Courses are open to exchange students
  • You meet all prerequisites
• Some papers not offered at Otago may still be credited to your degree
• You may be able to complete one remaining paper on exchange
• Dissertations and thesis can’t be completed on exchange

Graduate-level exchange

• Graduate exchange may be possible, depending on your programme
• Exchange is available for coursework options only – you receive an official transcript at the end of your exchange

Next steps:

1. Speak with your Otago department
2. Once approved, talk to an Otago Global Exchange Adviser about suitable destinations –not all partners offer graduate-level exchange

Tip:

If possible, consider going on exchange during your undergraduate degree – there are more destination options, and the process is generally simpler.

Further information

Contact the Otago Global team for personalised advice and support.

They can help you explore destinations, understand requirements, and plan your exchange journey.