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Discover what student life is really like at the University of Otago with the Pacific On-Campus Experience

About POCE

POCE is a University of Otago-funded opportunity for year 13 students of Pacific heritage from all over New Zealand. If successful, recipients will get to stay in one of our residential colleges and check out what the University of Otago has to offer during the University Open Days. Recipients will also get to meet current University students, as well as meet academics and support staff that support our Pacific students in the University.

All flights, accommodation and food costs will be paid for; you just need to come and experience the University of Otago. If you are considering future study at Otago, this is your opportunity to find out if it is for you!

Note: Flights will be organised according to what suits the POCE programme dates, times and the cohort, so will not be negotiable individually.

When

POCE will run during the University open days Sunday, 3 May to Monday, 4 May.

Students will arrive for the programme on Saturday, 2 May and return home at the end of the day on Monday, 4 May. Dates may change depending on flight availability.

Who can apply

Year 13 students of Pacific heritage.

Applications

Applications open Monday, 9 February 2026.

Applications close 5:00pm, Friday, 6 March 2026.

Interested?

The competitive application process involves:

  • Write a 500-word essay (Your topic will be on the application form)
  • NCEA L2 school results summary or alternative if non-NCEA
  • A reference letter from ONE of these suggestions (Please note: Family members cannot be your referee)
    • School: Principal, dean or teacher
    • Community: Church leader, community leader
    • Sport: Coach, club captain
    • Other: Employer, cultural group leader

Students must seek parents' permission first.

Apply now

To find out more, contact:

Programme Co-ordinator

Tel +64 3 479 8278
Email pacific.outreach@otago.ac.nz

Photos from the 2025 programme

  • A large group of Pacific Island students in school uniforms on the University of Otago Leith steps
  • A large group of Pacific Island students in colourful clothing
  • A small group of Pacific Island students in front of a view of Dunedin
  • A group of female Pacific Island students sitting at a table in colourful clothing
  • A group of male Pacific Island students sitting at a table in colourful clothing
  • A group of female Pacific Island students in school uniforms in front of the University of Otago Clocktower
  • A large group of Pacific Island students in school uniforms standing in a circle outside the University of Otago's Pacific Islands Centre
  • A small group of Pacific Island students in school uniforms standing outside the University of Otago's Lindo Ferguson building
  • A small group of Pacific Island students in school uniforms posing on the University of Otago campus
  • A large group of Pacific Island students in school uniforms sitting in a University of Otago lecture theatre
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