English for Otago offers a pathway to degree programmes at the University of Otago
The Language Centre now offers the English for Otago programme online. Dates, entrance requirements and tuition fees will be the same as those for the programme run for students in New Zealand. It allows students who are unable to travel, or who are looking for a cost-effective option to study in their home country before travelling to start their future degree at the University of Otago. All classes will be delivered live online, so students will need to have a reliable, fast Internet connection and a good computer with a webcam and microphone. A headset, second monitor and a printer would also be useful.
Key advantages of the English for Otago programme
- Pathway to Otago from your home country
- Learn in a live virtual classroom with other international students from around the world
- Interact with other students and teachers using the University of Otago’s online platforms
- Make new friends with other students who will be studying at the University of Otago with you
- Save money with no travel, visa or accommodation costs
- Know whether you have passed before you travel to New Zealand
English requirements for the University of Otago
There are no 'special examinations' for students who fail English for Otago.
Students must achieve a minimum of a 'C' grade to pass the English for Otago course.
In achieving this grade, students meet the English language requirements for admission to most undergraduate or postgraduate programmes at the University of Otago.
Admission to English for Otago
This is an intensive course requiring a high entry standard. You are required to pass the entrance exam in order to enter EFO or have achieved the following English proficiency level before the course start date.
Entrance requirements
If you are not sitting the English for Otago entrance test, these are the entrance requirments:
Course | Test | Entrance Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate programme | IELTS | 5.5 (no band below 5.0) |
| IELTS Indicator | 5.5 (no band below 5.0)* |
TOEFL iBT | 70 (writing 15) | |
Paper-based TOEFL | 525 (TWE 4.0) | |
Computer-based TOEFL | 193 (essay rating 4.0) | |
| Duolingo English Test | 90* | |
GCE O-Level English | Grade C6 | |
HKDSE English | Level 2 | |
HK ALE Use of English | Grade D7 | |
| LanguageCert | B2* | |
SPM Bahasa Inggris | Grade 4 | |
| Pearson Test of English (Academic) | PTE (Academic) score of 42 with no band score lower than 36 | |
| English New Zealand Accredited Pathway Assessment | Level 1 | |
| Postgraduate programme | IELTS | 6.0 (no band below 5.5) |
| IELTS Indicator | 6.0 (no band below 5.5)* |
TOEFL iBT | 80 (writing 20) | |
Paper-based TOEFL | 550 (TWE 4.5) | |
Computer-based TOEFL | 213 (essay rating 4.5) | |
Cambridge Certificate in Advanced English (CAE) | Grade B | |
Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE) | Grade C | |
| Duolingo English Test | 100* | |
HKDSE | Level 4 | |
APIEL (Advanced Placement International English Language) Examination | Grade 3 | |
GCE A-Level General Paper (English) | Grade C or higher | |
International Baccalaureate | ||
| LanguageCert | C1* | |
| Pearson Test of English (Academic) | PTE (Academic) score of 50 with no band score lower than 42 | |
| English New Zealand Accredited Pathway Assessment | Level 2 |
* These test results are temporarily accepted for those applicants in countries where test centres are closed.
Start dates, study load and assessment
Start dates
- Mid-February to mid-June
- Mid-October to mid-February
Study load
Full-time – 23 hours per week
Study period
15 weeks
Assessment
Assessment is continous throughout the course.
Information about University programmes
For information about undergraduate and postgraduate programmes at the University contact the International office.
University of Otago International Office
Web www.otago.ac.nz/international
Email international.admissions@otago.ac.nz
