University Of Otago New Zealand
About School

University of Otago

Located in Dunedin, in the South Island of New Zealand, the University of Otago has an extremely proud history. Founded in 1869, the University of Otago is New Zealand’s first university. Apart from having a distinction of having the country's first medical school in 1875, it sits at 173 on the 2015/2016 QS World University Rankings.

Hand-in-hand with its proud academic history is a strong sense of student culture. In fact, the city is often referred to as a “university city” due to the annual influx of more than 10,000 students. No other university in New Zealand is as famous for its students so much so that throughout the country, Otago’s university students are affectionately known as “Scarfies”.

School's Main Website | International Students Website | Student Exchange Website

International Students’ Guide

Should you have questions on the International students programme, you can submit your enquiries here!

Here are some important dates to note.

More information are also available in other languages here!

You can read more about other students’ adventures on Otago’s student-blog!

Academics

Language of instruction:

At the University of Otago, all papers are taught in English. Hence, all international students are required to provide evidence for English Language proficiency as part of their enrolment process. Students unsure of their English capabilities may enrol for the university’s Foundation Year with the Otago Language Centre.


Academic Requirements:

When applying for a programme at the University of Otago, you can choose to enrol in an ordinary degree or a degree with honours. On top of that, students are also provided with the option to study Science, Health Sciences, Humanities and Commerce.

The typical undergraduate degree consists of 3 two-semester years where subject majors are required to be selected while a degree with honours programme normally includes a fourth year, being more intense and with more theoretical core papers.

Unlike many other universities, several departments in the University of Otago allow students to switch to an honours programme if students are doing exceptionally well. This is often a case-by-case basis – after speaking to the relevant lecturers.

During the semester, you will meet peers taking double majors. There is no need to feel intimidated as it is not uncommon in New Zealand’s competitive market. In nearly all situations these options will require at least one more additional year or study and a very intense workload.

Full-time international students’ application requirements for the University of Otago are as follows:

1. Complete the online application form after selecting your subject of interest
2. Meet the undergraduate English language requirements
3. Meet the minimum academic requirements
4. All relevant supporting documents

More details on the application requirements can be found here! The full list of subjects available to international students can be found here!

Should you require assistance in applying for your subject of interest, the university has a professional team ready to guide you through the enrolment process. Enquires can be submitted here!

Unfortunately, it is not common for the universities in New Zealand to offer scholarships at the Undergraduate level. You can, however, ask about the available scholarship opportunities at post-graduate level (i.e. Masters or Ph.D.).

Flying Chalks’ tip: Should you be interested in applying for clinical courses (e.g. Health Sciences, Dentistry, Medicine), be sure to make your intention clear from the earlier stages of your course planning! Do also seek advice from a course adviser as they will be able to provide you with information on which papers to take to maximise your chances of getting selected.


For the Otago Global Students Exchange
The Otago Global Students Exchange webpage can be found here!

Exchange programmes are only available for undergraduate and graduate students nominated by Otago University’s worldwide partner institutions. Nominated students will then be given the opportunity to study at the Dunedin campus.

Students are required to meet the following exchange requirements:

1. A minimum “B” grade (or 70%) for all subjects
2. English language literacy (written and spoken; see here)
3. Nominated by Otago’s exchange partner institutions
4. Meet the minimum exchange duration (e.g. minimum summer school or Otago International School. The maximum length for student exchange is two semesters)

Do note that all clinical courses such as Medicine, Dentistry, Physiotherapy and Psychiatry are not applicable to exchange students.
 

For the Otago Summer School

For students who are interested in applying for the Otago Summer School, do visit its homepage here! Students who enrol for the Summer Schools will complete papers (study subjects) worth 18 points (equivalent to a full-time paper) in 6 weeks instead of the usual 13 weeks.


Attendance Policy:

Attendances are often not recorded at the University of Otago. Students are expected to organise their time and make sure that they do not miss the lectures. It is not a good idea to fall behind in class especially in a competitive environment.

Attendances for tutorials and “labs” are normally recorded. Courses are typically made up of lectures, tutorials and laboratory sessions for science subjects. Grades are distributed among assignments, tutorials, class participation and lab work.

My Campus

In The University of Otago is a large university made up of many blocks including residential housings and shops.

If you find yourself lost in campus one day, look out for the campus map signposts throughout the university. They are normally situated at the corner of the streets. A wiser choice is to make use of technology and Google-maps your way around! Just type the name of the building followed by “Otago University” (e.g. The Quad Otago University) and it will be reflected on the map!

Campus map:

Map: University of Otago Campus & Surrounding Area. Credit: Scott Garcia Solutions. (Copyright / Fair Use Policy)

If you are not technologically inclined, you can download the University’s campus map here!

Another feature found in Otago University is the security phones for when you are ever worried about your safety. These phones can be found in regular intervals. Campus security officers regularly patrol the campus. Do approach them should you require assistance!

The map above is not drawn to scale and not as comprehensive as the link above but it reflects the main buildings, cafes, streets, supermarkets and more, from the university’s main library.

Getting from The Octagon to Gearge Street takes only a 15 minutes’ walk!
 

Selected facilities:

An extensive range of facilities can be found in campus. Some are owned by the university while others are owned by the University of Otago Students Association (OUSA). Upon getting enrolled, a student ID card will be issued to you. This card will enable you access to all services and facilities on campus.

You can look up more information about the facilities below:


Food on campus:

There is a wide selection of eateries in campus. Listed below are some of the main eating places within campus.

Flying Chalks’ tip:

Those labelled with “The link” are situated between the main library and the Student Union. It is a popular meeting place of students to hangout. For the exact location of the eateries, do refer to the image of the campus map above!

In addition to the options above, there are several places directly adjacent to the camps - literally just across the  road from the main campus!

Flying Chalks’ recommendations:


Campus Transportation:

There is no campus transportation available within the campus as it will take just 10 minutes to get from one end of the campus to another. 

Student Life

The University of Otago is more than just a university. It is a university that is integrated into a city that embraces its heritage, culture and identity – its Scottish roots in particular. Therefore, being a student at the University of Otago is more than just studying!

Orientation:

Every college has its own orientation program. At the University of Otago, the Otago University Students’ Association (OUSA) organises orientation programmes twice a year – Orientation and Re-Orientation activities. These activities help welcome and settle newcomers down in a brand new environment (especially for international students).

Typically, a number of activities will take place simultaneously. To get a better feel, below are 2016’s orientation posters!

    

Follow these links to find out more information:


Buddy Programme:

Unfortunately, there is no known buddy programme in the University of Otago.

However, should you meet with a problem or would like to contact someone who can help you settle down, do approach the International Office or seek help through OUSA.


Student clubs:

The University of Otago features more than 150 student clubs ranging from sports and outdoors, to martial arts and cultural clubs for you to join and build your network of friends! There are various cultural clubs available for international students as well!

You can find the full list of student clubs here.

University events:

Apart from the Orientation programmes that take place twice a year, the University of Otago hosts several other major events that contribute to the Otago student culture. They are normally well spaced out and fit around the study, exams and vacation periods, so be sure to attend at least one!

Flying Chalks’ tip: Do visit the OUSA events page regularly to find out what are the upcoming events!

Surrounding Environment

Adjacent to the northern end of campus are the city’s Botanical Gardens and Gardens shopping area (including a supermarket, pharmacy, and eating places), while adjacent to the main campus area is the Dunedin Museum, University Bookshop, and New Zealand Post.

George Street houses the city’s main shopping haven while Great King Street is where you will find the city’s hospital and New World and Countdown supermarkets for food and other daily supplies! Running parallel to each other, these streets are located just a minute walk away from Dunedin Museum, University Bookshop, and New Zealand Post!


For food:

There is never enough time to visit all the restaurants and cafes Dunedin has to offer. If you are an avid coffee lover, you’ll love Dunedin because every eatery in it has a barista that is dedicated to making coffee! It is not uncommon to see students rush off between lectures to buy lattes and mochaccinos.

Located within the main shopping area, George Street, are countless eating places and also where you can find international cuisine as well!

Flying Chalks’ recommendations:

Flying Chalks’ tip: The larger the George Street number, the closer they are to the university.
 


For nightlife & entertainment:

When it comes to socialising, no one does it better than Dunedin's "scarfies". Although not as much as before, parties still take place and you will have plenty of opportunities to mingle.

Hotspots for Otago’s nightlife changes yearly. Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturday evenings are normally the best nights to go for a drink and dancing. Once you are established in Dunedin, your friends will soon tell you which is the "happening" place to be.

Flying Chalks’ recommendations:

Start off at The Octagon where cafes and bars are in abundance. Bars and cafes within that area are normally packed until the early hours of the morning.

Below are a few other places worth checking out too:


For daily necessities and groceries:

Walking south down George Street will take you past all the shops you would probably need – clothing stores, fast food outlets, stationery and book shops, travel agents, appliance stores, and so on. Great King Street, is also another place to check out if you are looking at getting your supplies!

The best way to reduce your budget is to buy your groceries from the supermarket and cook at home!

Flying Chalks’ recommendations:

The brands to purchase in New Zealand’s supermarkets matter to the locals because every week, the supermarkets rotate the “special items” so that at any given time one brand or another will be discounted. Most supermarkets also stock a comprehensive range of their own branded products that are usually good quality but cheaper than the regular brands.

In New World and Pack n Save supermarkets, you can look for Pams and Budget branded goods. If you are in Countdown supermarkets, you can look for Select and Homebrand branded products. This will cover most of the items you might need. If in doubt, just ask someone in the aisle beside you what they recommend. They'll always be happy to give you some advice!


For books & stationery:

You can visit The University Book Shop, just 3 minutes away from the main library. Remember to flash your Student ID card to enjoy a student discount!

Flying Chalks’ recommendations: The best priced stationery supplies are from The Warehouse and Warehouse Stationery, though you'll have to travel a bit further to get to them. The latter provides great printing service as well!


For shopping:

Like all other shopping recommendations, start off with a casual walk down George Street! On lazy days, especially in winter, try shopping online!

Flying Chalks’ recommendations:

  • The Merino Shop (NZ online retail store which sells NZ-made thermals that are very durable. The best thermals for winter are made from merino wool, just like these.)
  • Wool Overs (UK online jersey store. It offers free shipping to NZ and is the best place to purchase an affordable woollen jersey. As sizes tend to be large, do consider buying a size smaller than you normally would).
  • AliExpress (Asian retail portal. Buyer Beware)
  • The Book Depository (Overseas retailer. Free shipping to NZ)
  • Dick Smith New Zealand (Goods are shipped from Australia)
  • Fish Pond (NZ retailer. Free shipping but goods often come from overseas)
  • Mighty Ape (NZ retailer. Shipping is not free!)
  • Price Spy (comparison of prices for products around NZ)
  • Trade Me (largest online auction portal in NZ)

If you’d like to experience New Zealand in full, you will probably want to participate in sports. Most sports equipment can be purchased in the listed stores below.


For leisure:

If you still find yourself with nothing to do, you could go sight-seeing and visit interesting places. List of places to visit can be found below!

Accessibility

Getting from Dunedin Airport to University of Otago:

Although Dunedin itself is a small city, its official city boundary is one of the largest in New Zealand and the trip from the airport to the city is 20 minutes away by shuttle or taxi on the motorway.

To get from the airport to the university campus we recommend Kiwi Shuttles. Their service costs only NZ$20 and they'll drop you off at your desired destination. While the trip itself is only 20 minutes from the airport to the city, it might take an additional 30 minutes for the driver to drop everyone off. If you don't know anyone with a car, Kiwi Shuttles is probably the best option for getting to the airport as well. You can contact them directly to make a booking:

Unfortunately, there are no public buses or trains into the city. Other than getting a friend to pick you up or drop you off in their private car, the only other option is by taxi. As this is a very expensive option, only use it as a last resort and enquire the fare beforehand!