Overview

The University of Otago is New Zealand’s first university, established 1869. It is one of New Zealand’s most prestigious teaching and research institutions and has research and student exchange agreements with over 80 institutions worldwide.

Otago is one of those rare universities in the world where the main activity of its host city, Dunedin, is education. The campus is just a few blocks from the city center, and almost all students live within walking distance of the campus and key facilities. Otago is renowned for its vibrant campus lifestyle.

Location

The University takes its name from the province, Otago, of which Dunedin is its principal city. Dunedin (population 120,000) offers students the best of both worlds. It has all the facilities, entertainment and variety of larger cities, but is small enough to be friendly, intimate, and uncrowded.

Dunedin is a true University City - One in six of Dunedin’s population is a university student, it is also an excellent gateway to Central Otago and Fiordland where opportunities abound for hiking, skiing, water sports, adventure tourism (including bungy jumping), or admiring the spectacular landscapes.

Extracurricular Activities

Within minutes of Dunedin’s city centre are numerous recreational opportunities. The many unique ecological environments of the Otago Peninsula feature the yellow-eyed penguins, seals, sea lions, and the world’s only mainland breeding colony of the Royal Albatross. A little further a field, students can explore some of New Zealand’s most spectacular scenic and outdoor attractions in the lush untouched rainforests of the Catlins or the rich flora and fauna of the fiords in Doubtful and Milford Sounds.

An exceptionally diverse range of sporting and recreational activities are also readily accessible from Dunedin. The long, natural harbor provides ideal surroundings for wind surfing, diving, yachting, surfing, canoeing, rowing, and fishing.

While, in contrast to Dunedin’s moderate coastal climate, the inland region of Central Otago boasts stunning lakes, rivers, and mountains and enjoys extreme seasons that allow snow sports in the winter and water sports in the summer. The Otago region is home to some of the best ski and boarding resorts in New Zealand and these snow sports, along with kayaking, hiking, fishing, and mountain biking, are just some of the activities readily accessible from Dunedin.

Additionally, the University offers a number of clubs and societies to assist in enabling students to take advantage of the recreational and sporting possibilities. An excellent program of activities is available through the University's ‘Clubs and Societies’, including wine tours, cycle tours, horseback riding, belly dancing classes, mosaic art courses, and much, much more. A large pool of equipment is also available for hire, while the advice about the recreation and leisure options around Dunedin and the Otago region is freely given.

Academic Highlights

• Earth and Ocean Sciences (Geology, Marine Science)
• Environmental Sciences (Ecology)
• Biological Sciences (Botany, Zoology)
• Computer and Information Sciences
• Medical Sciences (Anatomy, Biochemistry, Microbiology)
• Social Sciences (Anthropology, Geography)
• New Zealand and Pacific Studies
• History, Literature, Art History, Political Studies
• Communication Studies
• Maori Studies
• Religion & Theology
• Psychology
• Business (Economics, International Business, Management, Marketing)
• Tourism

View Available Subjects

Classes are offered in a wide range of subjects. To see if the classes you need are available at this university, review the course catalog.
View courses/subjects available at this university.
Be sure to use the "help pages" for assistance on finding the courses that you need.

University Services

The International Office is a focal point for students and coordinates all services for study abroad students from application through to accommodation placement, arrival services and orientation, and ongoing advice and support. Study abroad coordinators act as an important link between students, Otago, the home university, and AustraLearn.

The Student Learning Center provides academic support to all students. Study abroad students are able to access computer resource rooms around campus for word processing, access to computer assisted learning programs, and various other resources such as email and web browsing.

Otago has a modern Information Services building incorporating a spacious central library and modern computing facilities. This complex provides the most advanced library and IT facilities in Australasia.

Housing

Part of Otago’s special character can be found in its accommodation quarter. Study abroad students live in self-catering, shared apartments/houses located immediately around the central campus area. Normally 4-6 students share a house or apartment, and it is possible for our International Accommodation Advisors to place students in apartments with New Zealand resident students.

Orientation

Study abroad students are encouraged to take part in a two-day orientation program held immediately before the beginning of each semester. The program provides an ideal opportunity to be introduced to life in Dunedin, and New Zealand generally, and provides practical information about services and facilities at the University for study abroad students. It is also a chance to meet fellow students, student mentors, and University staff and see some of the local sights.

Special Programs/Excursions

Situated in close proximity to many unique wildlife, ecological, marine, and geological research fields, the departments across Otago’s Division of Sciences make the most of the huge native laboratory on their doorstep. Focusing on any of the subject areas of Botany, Zoology, Ecology, Geography, Marine Science, or Surveying, students will find many courses where New Zealand specific content and exploratory field trips are common components.

Located in the heart of ‘Lord of the Rings’ country and in a city rich in natural history film making, animation companies and entrepreneurial tendencies, the University of Otago frequently calls upon local experts to assist in the delivery of related courses. Subjects offered include; ‘media and intercultural communication’, ‘film genres’, ‘computer game design’, ‘computing concepts and web development’, and ‘culture, politics, policy and global media’.

Otago offers many courses providing the opportunity learn about, and actively engage in, the culture and language of the indigenous people of New Zealand and Polynesia. Students are able to focus specifically on the Maori culture – language, performing arts, carving, weaving, and/or the culture of the Pacific Islands.

Otago’s School of Business offers more than 250 courses which cover a diverse range of topics from those with a global perspective to those with a distinctly New Zealand flavor. The ‘New Zealand wine business and tourism’ course is one to consider as are those focusing on ecotourism operations, environmental economics, and events and convention management.

View Subjects

Classes are offered in a wide range of subjects. To see if the classes you need are available at this university, review the course catalog.
View courses/subjects available at this university.
Be sure to use the "help pages" for assistance on finding the courses that you need.

Fees

Program Fees	$8,900.00
Housing
With Meals	Not available at this university
Without Meals	Approximately $2,425 - $3,685
Housing Deposit
With Meals	Not applicable
Without Meals	Refundable housing deposits range from approximately $200 - $1,200 and are billed in addition to the housing fees.

Fee Includes

Program fees are in U.S. dollars. Program Fees include tuition for 3 to 4 subjects, university administrative fees, membership in the student union (where applicable), overseas health coverage, ISIC Premium (International Student Identity Card), 25% Lonely Planet Book discount, also included is our renowned 4-day Program Introduction in Rotorua, New Zealand. Fees include all pre-trip services such as: orientation materials, visa-processing service (excluding the visa fee), housing placements, personal advising, subject selections, liaise with your home university, credit transfer assistance, and financial aid services. As a study abroad student, you will be required to enroll as a full time student. Your semester is equivalent to 12-16 U.S. credits. Additional tuition and/or fees may apply in some subject areas not limited to the following: science, engineering, fine arts, and journalism. Students who undertake subjects where the university requires additional fees will be billed by the host university. Several universities have included the Sports and Rec. membership. Activities are usually extra. The Housing Fee is in addition to the Program Fees and may be an average for universities with multiple housing options. Students who select “apartment living arranged upon arrival” will only be charged the Program Fees, and housing costs will be paid on arrival by the student. Students who select “apartment living arranged upon arrival” will only be charged the Program Fees, and housing costs will be paid on arrival by the student.

Fee Semester

The above fees are for the July 2009 term. Fees are subject to change for future terms.

Facts

Location: Dunedin, South Island
Overseas Students: 2500
Staff: 3000
Total Enrolment: 20000

Entry Requirements

Applicants must have the required GPA and have completed at least the equivalent of one year of full-time study at the university/college level. Students with a lower GPA than the requirement may be considered on a case by case basis. Please contact our office for more information.

Required GPA: 3.00