University of Otago

The University of Otago is an internationally recognised university located among the natural beauty of New Zealand’s spectacular South Island. As a student at New Zealand’s oldest university, you will become part of a unique educational experience. Otago’s attractive campus is a mixture of historic and modern buildings located in the centre of Dunedin. The campus is a short walk from the city’s central shopping and services. The University of Otago has earned an international reputation for the quality of its research and teaching.  

Students make up one sixth of Dunedin’s population, creating an energy and atmosphere that you will only find at Otago. Otago students rate its campus lifestyle as one of its strongest attractions.  

Available exchanges

The University of Otago hosts the University-wide exchange and Subject-specific Business and Psychology exchanges. 

Restricted subject areas

Medicine, Dentistry, Psychiatry, Physiotherapy, Pharmacology, Pharmacy or any other clinical course are not open to exchange students. Some Otago courses such as MBA, Wildlife Management and Master of Science Communication are restricted in admissions.    

Otago is not deemed suitable for Economics. 

Your responsibilities

  • The information provided here serves as a guide.
  • It is your responsibility to research whether the partner provides appropriate courses for your degree programme.
  • Even if there are no restrictions on your degree subject, this does not mean that there are appropriate courses for you..  

Courses at the University of Otago are called 'papers'. 

You can browse the lists of subjects and papers in the course catalogue.  

Otago Course Catalogue

Level 100 courses are often 1st year papers with no pre-requisites. Level 200 and 300 courses are 2nd and 3rd year courses. These are the levels we advise you take. You must meet the pre-requisites to take these courses at Otago. Level 400 and above are Honours/Graduate level papers.   

There is also more information available about the workload at the University of Otago. 

Workload at the University of Otago


Guaranteed accommodation:  

No

University accommodation:  

The University of Otago is renowned for its residential campus environment, and offers different types of accommodation.

University of Otago Accommodation

Accommodation for International Students

Residential Colleges offer a communal living opportunity, and are the perfect place to find like-minded people and discover life-long friendships, combining living and learning environments to help you thrive. Most school-leaver, first year students will stay in a University Residential College which is on- or near-campus dormitory-style accommodation. Postgraduate students are welcome to apply for any Residential College.     

Residential Colleges

Uni Flats offer a shared living situation where a local host student lives with several international students. Uni Flats are the recommended option for Study Abroad and Exchange students.   

University Flats (Uni Flats)

All Uni Flats are located within an easy walk of the University campus and main shopping centre. Students share the cleaning and cooking duties and usually shop together for food. The residential fee includes the cost of your room, electricity, internet, bed linen, community events and the services of the Uni Flats team. All Uni Flats are fully furnished, including a basic kitchen setup.    

In order to be considered for accommodation with Uni Flats you must first register and then apply online through the Student Accommodation Centre. 

Student Accommodation Centre. 

For a July start, you should apply by mid-May.   


How much it will cost to go on exchange to Otago?

The most it may cost at Otago is around $24,000 for the year depending on your lifestyle. 

Please consult the below webpage for more guidance.  

Cost of Living 

Exchange students may be required to pay additional student services fees at Otago

Student Services Fee 

Health insurance

All international students are required to have comprehensive health and travel insurance while in New Zealand. 

The University of Otago's recommended policy is Studentsafe Inbound University. When you enrol you will automatically be covered by Studentsafe, and the insurance premium will be added to your student account 

Insurance Information   


The University of Otago have provided the below key dates and arrival information: 

Key Academic Dates and When to Arrive  


Otago has provided the following documents for prospective exchange students.


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