Dunedin, New Zealand
University of Otago Partnership
Program Overview
LIVE AND LEARN IN A FRIENDLY COLLEGE TOWN WITH A CASUAL VIBE
Located near the country’s southern tip, Dunedin is a classic university town—one in five residents are college students. Heritage architecture (like the iconic railway station), natural beauty, and protected wildlife (hello, yellow-eye penguin) are plentiful.
New Zealand’s oldest university is a top-ranked research institution with quality academics—professors regularly win awards for teaching excellence. Share a house with a Kiwi host and take advantage of amazing possibilities for outdoor adventure.
Day outings and overnights get you out and about, learning the Māori concept of kaitiaki (taking care of the Earth) and exploring dramatic oceanside cliffs, rugged mountains, and unique creatures and plants.
Looking for a scholarship?
Special University of Otago scholarships are available. See IFSA Scholarships, Grants, and Financial Aid for more information.
Details at a Glance
Application deadline
Minimum GPA
2.60
Credit load
13.5–18
Housing
Apartment/Flat, Single Room Option
Instruction language
English
Language prerequisites
None
Visa required?
Yes. Learn more.
Academics
CHART Your Course
Find the classes you need fast with CHART. Our easy-to-use tool shows you classes recently taken by IFSA students.
Open the University of Otago online course catalog to see available class options. If you have an idea of the types of courses you want, you can search by “keywords” and “semester” to pull up a list of courses that meet your criteria. Additionally, at the top of the web page you can click on “List subjects by: A-Z” to see all the subjects listed in alphabetical order. When you click on a specific subject (e.g., accounting), information will come up regarding getting a degree in that area of study. You can then click on the “Papers” link and you will be taken to a list of all the “papers” (this is the term used for courses in NZ) offered in that area. Included in the list are the unit code and title of the paper, as well as the point value and semester offered. Click on the unit code for a brief description of the paper.
Credit Conversion
At the University of Otago, an IFSA full course load consists of 54-72 University of Otago points per semester. Students take 3 or 4 classes each semester, depending on the credits awarded.
18 Points at Otago = 4.5 U.S. semester credit hours
20 Points at Otago = 5 U.S. semester credit hours
24 Points at Otago = 6.5 U.S. semester credit hours
30 Points at Otago = 7.5 U.S. semester credit hours
Lab & Field Trip Fees
Please review syllabi and course materials when registering for direct-enroll classes. Certain classes may have a one-off lab or field trip fee disclosed in the syllabus or during the first meeting of the class. These fees are not included in your IFSA program fee. You will be responsible for these fees, whether they are billed and paid by IFSA or billed to you.
New country, new way of learning!
Here’s what to expect at the University of Otago:
- IFSA on-site staff are integral to building an IFSA community, intercultural intervention, mediation, and mentorship by facilitating relevant activities. IFSA Student Experience Coordinators are accessible as you interpret, contextualize, and reflect on your experiences. You can hit the ground running and maximize your time in the host culture.
- Common to have a large lecture class complimented by a smaller tutorial/lab.
- More emphasis on independent learning.
- The university follows strict policies and deadlines.
- Grades are often based on a single final exam or final paper, or on just a few assignments. Final exams are typically 30–70 percent of total grade.
- Grade inflation and curving is uncommon; fewer students get exceptional grades.
- Strong focus on critical analysis with supporting resources documented.
- Universities in New Zealand are research-led institutions, and all classes are designed to develop research skills.
- Less personal access to professors. Instead, it’s common to connect with junior faculty members.
- Full access to the university’s robust academic support system and resources. IFSA local staff are also available for individual help.
- Students cannot audit courses or enroll in more than four classes.
- More information can be found in the IFSA Student Portal under Resources – Helpful Documents and Links and Academics.
APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS
Eligibility
- You must be at least 18 years of age. Students under 18 may be accepted on a case-by-case basis.
- You must be currently attending or recently graduated from a U.S. or Canadian community college, technical college, two-year college, four-year college, or four-year university.
- You must have completed at least one (1) full-time year of study at your home institution before the beginning of the term.
- Eligibility requirements can vary among host institutions. Please ask your IFSA Enrollment Counselor for specific information.
Recommendation Letter
Not required.
TRANSCRIPT
Upon completion of your program, IFSA will send an official Butler University transcript to your home university with your coursework converted to the U.S. semester credit hour system. You will also have access to an unofficial transcript in your IFSA Student Portal. The transcript reflects classes taken, credits attempted, and grades earned during your term abroad. This service is included in your study abroad program at no additional cost. See our Transcripts page for more information.
Excursions
Activities and excursions are designed to pull you into the communities you visit and encourage cultural connections of every kind. There’s no extra fee to participate in these optional outings—everything is included in your program fee.
Below are a selection of activities and excursions from previous terms; options may vary for your program. Due to the seasonal nature of many of program activities, we cannot guarantee a specific activity or excursion will be available in a given term or program.
Activities
- Orientation: Orientation is a fantastic opportunity to get to know other students on your program as well as the IFSA team who will make up your on-site community. Orientation is a balanced mix of land and sea-based activities to take advantage of the beautiful location. Participate in interactive briefings and workshops covering all aspects of living and traveling in Aotearoa New Zealand, your new city, and studying at your host university.
- Learning Plan Check-in: Three times during the semester, catch up for a one-on-one with an IFSA team member to discuss your academic progress, housing, and general well-being. This is a great opportunity to ask any questions about roommates, lecturers, and new experiences.
- Weekly Catch-up: Meet your IFSA Student Experience Coordinator on campus or at a local hiking trail, farmers market, museum, or pub quiz night for a snack and take a bit of time out with your IFSA community.
- Reentry Workshop: Study abroad in New Zealand is a great addition to your resume. Learn how to highlight all the transferable skills gained in a powerful and succinct way that will appeal to prospective employers. Reflect on your experience and consider the transition back to your home culture.
- Celebration Dinner: The farewell dinner is the last official get-together with the IFSA crew. It’s time to recount great experiences and reflect on personal and academic growth before preparing for final exams! It’s a fun and memorable send-off, with an awesome culinary experience and plenty of laughs.
- Otago Overnight: Bike or hike (if biking is not your thing) the Otago Rail Trail. Travel inland to gorgeous Central Otago, and then bike the old train rail trail which was used to carry the gold from the mine fields to the port of Dunedin after the precious metal was discovered in the 1860s. There will be beautiful scenery, a bit of adventure, and heaps of fun!
- Otago Volunteer–Kaitiakitanga: Kaitiakitanga (guardianship of environmental resources) is a concept underpinning much of New Zealand’s identity. Volunteer with a local environmental group that actively undertakes habitat enhancement, advocacy, and education for the unique biodiversity of an area. Conservation is important to many New Zealanders and incorporates traditional Māori concepts of kaitiaki, which can be understood as our responsibility to safeguard the wellbeing of ourselves and all other offspring of Papatūānuku, our Earth Mother. Conservation projects can include preserving native bush, revegetation and enhancement of habitat of indigenous flora and fauna, and pest control of invasive species.
- Otago Day Trip: Situated on the Otago Peninsula, which lies to the south of the city, sits Larnach Castle, New Zealand’s only castle! Only a short bus trip away, spend the afternoon enjoying high tea and a tour. While at the Peninsula, also visit the Kororā (Little Blue Penguins) at Takiharuru (Pilots Beach) as they come into their nests at the end of their days out at sea. The penguins and area are considered taoka (treasured) of local descendants of Karetai, a Māori chief, and are shared with manuhiri (visitors) as part of their rangatiratanga (cultural leadership) and to enable a sustainable future for local people and environment.
- Otago Cultural: Dunedin was a bustling port town in the 1870s with a newly established university built from the profits of the Central Otago Gold Rush. Hear about the history of the city and region by taking a tour of the historic Speights brewery followed by a hearty Kiwi meal at a nearby restaurant.
Housing and Meals
Housing
Apartment/Flat, Single Room OptionMeals
Self-CateringDetails
As a student at University of Otago, you’ll “go flatting”—which means you’ll live close to campus in one of 150+ individual houses, clusters of houses, or apartment complexes collectively known as University Flats. Flatmates are typically visiting students like you, with a Kiwi host either in your flat or a neighboring flat.
- Location: Adjacent to campus, a 5- to 8-minute walk away.
- Living space: Houses shared by three to seven students. Each student has their own bedroom with a double bed, desk, chair, and storage. Flatmates share the bathroom/s, kitchen, living space, and laundry facilities. Complete bedding kit provided.
- Meals: No meal plan. Students prepare or purchase meals. Kitchens are equipped with a microwave, refrigerator, stove, toaster, plus basic wares and cleaning equipment. Many students say cooking together is a fun, social part of the day.
- Other details: Internet and utilities included. Laundry facilities on site.
- Nearby: Dunedin’s main shopping area. The Octagon. St Clair Beach. Otago Museum. Dunedin Railway Station (site of Saturday farmers’ market). Supermarkets.
Dates and Fees
Get Started
Brittany Brooks
Enrollment Counselor
