Learning Abroad Center
A pink and blue sunset over a building at the University of Otago, surrounded by lush green landscape

University Study in New Zealand: University of Otago

Asia & Oceania
LAC Program

Participate in student life at one of the oldest and most prestigious universities in the southern hemisphere in the popular town of Dunedin, New Zealand's "college town."

Program Details

Location
Location
Dunedin, New Zealand
Term
Term
Academic Year
Fall Semester
Calendar Year
Spring Semester
Housing
Housing
Apartment
Dormitory
Languages Taught In
Languages Taught In
English

Program Eligibility

Student Type
Student Type
UofM Students
Student Year
Student Year
Sophomores
Juniors
Seniors
GPA
GPA
2.6

Photos

About

The University of Otago (Ōtākou Whakaihu Waka), one of the oldest and most prestigious universities in the southern hemisphere, is located in Dunedin, on New Zealand's South Island. Dunedin, New Zealand's "college town," is friendly and intimate with 120,000 inhabitants and a thriving student population. While the city offers a relaxed feel, there are many opportunities for pursuing outdoor and sporting activities.

Program Model

University Study

Housing & Meals

You'll live in UniFlats (University Flats), which are villa-style houses with 4–6 students located around the heart of the Otago campus. Most are around a 2–10 minute walk to campus. For many, you'll not only have other international roommates, but also a 'Kiwi Host,' who is a New Zealand student already studying at Otago. They will help you with all the best tips for settling into student life and exploring that part of the country.

Excursions

The University of Otago can advise you on recreational activities in and around Dunedin. The University's Recreation Services offers a program that will enable you to access a range of activities, including horseback riding, hiking, skiing and more.

You also have the opportunity to participate in a conservation volunteer weekend during your time in New Zealand. This is a great way to meet other students, take part in a service a project, and learn about the New Zealand environment.

Learning Outcomes

Studying at the University of Otago will: 

  • augment your cross-cultural understanding through interaction with New Zealand and international students and community members;
  • experience New Zealand and international perspectives on academic disciplines through direct enrollment at the New Zealand host university;
  • and enhance your intentionality through independent, though supported, living and learning opportunities.

Faculty & Staff

The University of Otago has staff available to provide orientation, on-site support, and advising to help you adjust to a new educational system and integrate into campus life.

Program Structure

Program Level
Lower- and upper-division classes are available.
Courseload

Full-time enrollment on this program is 12–16 UofM credits.

Coursework

ClassesYou can select from an extensive range of papers (courses) at the University of Otago. As you search papers, keep in mind:

  • Search for courses by subject (major). Most subject pages have a tab to browse papers offered in that specific subject. You can also explore New Zealand/Pacific-focused papers (PDF), as well as papers with a fieldwork component (PDF).
  • Semester 1 goes from mid-February through late June (Spring Semester at the UofM) and Semester 2 goes from mid-July through mid-November (Fall Semester at the UofM).

University of Otago Study Abroad Guide (PDF)

Grade & Credit Conversion Scale (PDF)

You receive resident credit for the courses you take. Your grades factor into your University of Minnesota GPA and each course appears on your transcript with an A/F grade. Consult the Learning Abroad Center's Academic Policies page for more information.

Other academic information—as well as program dates, housing options, and special classes—can be found at Otago's main study abroad page

Major Advising Pages

The University of Otago offers coursework, and has been identified as a strong curricular match, for the following UofM degree programs:

Global Identity

Global Identity: Connecting Your International Experience with Your Future is an optional 1-credit online course that helps you process your international experience and apply what you've learned upon your return. Global Identity gives you the opportunity to work individually with a trained cultural mentor, helping you articulate your newly acquired skills and differentiating you from your peers.

To access more information about the course, visit the Global Identity Course Information page.

Program Dates

Submit the online application and complete the assigned application checklist according to the appropriate deadline:

Orientation Dates & Locations

Orientation will be conducted in 2 parts: an online orientation, which is mandatory, and an in-person, program-specific session. You will receive more information about the online orientation via email. Failure to complete the online orientation will impact your ability to go abroad.

Academic Year 2024–25

Application Open Date: December 1, 2023
Application Deadline: April 15, 2024

ScheduleDate
Program StartEarly July
Program EndLate June

Fall 2024

Application Open Date: December 1, 2023
Application Deadline: April 15, 2024

ScheduleDate
Program StartMid July
Program EndLate November

Spring 2025

Application Open Date: May 1, 2024
Application Deadline: November 1, 2024

ScheduleDate
Program StartMid-February
Program EndLate June

Calendar Year 2025

Application Open Date: May 1, 2024
Application Deadline: November 1, 2024

ScheduleDate
Program StartMid-February
Program EndMid-November

Fees

University of Minnesota participants pay the program fee instead of on-campus tuition and fees for the term they are abroad.

If you do not see a budget estimate for the term you intend to go abroad, the fee has not yet been finalized. We strive to post fees for this program at least 30 days prior to the application deadline. The Learning Abroad Center will delay the posting of some fees until enrollments, inflation, and exchange rates are determined. Note the average increase in fees will be 3–10%. Program fees are based on estimates and may change depending on international economic factors.

Fees or tuition from home institutions may be added to or differ from the University of Minnesota Learning Abroad Center fees listed on this page.

The New Zealand government also requires you to carry an approved NZ-based health insurance policy. The policy costs approximately US $220 per semester. Details and instructions will be sent upon admission.

Billing & Payments

Visit Billing for information about the billing process for application fees, deposits, and program fees.

Financial Aid & Scholarships

Visit Financial Information for information on using financial aid and scholarships for study abroad.

Education New Zealand offers specific scholarships to study in New Zealand.

Bridging Loan

Bridging Loan, a no-interest/no-fees loan that funds the confirmation deposit and/or flights cost, is available for this program for eligible students going abroad during an eligible term.

Cancellation Policy

Before you apply to or confirm your participation on this program, review the Learning Abroad Center's Cancellation Policy to inform yourself of the timeline and financial obligations for canceling.

Spring 2025

University Study in New Zealand: U of Otago

Spring Semester 2025

Program Fee

  • UofM students pay program fee instead of on-campus tuition & fees while abroad
  • Billed through UofM account
Non-refundable deposit $400
Tuition and educational costs $10,821
International health insurance $249
Housing and/or meals $0
Transportation (if required and included in program fee) $0
Total Program Fee $11,470
Program discount for University of Minnesota and Big Ten students, if applicable $0
Total Program Fee with discount, if applicable $11,470

Estimated Additional Expenses

  • Financial aid-eligible but not included in program fee
Costs Typically Incurred Prior to Departure These costs may need to be paid before your financial aid is disbursed for your term abroad.
Transportation to and from program site $2,500
Passport/photos $150
Visa/required documentsVisa ($25), NZ Insurance ($220) $245
Travel clinic/immunizations* $0
Housing deposit $500
Total Estimated Cost Incurred Prior to Departure $3,395
Costs Typically Incurred After Arrival in Host Country
Texts/materials $300
Housing and/or meals not included in program feeHousing ($4500), Meals ($2500) $7,000
Essential daily living expenses $1,500
Total Estimated Cost Incurred After Arrival in Host Country $8,800

Total Estimated Cost of Participation

  • UofM students—compare this to your estimated on campus cost of attendance
Total Estimated Cost of Participation $23,665
Spending money and personal travel Not included in financial aid calculation $2,000
Additional Notes & Information
* Immunizations Note: This estimate is based on approximate cost of travel-related vaccinations and medications required for entry or recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Your costs may be higher or lower depending on your travel clinic, the specific immunizations and medication prescribed, and your insurance coverage.

Fall 2024

University Study in New Zealand: U of Otago

Fall Semester 2024

Program Fee

  • UofM students pay program fee instead of on-campus tuition & fees while abroad
  • Billed through UofM account
Non-refundable deposit $400
Tuition and educational costs $10,739
International health insurance $271
Housing and/or meals $0
Transportation (if required and included in program fee) $0
Total Program Fee $11,410
Program discount for University of Minnesota and Big Ten students, if applicable $0
Total Program Fee with discount, if applicable $11,410

Estimated Additional Expenses

  • Financial aid-eligible but not included in program fee
Costs Typically Incurred Prior to Departure These costs may need to be paid before your financial aid is disbursed for your term abroad.
Transportation to and from program site $2,500
Passport/photos $150
Visa/required documentsVisa ($25), NZ Insurance ($220) $245
Travel clinic/immunizations* $0
Housing deposit $300
Total Estimated Cost Incurred Prior to Departure $3,195
Costs Typically Incurred After Arrival in Host Country
Texts/materials $300
Housing and/or meals not included in program feeHousing ($4000), Meals ($2500) $6,500
Essential daily living expenses $1,500
Total Estimated Cost Incurred After Arrival in Host Country $8,300

Total Estimated Cost of Participation

  • UofM students—compare this to your estimated on campus cost of attendance
Total Estimated Cost of Participation $22,905
Spending money and personal travel Not included in financial aid calculation $2,000
Additional Notes & Information
* Immunizations Note: This estimate is based on approximate cost of travel-related vaccinations and medications required for entry or recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Your costs may be higher or lower depending on your travel clinic, the specific immunizations and medication prescribed, and your insurance coverage.

Academic Year 2024–25

University Study in New Zealand: U of Otago

Academic Yr Fall 2024/Spring 2025

Program Fee

  • UofM students pay program fee instead of on-campus tuition & fees while abroad
  • Billed through UofM account
Non-refundable deposit $400
Tuition and educational costs $20,476
International health insurance $724
Housing and/or meals $0
Transportation (if required and included in program fee) $0
Total Program Fee $21,600
Program discount for University of Minnesota and Big Ten students, if applicable $0
Total Program Fee with discount, if applicable $21,600

Estimated Additional Expenses

  • Financial aid-eligible but not included in program fee
Costs Typically Incurred Prior to Departure These costs may need to be paid before your financial aid is disbursed for your term abroad.
Transportation to and from program site $2,500
Passport/photos $150
Visa/required documentsVisa ($25), NZ Insurance ($450) $475
Travel clinic/immunizations* $0
Housing deposit $500
Total Estimated Cost Incurred Prior to Departure $3,625
Costs Typically Incurred After Arrival in Host Country
Texts/materials $500
Housing and/or meals not included in program feeHousing ($9100), Meals ($6500) $15,600
Essential daily living expenses $4,000
Total Estimated Cost Incurred After Arrival in Host Country $20,100

Total Estimated Cost of Participation

  • UofM students—compare this to your estimated on campus cost of attendance
Total Estimated Cost of Participation $45,325
Spending money and personal travel Not included in financial aid calculation $5,000
Additional Notes & Information
* Immunizations Note: This estimate is based on approximate cost of travel-related vaccinations and medications required for entry or recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Your costs may be higher or lower depending on your travel clinic, the specific immunizations and medication prescribed, and your insurance coverage.

Prepare

Complete pre-application advising.

Apply

The COVID-19 vaccine series is strongly recommended, pursuant to CDC guidelines, but not required for participation in this program.

You will be charged a $50 application fee for each application you submit.

Apply Now

Complete

After you submit your application, you will receive an email notification confirming that your application was received. Submitted applications are assigned an application checklist, which will include the following items for you to submit to the Learning Abroad Center:

  • University of Otago personal essay

In addition to completing the Learning Abroad Center's Online application checklist, you must also submit an application and supporting materials directly to the University of Otago. Once your application has been reviewed and endorsed by the Learning Abroad Center, instructions for how to follow up with the University of Otago will be provided to you.

Next Steps

  1. Upon submitting the online application, you will receive an automated email message indicating your application was received.
  2. Follow the instructions on your application checklist to submit all of the items. Your application is not considered complete until all items on your application checklist are either received or waived.
  3. You will have applications with both the Learning Abroad Center and the University of Otago—make sure to follow instructions for both applications when they're sent to you.
  4. You will be notified of an acceptance decision by email. If accepted, you will be assigned a confirmation checklist. Log in to the online application to review the confirmation checklist and submit the required items.

Partner universities will not accept applications from UMTC students without the endorsement of the Learning Abroad Center. You must participate in Partner university programs through the standard Learning Abroad Center application process.

After You Apply

Before your program begins, review these resources.

Health & Safety

Learn more about staying healthy and safe abroad, including mental health and wellness, international travel insurance, and safety precautions.

Power of Attorney

Consider designating someone as your power of attorney to act as your legal representative while you’re abroad.

Student Identity

Consult our resources on student identities as you prepare for your abroad experience.

Travel Resources

Ready to go abroad? Our travel resources will help you pack and learn what to expect.

Program Contact

For further information or questions about this program, send an email to

Nathan Jacobson at [email protected], or call at 612.626.4523

Contact Program Alum

Below is a list of additional students who participated in past program sessions. They are ready and willing to answer your questions about this program. Feel free to contact them during your decision-making process or anytime during your pre-departure preparation to get a student perspective.

Spring 2023

Joey K.—Political Science & Philosophy Majors