University of Otago on a beautiful spring day

University Study in New Zealand: University of Otago —

  1. Program Details

    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."

    Location Dunedin, New Zealand
    Term Academic Year, Calendar Year, Fall Semester, Spring Semester
    Housing Apartment, Dormitory
    Credit Type Resident Credit
    Sponsor Learning Abroad Center

    Program Eligibility

    GPA 3.0 (may be flexible down to 2.8 in special cases)
    Student Type UofM Students
    Student Year Sophomores, Juniors, Seniors
    Language No Language Prerequisite
  2. A group of students poses on a deck in New Zealand with the sea and large rocks in the background
    The distinctive clocktower of the University of Otago in New Zealand
    A group of students poses near a stream while hiking in the mountains of New Zealand
    A pink cloud floats above the sea and mountains at sunset in New Zealand

  3. About University Study in New Zealand: University of Otago

    The University of Otago, 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, opportunities abound for pursuing outdoor and sporting activities.

    Go to the At a Glance Comparison page to learn some quick facts about the Learning Abroad Center's other University Study in New Zealand programs.

    Housing & Meals

    Choose between on- or off-campus accommodations. Meal plan available with on-campus accommodation. A highlight of the housing includes the possibility to live with New Zealand resident students in apartments or houses.

    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

    Students studying at the University of Otago will: 

    • augment their 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 their 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.

    About the Learning Abroad Center

    Learning Abroad Center programs are:

    • Affordable: our programs are cost effective.
    • Academically strong: many programs have strong University of Minnesota departmental support and offer pre-approved courses for many majors.
    • Culturally rich: regardless of the program you choose, you will have the opportunity to immerse yourself in the local culture.
    • Expertly managed: our staff in Minnesota and abroad are trained professionals and are always available to answer your questions from extensive pre-departure advising and online orientations to reentry programming. Your safety and well-being are paramount, and we work hard to ensure you have a rewarding and safe experience abroad.

  4. Program Structure

    Program Type Host University Study
    Program Level Lower- and upper-division classes are available.
    Courseload

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

    Coursework

    Classes

    Handbook

    Grade & Credit Conversion Scale

    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.

    Finding Course 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.

    This course is offered at no additional cost on programs six weeks or longer. The Learning Abroad Center will email out registration instructions, or you may contact a program team member.

    Syllabus for Global Identity (PDF)

  5. Dates & Deadlines

    Submit the online application and complete the assigned application checklist according to the appropriate deadline:
    Term Program Dates Application Deadline
    Spring Semester Early Feb–late June Nov. 1
    Calendar Year Early Feb–late Nov Nov. 1
    Fall Semester Late July–mid Nov Apr. 30
    Academic Year Late June–late June Apr. 30

    Applications after this deadline may be considered. Contact Ryan McCarthy at mccar313@umn.edu to inquire.

    *Program dates are subject to change. Contact the LAC for verification of dates before purchasing your airfare.
    **If the deadline falls on a weekend, submit your materials on the following business day.

    Orientation Dates & Locations

    Orientation will be conducted in 2 parts: an online orientation, which is mandatory for all students, 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.

    See below for tentative dates and times for your in-person session. You will be notified of the official date and time via email. Participants will receive applicable orientation materials via email approximately 1 week prior to the in-person session.

    Term Abroad Date/Time Location
    Fall 2021 TBD TBD

  6. Fees for University Study in New Zealand: University of Otago

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

    Fall 2020

    The Total Program Fee reflects the host university’s international tuition rate converted into US dollars, plus the Learning Abroad Center’s APAAC ($2050 one semester / $3100 for Academic Year) and required UofM international health insurance.

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

    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.

    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 scholarships specifically to students coming to study in New Zealand.

    Bridging Loan

    Bridging Loan, a no-interest/no-fees loan that funds the upfront deposit and flights costs, is available for this program for eligible students.

    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.

  7. Prepare

    Complete pre-application advising.

    Be aware: All programs require a $50 application fee. This fee will be charged to your student account upon submission of an online application.

    To complete the online application for this program, you will need to select or provide the following information on the online application:

    Center Name TC Learning Abroad Ctr
    Education Abroad Term See Program Dates for term options
    Program Name University Study in New Zealand
    Track Name University of Otago
    Country New Zealand

    Submit

    University of Minnesota Student—apply

    Use your University of Minnesota internet ID and password to log into the Education Abroad application system. Your student account will be charged a $50 application fee.

    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:

    Submit to the Learning Abroad Center:

    • University Study in New Zealand Academic Statement

    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 Otago will be sent 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.

    Affiliate organizations and partner universities will not accept applications from UMTC students without the endorsement of the Learning Abroad Center. Students must participate in affiliate organization and partner university programs through the standard Learning Abroad Center application process.

  8. Program Contact

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

    Ryan McCarthy or call at 612.626.9373.

  9. 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.

COVID-19 Update

This program was canceled for spring semester 2021 due to COVID-19.