University Study in New Zealand: University of Otago
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
Dunedin,
New Zealand
Term
Academic Year
Fall Semester
Calendar Year
Spring Semester
Housing
Apartment
Dormitory
Languages Taught In
English
Program Eligibility
Student Type
UofM Students
Student Year
Sophomores
Juniors
Seniors
GPA
3.0 (may be flexible down to 2.8 in special cases)
Photos
About
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.
Program Model
Housing & Meals
You'll live in UniFlats (University Flats), which are villa-style houses with four to six students located around the heart of the Otago campus. Most are around a 2-10 minute walk to campus. For many of their flats, you'll not only have other international roommates, but also a 'Kiwi Host' - 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
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.
Program Structure
Program Level
Lower- and upper-division classes are available.
Courseload
Full-time enrollment on this program is 12 - 16 UofM credits.
Coursework
Classes - You can select from an extensive range of papers (courses) at the University of Otago. As you search papers, keep in mind:
- Students 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, as well as papers with a fieldwork component available to study abroad students.
- Semester 1 goes from mid-February through late June (Spring Semester at the UoM) and Semester 2 goes from mid-July through mid-November (Fall Semester at the UofM).
University of Otago Study Abroad Guide
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.
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:
- Agricultural Communications & Marketing
- Agricultural & Food Business Management
- American Indian Studies
- Art History
- Biological Sciences
- Biology, Society, & Environment
- Business & Marketing Education
- College of Science & Engineering (all majors)
- Communication Studies
- Cultural Studies & Comparative Literature and Studies in Cinema & Media Culture
- English
- Environmental Sciences, Policy & Management
- Geography
- History
- Human Resource Development
- Journalism, Mass Communication, & Strategic Communication
- Kinesiology
- Music
- Philosophy
- Psychology
- Religious Studies
- Retail Merchandising
- Sport Management
- Technical Writing & Communication
- Honors Students
- Medicine, Public Health & Health Sciences
- Student Athletes
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 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 |
|---|---|---|
| TBD | TBD | TBD |
Calendar Year 2024
Application Open Date: May 1, 2023
Application Deadline: November 1, 2023
| Schedule | Date |
|---|---|
| Program Start | Early February |
| Program End | Late November |
Spring 2024
Application Open Date: May 1, 2023
Application Deadline: November 1, 2023
| Schedule | Date |
|---|---|
| Program Start | Early February |
| Program End | Late June |
Academic Year 2023-24
Application Open Date: December 1, 2022
Application Deadline: April 15, 2023
| Schedule | Date |
|---|---|
| Program Start | Early July |
| Program End | Late June |
Fall 2023
Application Open Date: December 1, 2022
Application Deadline: April 15, 2023
| Schedule | Date |
|---|---|
| Program Start | Mid July |
| Program End | Late 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 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.
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.
Fall 2023
University Study in New Zealand: U of OtagoFall Semester 2023 |
|
|---|---|
Program Fee
|
|
| Non-refundable deposit | $400 |
| Tuition and educational costs | $10,960 |
| International health insurance | $300 |
| Housing and/or meals | $0 |
| Transportation (if required and included in program fee) | $0 |
| Total Program Fee | $11,660 |
| Program discount for University of Minnesota and Big Ten students, if applicable | $0 |
| Total Program Fee with discount, if applicable | $11,660 |
Estimated Additional Expenses
|
|
| 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 ($3500), Meals ($2500) | $6,000 |
| Essential daily living expenses | $1,500 |
| Total Estimated Cost Incurred After Arrival in Host Country | $7,800 |
Total Estimated Cost of Participation
|
|
| Total Estimated Cost of Participation | $22,655 |
| 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. | |
Spring 2023
University Study in New Zealand: U of OtagoSpring Semester 2023 |
|
|---|---|
Program Fee
|
|
| Non-refundable deposit | $400 |
| Tuition and educational costs | $10,420 |
| International health insurance | $250 |
| Housing and/or meals | $0 |
| Transportation (if required and included in program fee) | $0 |
| Total Program Fee | $11,070 |
| Program discount for University of Minnesota and Big Ten students, if applicable | $0 |
| Total Program Fee with discount, if applicable | $11,070 |
Estimated Additional Expenses
|
|
| 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 ($3500), Meals ($2500) | $6,000 |
| Essential daily living expenses | $1,500 |
| Total Estimated Cost Incurred After Arrival in Host Country | $7,800 |
Total Estimated Cost of Participation
|
|
| Total Estimated Cost of Participation | $22,065 |
| 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. | |
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.
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 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
- Upon submitting the online application, you will receive an automated email message indicating your application was received.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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. Students 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
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