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
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 Prerequisite
No Language Prerequisite
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.
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.
Program Structure
Program Level
Lower- and upper-division classes are available.
Courseload
Full-time enrollment on this program is 16 UofM credits.
Coursework
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:
- 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.
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.
Program Dates
Submit the online application and complete the assigned application checklist according to the appropriate deadline:
- Fall 2022 - mid-July to late November
- Spring 2022 - cancelled due to COVID-19
- Calendar Year 2022 - cancelled due to COVID-19
- Academic Year 2021-22 - cancelled due to COVID-19
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 |
Fall 2022
| Schedule | Date |
|---|---|
| Program Start | Mid-July |
| Program End | Late November |
Spring 2022
Program cancelled due to COVID-19
| Schedule | Date |
|---|---|
| Program Start | Early February |
| Program End | Late June |
Calendar Year 2022
Program cancelled due to COVID-19
| Schedule | Date |
|---|---|
| Program Start | Early February |
| Program End | Late November |
Academic Year 2021-22
Program cancelled due to COVID-19
| Schedule | Date |
|---|---|
| Program Start | Early July |
| Program End | Late June |
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.
Spring 2022
Prepare
Complete pre-application advising.
Apply
The COVID-19 vaccine is required by the host country and/or on-site partners and facilities for most study abroad programs. Complete your COVID-19 vaccine immediately.
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 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
- 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.
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.
Program Contact
For further information or questions about this program, send an email to
Eric Leinen
or call at
612.625.9008
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.