2011 International Prospectus
OTAGO university of
The University of Otago provides a special educational environment. It is New Zealand’s oldest and most respected university, New Zealand’s top-ranked university for research, and offers a vibrant campus lifestyle, attracting highly-talented students from all over New Zealand and overseas.
introduction
location & campuses
international linkages
research
Student profiles
introduction
The University of Otago has a presence throughout New Zealand. Most undergraduate and postgraduate study takes place on the Dunedin campus, but the University also has campuses in Wellington and Christchurch. The Schools of Medicine and Health Sciences in Wellington and Christchurch are home to many leading researchers, and a large number of postgraduate courses are taught from these campuses. The main campus is in Dunedin, a city of culture and learning (population 120,000). The outlying region provides excellent outdoor recreation and field-studies opportunities. Students live in a mix of University and private accommodation within walking distance of academic and city facilities. This setting provides the vibrant campus lifestyle for which Otago is so famous.
Why Study at otago? • It is New Zealand’s oldest university, founded in 1869 • It is New Zealand’s top-ranked university for research • It offers an unrivalled campus experience and vibrant cultural life • University of Otago graduates are highly regarded by employers • It has an extensive student exchange programme with over 90 partners in 31 countries • It offers high quality pathway programmes via the University of Otago Language Centre and Foundation Year
INTERNATIONAL LINKAGES
international linkages
The University has agreements with institutions worldwide, allowing for teaching and research collaboration, and staff and student exchange. The University has over 90 partners for student exchange in 31 countries. The University is a member of the Matariki Network of Universities (MNU), a select international group of outstanding universities, with each member leading international best practice in research and education based on long academic traditions. Other members of MNU include Dartmouth College (USA), Durham University (England), Queen’s University (Canada), Ebergard Karls Universität Tübingen (Germany), The University of Western Australia and Uppsala Universiteit (Sweden).
RESEARCH
research
The University of Otago is New Zealand’s most research-intensive university (Ministry of Research, Science and Technology. Research and Development in New Zealand. (Wellington, 2006)). Otago is also New Zealand’s top-ranked university for research quality (Tertiary Education Commission. PBRF Quality Evaluation 2006. (Wellington, 2007)). The PBRF ranked Otago first in more subjects areas than any other New Zealand institution. These included: Biomedical Sciences Clinical Medicine Earth Sciences Economics Education English Language and Literature History and Classics Law Philosophy Public Health Religious Studies and Theology Sports Recreation and Exercise Science Otago also has more first or second-ranked subject areas than any other institution and more than 50% of Otago’s academic staff were identified as nationally or internationally distinguished. The University has developed Research Themes and Research Centres to encourage multidisciplinary research across academic fields. The University has also invested in a Centre for Innovation, bringing academic and applied researchers together to pursue commercial development of research outcomes.
student profiles
quality of her degree. If there has been a culture shock for Nadège, it has been a pleasant one. She appreciates the relaxed campus atmosphere, and has loved meeting Kiwis as she has travelled around the country during holidays. “I would say people here are friendlier than in France. Nothing is a hassle, people want to help you.”
NADÈGE MEASSON Student Exchange Université Jean Moulin – Lyon iii, France What would be the point in becoming an expert in international business, if you have no international experience? This was the reasoning that led Master of International Management student Nadège Measson to pack her bags and spend a year in New Zealand. “If you want to work with people from around the world, it’s important to face other cultures and experience different ways of working. I think travelling is good for you.” For Nadège, all roads appeared to be pointing to Otago: she could perfect her English, and her university already had an exchange relationship here. Plus, its EQUIS-accredited Business School gave Nadège confidence that her time here would add value to the
“And when people talk about Dunedin being a student city, they really mean it,” comments Nadège. “The whole city is geared around students, with lots of activities all within walking distance. And the University is like a village within the city.” And she has high praise for the University’s facilities. “The library is full of computers, with great access to many electronic journals and stays open till 11pm.” Now Nadège is even entertaining the idea of staying in New Zealand once her year of study is completed. “I would love to find a job in France-New Zealand imports.”
student profiles
she says. “We can actually go and learn stuff out there in the real world. It’s cool to take a marine biology class and to go to the beach and collect samples.
SARAH CLARK Study Abroad University of San Diego, United States of America As a biology student, Sarah Clark knows about the importance of adapting to new environments. And since arriving at Otago, she has entered fully into the spirit of New Zealand life. In addition to neuroscience and environmental science, which form the basis of her BSc, she is learning to spin poi and sing kapahaka songs in her Mäori classes and is studying the plight of Otago’s rare yelloweyed penguins in conservation biology. Engaging with the local environment is something Sarah has not only enjoyed during her holidays travelling around the South Island, but also during class hours. The various field trips have been a highlight of her time studying,
” The lifestyle at Otago has also offered a point of difference that Sarah has relished. “It’s been the time of my life!” she says. “It’s a lot of fun, because the student living environment is actually right by the campus. ” She compares this to her home campus, “where students are more scattered throughout the community. I like being close to campus, being able to walk everywhere. ” Which leads to another benefit of living in a city full of students – it’s difficult not to make friends: “I’ve met a lot of different people from different countries, some great people that I hope to still be friends with in the future, after I leave.”
student profiles
Given Kamani’s love of the natural world, it’s maybe not surprising that she says one of the best things about studying Zoology at Otago is the balance between theory and practical “hands-on” field and laboratory work. “The course gives you a strong understanding of how animals interact, how they function biologically and how they fit into ecological systems, all of which can help us to protect them better,” Kamani says. “The best part is doing the lab work though. You can’t just get the same sense of a subject from reading an article. We are currently doing experiments that look at the effects of steroids Singapore, BSC, Zoology on starfish development. Because little research has been done on Wildlife has been a great love of this topic, you feel that you’re doing Kamani Suppiah’s ever since she was at something really useful.” Kamani is also primary school. Now, having graduated doing other useful things on campus, from high school and moved from working both as a resident advisor Singapore to Dunedin to study at Aquinas College and as a mentor Zoology, Kamani has been putting her for new international students as par passion into practice, learning about t of Otago’s International Mentor the behaviour, anatomy, physiology Programme. and conservation of wild animals. Meanwhile, she’s taking advantage It has allowed her to give something of New Zealand’s own natural back to the community that helped environment. “You just can’t find this her adapt to life in a new country open space and natural beauty in when she first arrived, she says. “I Singapore,” she says. Kamani’s ultimate met so many nice people at Aquinas goal is to take the Postgraduate College, and that is why I came Diploma in Natural History back to be an advisor. It’s a great Filmmaking and Communication, a environment,” she says. “Being a course developed by the University in mentor is good, because I can relate to conjunction with Dunedin’s prestigious what new students are going through. I Natural History New Zealand Ltd, know what it’s like to get homesick, for which makes wildlife documentaries instance, but also how much better it that are screened around the globe. gets once you do settle in.”
KAMANI SUPPIAH
student profiles
in the field of medical law. He rates his experience here highly and enthusiastically recommends it to others.
XIJU ZHAO People’s Republic of China PHD, Law In a world where medical patients are sometimes faced with a baffling array of treatment options, Xiju Zhao is concerned about what role doctors should play in ensuring that they are kept informed about the alternatives available to them. The doctrine of informed consent is the topic of Xiju’s PhD research at the University of Otago, and it has given him an opportunity to explore a topic that draws on his own Chinese background. In China, conventional western medicine and traditional Chinese medicine are taught side by side. Xiju chose Otago for his PhD because of the Faculty of Law’s international standing and, in particular, its expertise
“The University of Otago has a strong research culture, which is essential for postgraduate study,” Xiju says. “One of the most enjoyable things I have done during my time here is to attend an interesting variety of seminars and lectures offered by the University.” Studying in a new country has been made easier and more enjoyable by the supportive environment provided by University of Otago staff, he says. “Being a postgraduate student in the Law Faculty means becoming a part of its staff. Postgraduate students are warmly invited to attend staff seminars and events, and help is always available, whether academic or administrative.” Professor Mark Henaghan, one of Xiju’s supervisors, believes that his research will be “groundbreaking”. “There is very little research in the area of the duty to disclose alternative treatments,” he says. “This thesis will be very valuable.” Xiju plans to return to China and lecture at a university there once he has finished his degree. In the meantime, he is dedicated to making the most of his experience at Otago. “As a university city, Dunedin is student-oriented and student-friendly,” he says. “Tranquility and natural beauty, coupled with cultural richness and a strong academic atmosphere, make Otago an ideal destination for international students.”
Programm
mes
Otago offers an extensive range of undergraduate and postgraduate programmes across the areas of Business, Health Sciences, Humanities and Sciences. Intensive English preparation can be undertaken at the University’s Language Centre and the Foundation Year provides academic and English preparation for undergraduate study.
Subjects
Undergraduate entry requirements postgraduate entry requirements English requirements
language centre
foundation year
Programm Accountancy
UGPMD
Electronics
UGPMD
Anatomy & Structural Biology UGPMD
Energy Studies/Management
UGPMD
Anthropology
UGPMD
English
UGPMD
Aquaculture & Fisheries
UG
Entrepreneurship
M
Biochemistry
UGPMD
Food Science
UGPMD
Bioethics
PMD
French
UGPMD
Biomedical Sciences
UPMD
Gender Studies
UGPMD
Botany
UGPMD
Genetics
UGPMD
Chemistry
UGPMD
Geographic Information Systems
UGMD
Childhood and Youth Studies
MD
Geography
UGPMD
Chinese
UGPMD
Geology
UGPMD
Christian Thought & History
UGPMD
Geophysics
MD
Classics
UGPMD
German
UGPMD
Clothing & Textile Sciences
UGPMD
Health Informatics
P
Communication Studies
UGPMD
History
UGPMD
Community Dentistry
PMD
Human Nutrition
UGPMD
Computational Modelling
UGMD
Immunology
MD
Computer Science
UGPMD
Indigenous Studies
M
Dance Studies
M
Information Science
UGPMD
Dental Surgery
UPMD
International Business
UGPMD
Dental Technology
UPMD
International Studies
M
Development Studies
PMD
Japanese
UGPMD
Dietetics
PM
UG
Ecology
UGPMD
Land & Spatial Information Studies
Economics
UGPMD
Education
UGPMD
Subjects
Otago offers an extensive range of undergraduate and postgraduate programmes History & TheoryHealth Sciences, UGPMDHumanities Environmental Management across the Art areas of Business, and Sciences. Intensive UGPMD English preparation can be taken at thePMD University’s Language and the Aviation Medicine Film andCentre Media Studies UGPMD FoundationBiblical Year provides academic andUGPMD English preparation for undergraduate study. Studies Finance UGPMD
Land Planning & Development UG Law
UMD
Linguistics
UGPMD
mes Management
UGPMD
Social and Community Work
UPMD
Marine Science
PMD
Sociology
UGPMD
Marketing
UGPMD
Software Engineering
UGMD
Mathematics
UGPMD
Spanish
UGPMD
MBA
M
Sports and Exercise Medicine
P
Medical Laboratory Science
UPMD
Sports and Exercise Nutrition U
Medicine
UPMD
Statistics
UGPMD
Microbiology
UGPMD
Click images to expand Surveying
UPMD
Molecular Biotechnology
UGPMD
Teaching (Early Childhood)
UG
Music
UGPMD
Teaching (Primary)
UG
Natural History Filmmaking
PM
Teaching (Secondary)
G
Neuroscience
UGPMD
Telecommunications
UGMD
Oral Health
U
Tourism
UGPMD
Outdoor Education
P
Toxicology
MD
Peace and Conflict Studies
PMD
Visual Culture
UG
Pharmacology
UGPMD
Wildlife Management
PM
Pharmacy
UPMD
Zoology
UGPMD
Philosophy
UGPMD
Physical Education
UPMD
u-U ndergraduate bachelor’s degree
Physics
UGPMD
Physiology
UGPMD
Physiotherapy
UPMD
g - Diploma for graduates/graduate diploma (can be endorsed or taken in these areas)
Planning
M
Politics
UGPMD
Psychology
UGPMD
Public Health
PMD
Religious Studies
UGPMD
Science Communication
M
Second Language Teaching
G
p-P ostgraduate diploma and/or postgraduate certificate (requires a bachelor’s degree in the same subject) m-M aster degree (typically taken by coursework and research) d - PHD (research only thesis study)
UNDERGRADUATE ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
UNDERGRADUATE ENTRY REQUIREMENTS To be eligible for entry to undergraduate programmes, all students must hold qualifications that are acceptable to the University of Otago. If you have undertaken study at a New Zealand High school you can use your National Certificate in Educational Achievement (NCEA) credits to gain admission to the University of Otago. The University recognises many other qualifications as equivalent to the New Zealand qualification for entrance and some of these are listed on the right hand page.
The minimum requirement for students from many countries not listed is the completion of a high school qualification plus satisfactory completion of one year’s study at an approved tertiary institution. Entry requirements are constantly reviewed and the University reserves the right to amend the above requirements at any time. Students who do not hold acceptable qualifications may qualify for admission to the University of Otago by completing the University of Otago Foundation Year.
African, Middle East, South American countries
One year of successful study at a recognised institution of university standing, or a completed polytechnic diploma.
Australia
Australian Year 12 qualification with an appropriate ranking score (see grade requirements PDF)
Bangladesh
One year of successful study at a recognised institution of university standing.
Canada
Canadian High School Graduation with a minimum overall grade average of 70%. Specific requirements may vary from Province to Province. Ontario Secondary School Diploma with a minimum average of 70% in six subjects in Grade 12 (see grade requirements PDF)
China
Senior High School graduation and one year of successful study at a recognised institution of university standing; or Senior High School graduation and completion of a two- or three-year diploma with high passing grades at a recognised institute or university.
Denmark
Studentereksamen (Gymnasium, HHX – Hojere Handeleksamen, HTX – Hojere Teknisk Eksamen) or Hojere Forberedelseseksamen.
Fiji
Minimum of 270/400 (including English) in the Fiji Form VII (see grade requirements PDF).
France
Baccalauréat Général.
Germany
Abitur or Zeugnis der Fachgebundenen Hochschulreife or Zeugnis der Fachhochschulreife.
Hong Kong
Three passes at Advanced Level taken at one sitting with appropriate grades (see grade requirements PDF).
Hungary
Érettségi
India
One year of successful study at a recognised institution of university standing; or a minimum overall average of 75% in the Indian School Certificate or the the All-India Senior School Certificate with a minimum of 70% in English (see grade requirements PDF).
Indonesia
One year of successful study at a recognised institution of university standing.
Iran
One year of successful study at a recognised institution of university standing.
Israel
Bagrut (Matriculation) or Mechina.
Japan
One year of successful study at a recognised institution of university standing; or completion of a junior college diploma of 2 or 3 years' duration (for admission to general degrees only).
Malaysia
Minimum of three STPM "Principal" level subjects with appropriate grades (see grade requirements PDF). All passes must be gained in the one sitting. A maximum of 15 points over six academic subjects in the Senior Middle III Examination (UEC) of the Malaysian Independent Chinese Secondary Schools System.
Netherlands
VWO-Gymnasium A or B; VWO-Atheneum A or B.
Norway
Vitnemål fra den Videregående Skole with appropriate grades (see grade requirements PDF).
Pakistan
One year of successful study at a recognised institution of university standing.
Philippines
One year of successful study at a recognised institution of university standing.
Samoa
A minimum of B3 (60%) average over 8 papers (including English A) in the University Preparatory Year of the National University of Samoa.
Singapore
Passes at Advanced Level taken at one sitting with appropriate grades (see grade requirements PDF).
South Africa
Completion of the National Senior Certificate (NSC) with appropriate grades.
South Korea
Completion of High School Leaving Certificate plus one year’s successful study at a recognised institution of University standing, with good passing grades.
Sri Lanka
A minimum of three Sri Lankan Advanced Level subjects taken at one sitting with approprite grades.
Sweden
Slutbetyg Från Gymnasieskolan with grades of VG or MVG.
Taiwan
One year of successful study at a recognised institution of university standing.
Thailand
One year of successful study at a recognised institution of university standing.
United Kingdom
Three passes at Advanced Level taken at one sitting with appropriate grades (see grade requirements PDF). In Scotland, appropriate passes at Higher Level are acceptable.
USA
High School Graduation Diploma with minimum B grade average and appropriate SAT Reasoning Test scores (see grade requirements PDF).
Vietnam
One year of successful study at a recognised institution of university standing.
Worldwide
International Baccalaureate (Full Diploma) awarded with a minimum of 26 points.
postGRADUATE ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) is a research-only programme designed for students who intend to pursue an academic or research career. The PhD can usually be completed in a minimum of three years. Admission usually requires the completion of a master’s degree, or a four-year first-class or upper-second-class honours degree in the same area of study, or a related discipline, as the intended area of research. Applicants for this degree, Masters’ degrees, must have evidence of a research background. MASTERS’ DEGREES Masters’ degrees are typically research-only, but some can be a combination of coursework and research, or a mainly coursework programme. A master’s degree is normally a full-time one-year programme for candidates with a four-year honours degree or postgraduate diploma, and a two-year programme for candidates with a standard bachelor’s degree. Some specialist programmes are of different lengths. Candidates with a four-year honours degree or postgraduate diploma may apply for master’s study by research-only. In some cases, candidates with a bachelor’s degree may apply for master’s study by coursework and research. A master’s degree is normally undertaken in the same area of study as the major subject pursued for a bachelor’s degree, postgraduate diploma or honours degree. Some masters’ programmes require only that the candidate is a graduate and/or has appropriate work experience. POSTGRADUATE DIPLOMA A postgraduate diploma provides a specialist one-year postgraduate qualification and a pathway to research study, extending the knowledge gained in a bachelor’s degree. It is typically offered by coursework plus a small research project. A postgraduate diploma can be taken directly after the completion of a bachelor’s degree. It is usually undertaken in the same area of study as the major subject pursued for a bachelor’s degree, or in a related discipline. POSTGRADUATE CERTIFICATE A postgraduate certificate is generally a six-month coursework qualification which recognizes continuing professional development in the same area as the candidate’s original degree. It is generally only available in the Division of Health Sciences. A postgraduate certificate can be taken directly after the completion of a bachelor’s degree. It is usually undertaken in the same area of study as the major subject pursued for a bachelor’s degree or in a related discipline.
english language requirements
ENGLISH LANGUAGE REQUIREMENTS All courses at the University of Otago are taught and examined in English. If your first language is not English you must provide evidence of a satisfactory level of English language proficiency. The minimum requirements for standard international tests are: Foundation Year • IELTS (International English Language Testing System) score of 5.5 in the academic module • Paper-based TOEFL score of 525 • Internet-based TOEFL score of 70 (writing score of 15) Undergraduate • I ELTS score of 6.0 in the academic module (with no individual band below 6.0) • P aper-based TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) score of 550 (TWE 4.5) • Internet-based TOEFL of 80 with a writing score of 20 • Cambridge Certificate in Advanced English (CAE) - Grade B • Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE) - Grade C Postgraduate • I ELTS score of 6.5 in the academic module (with no individual band below 6.0) • P aper-based TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) score of 587 (TWE 4.5) • Internet-based TOEFL of 95 with a writing score of 22 • Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE) - Grade B Intensive English classes are available at the University of Otago Language Centre.
language centre
The University of Otago Language Centre The University of Otago Language Centre offers General English and a variety of English courses and pathways to university study: • English for Academic Purposes • IELTS, TOEFL iBT • English for International Communication with TOEIC • Non-IELTS pathways to the Foundation Year and to undergraduate and postgraduate study The Language Centre is a registered examination centre for IELTS, iBT TOEFL and TOEIC. It offers five levels of English tuition from elementary to advanced. There are typically three 90-minute classes each day (4.5 hours), and a total of 22.5 hours of classes each week. Class sizes are small and students have access to a multimedia language laboratory, a computer suite and an independent learning centre with email and internet. www.otago.ac.nz/uolcfy
The University of Otago Foundation Year The University of Otago Foundation Year provides academic and English preparation for undergraduate degrees at Otago and provides a university entry qualification for students seeking admission to undergraduate degrees at all other New Zealand universities. After completing the 8-month Foundation Studies Certificate to the required standard, students are guaranteed a place in most University of Otago first year courses for which they have prepared. Foundation Year intakes are in February, June and October.
foundation year
The following academic streams provide specific preparation for undergraduate degrees offered at Otago: • Arts • Applied Science • Business/Commerce • General Science (October intake only) • Health Sciences (February and June intakes only) • Life Sciences Students are taught in lecture theatres and laboratories on-campus, as well as in classrooms in a purpose-built facility. Students learn how to work and study independently and in small groups, develop communication, time management and problem-solving skills, and improve their essay writing and research skills. www.otago.ac.nz/uolcfy
admission & support Otago places a strong emphasis on student support for its 2,600 international students. A dedicated International Office handles most application and support requirements, supplemented by a wide range of on-campus services.
n t
Click images to expand
application process
International office
Services & Facilities
Accommodation
Recreation
Code of practice
ACADEMIC YEAR The University academic year is divided into two semesters: First Semester: late February to late June. Second Semester: early July to mid November. In addition, a Summer School is offered from early January to mid February.
Application process
The University of Otago Foundation Year has intakes in February, June and October. All bachelors’ degrees and most postgraduate coursework degrees and diplomas can be commenced in the First Semester (February). A limited number of degrees and diplomas can be commenced in the second semester (July); a second semester start may not be recommended for all major subjects. Research students may apply and commence study at any time
APPLICATION CLOSING DATES Application closing dates are as follows: • Summer School (January) - 31 October of the preceeding year • First Semester start (February) - 31 October of the preceeding year (but late applications not requiring evaluation for credit, will be considered until 1 December) • Second Semester start (July) - 30 April of the year you intend to commence your study. Some programmes may have starting dates which differ from the above. Students applying for research-only programmes for masters’ degrees or PhD may apply and commence study at any time of the year. Important dates for international students
APPLICATION PROCESS An application can be submitted in one of two ways: As an individual All independent International applicants must apply for admission to the university through the International Office using the appropriate application form. Once completed, please send your application form, together with all required documentation, to the International Office.
Through an agent Approved University of Otago representatives & agents What to include with your application • A relevant application form • Academic documentation in English and certified by a responsible authority • Evidence of English proficiency • Citizenship status Students who are applying on the basis of previous tertiary study may also be required to submit an Educational Credentials Evaluation (ECE). All academic transcripts and award certficates must be witnessed (certified/ notarised) by a responsible authority. Documents not in English must be accompanied by witnessed English language translations. Please consult the University of Otago website for a description of the application process for undergraduate degree-seeking students, for postgraduate degree or diploma-seeking students and for Study Abroad students. What happens with your application Once your application has been received, it will be assessed for eligibility. If your application is successful, you will be sent an offer letter notifying you of the offered programme, the programme start date and a fees estimate. Once you have received your offer letter, you can commence the process for student visa application.
Tuition Fees & Living Costs Scholarships
international office
The International Office is a focal point for international students at Otago. The Office provides information, support and advice to future and current international students and to students wishing to study overseas on exchange programmes. It runs on-campus orientation programmes for new students, operates the International Mentor Programme, and can assist with student visa renewals and the provision of medical and travel insurance. International Student Advisers are available on a confidential basis to assist international students with any issues or questions that may arise during their time at Otago such as: • cultural adjustment • homesickness • family support • general health and wellbeing • academic issues • providing student status documentation • flatting and accommodation issues Advisers can refer students to other specialised services as required.
Student Health Services Student Health Services is situated on-campus and provides medical, nursing, counselling and psychiatric advice and treatment for all enrolled students on a confidential basis.
Student Learning Centre
Services & facilities
The Student Learning Centre provides a free and confidential academic support service to all students at all levels of study. The support provided includes study skills guidance and advice, on-line study guides and tutorials, writing support, and opportunities for students whose second language is English to join a group to practise conversational English skills with native speakers.
Disability Information and Support Disability Information and Support provides learning support, advice, advocacy and information to students with permanent, recurring or temporary impairments. Student Advisors are available to help and to put a support plan in place. Students should check well in advance of enrolment to ensure the University can meet their specific needs. As there may be costs associated with some support services, it is important that you are aware of these before you commit to studying at Otago.
Information Technology Services Information Technology Services’ staff provide the first line of support for students using computers and internet-based systems at Otago. Computer resource rooms are located around the Dunedin campus and several are open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Help and training in the use of the Student Computing System is provided by staff. Wireless internet access is available at selected campus locations, including all libraries on-campus.
Libraries The University Library collection includes more than 3 million items and is held in a number of facilities across campus, including the Central Library, the specialist Law, Health Sciences, Education, and Science libraries and the Hocken Collection (New Zealand archival material). The Central Library is in the University’s multi-award-winning Information Services Building.
Students’ Association The Otago University Students’ Association (OUSA) runs an orientation programme at the start of the academic year. It also organises many social and sporting events, a weekly student newspaper and an FM radio station. OUSA offers help and advice to students and membership provides students with access to facilities such as cafes, the UNIPOL Recreation Centre, Clubs and Societies Centre, and social events.
There are several accommodation options for international students and it is important to consider whether you prefer an independent lifestyle or enjoy living in a community, and whether you prefer to do your own cooking or have meals provided for you. The Accommodation Office can book accommodation for international students who have received an offer of an academic place. If your first choice of accommodation is not available the University will offer you an alternative where possible. The following accommodation options are available: Residential Colleges (14)
Accommodation
University Flats (University managed flats/houses, self-catering) International students who are accepted for a residential college are expected to be active participants in the social, cultural and recreational programmes organized by the residents’ association. All residential colleges are fully catered or provide a meal plan as well as providing computer facilities and broadband access, social and sporting activities, guidance and support from senior students, and study tutorials. Most Residential Colleges are for undergraduate students in their first year of study but a few can accommodate postgraduate students. Abbey College is specifically for postgraduate students. Residential colleges are generally within walking distance of the campus. The University flats provide a single room in a flat/house with the costs of living together shared by the residents. Most of these flats have a New Zealand host student and are generally within walking distance of the campus. Contact the International Accommodation Adviser for more information. Email international.accommodation@otago.ac.nz
recreation
Recreation Services offers a comprehensive range of recreational facilities, activities and services on- and off-campus. At the Unipol Recreation Centre you can find out about the many activities, courses and tours available – from crafts and leisure activities to social sports and outdoor pursuits. Sport and recreation equipment is available for hire. The Unipol recreation centre also offers weight training and cardio rooms, fitness classes and gym space for basketball, table tennis and more. In addition, the Otago University Students’ Association (OUSA) runs a Club and Societies Centre, covering over 100 diffferent cultural, sporting, political and religious interests. OUSA also owns an Aquatic Centre for University rowers, windsurfers and kayakers, a yacht club and squash courts.
code of practice
The Code of Practice for the Pastoral Care of International Students , published by the New Zealand Ministry of Education, provides a framework for education providers to ensure a high standard of care and wellbeing is maintained for international students while they live and study in New Zealand. The University of Otago is a signatory to the Code of Practice.
DUNEDIN & OTAGO
Dunedin is the southernmost of New Zealand’s main centres and the largest city of the province of Otago. Dunedin’s strong Scottish influence is evident in the city’s strong commitment to education, a thriving arts scene and cultural life, and some of New Zealand’s most beautiful buildings. These sit alongside a spectacular natural environment, including a “Town Belt” of native bushes and trees, and a harbour and peninsula featuring yellow-eyed penguins and a colony of the Royal Albatross.
Click images to expand
Dunedin & Otago
Events
Things to do
dunedin & otago
Dunedin is the southernmost of New Zealand’s main centres and the largest city in the province of Otago. Although relatively small in size (population 120,000), it boasts many natural attractions as well as facilities usually offered only by cities many times its size. The central city streets are lined with restaurants, cafes and bars. Modern shopping malls trade alongside boutiques, galleries, and weekly craft and farmers’ markets. The Dunedin Public Art Gallery, museums and libraries are among the finest in the country and professional theatre enjoys a high profile. Temperatures typically range from 14-24 degrees Celsius in the summer (December-February) to 5-13 degrees Celsius in the winter (June-August). Outdoor activities can be enjoyed year-round. There are more than150 walking tracks in the Dunedin environs, four championship golf courses and many other sporting facilities which are all easily accessible. The long natural harbour is favoured for watersports and St Clair beach is considered one of New Zealand’s best for surfing. Dunedin is encircled by a “Town Belt” of native bush and trees and its coastline is home to colonies of yelloweyed penguins, New Zealand fur seals and the world’s only mainland breeding colony of the Royal Albatross. Just a few hour hours’ drive out of Dunedin are some of New Zealand’s most spectacular natural attractions – rugged mountains, deep fiords, clear blue lakes – including the internationally-known resort towns of Queenstown and Wanaka, famed for their ski fields, adventure tourism, and a burgeoning wine industry.
events
• Dunedin Wine and Food Festival • Scottish Week • Fringe and Heritage Festivals • ID Dunedin Fashion Week • Regent 24-hour Book Sale • University Capping Show • Midwinter Festival and Polar Plunge • International Science Festival • Cadbury Chocolate Carnival • International Film Festival • Dunedin Marathon
things to do
• Surf at St Clair Beach • Fish for salmon in the Otago Harbour • Visit New Zealand’s only castle, Larnach Castle • Go on a Speight’s Brewery Heritage Tour • Enjoy gourmet foods from the Otago Farmers’ Market • Mountain-bike around the Dunedin hills • See yellow-eyed penguins and Royal Abatross • Walk up the steepest street in the world, Baldwin St • Play golf at one of Dunedin’s many golf courses • Taieri Gorge Railway Trip Find out more about Dunedin at www.dunedinnz.com
足足足足 INFORMATION USEFUL Please find useful links below: Otago International Otago Language Centre and Foundation Year Otago Accommodation Otago Services and Support Immigration New Zealand Dunedin City Education Dunedin Education in New Zealand New Zealand Contact Information International Office PO Box 56 Dunedin New Zealand Tel: +64 3 4798344 Email: international.admissions@otago.ac.nz Website: www.otago.ac.nz/international
Disclaimer
disclaimer
This publication is intended as a general guide for international students. The information provided is, as far as possible, up-to-date and accurate at the time of publication. The University reserves the right to add, amend or withdraw programmes and facilities, to restrict student numbers and to make any other alterations as it may deem necessary. The regulations of the University of Otago are published on the University’s website. www.otago.ac.nz