Otago is New Zealand's oldest and most prestigious university, with its attractive campus in the center of Dunedin. University students make up one sixth of Dunedin's population. The University of Otago campus is situated in the center of Dunedin, a city offering the best of both worlds to students. It has the facilities, entertainment and variety of larger cities, with a wide range of social, cultural and sporting activities.

Finding the balance between study and leisure is an important part of university life. At Otago, the recreation program offers something for everyone, including: hiking, dance, crafts, debating and social sports. Otago students also play leadership roles in professional sport. The University Union is the hub of social life on campus. Centrally located, Union facilities include a clothing and gift shop, bar and restaurant, and an extensive food court cafe where students can meet between lectures for study breaks, meals or just coffee with friends.

Otago is a national university in the sense that the majority of its students come from outside the city. This provides for a friendly and social campus where it is easy to make friends and share experiences.

Dunedin is a city by the sea. It has white sand beaches, bush clad hills, tidal inlets and volcanic landforms. Dunedin's physical vitality is reflected in the spirit of its people. The population of 120,000 has produced many of New Zealand's greatest writers, poets, artists and musicians. The city's strong cultural bias is seen in its modern public art gallery which houses one of New Zealand's best international art collections, its strong professional theatre, and its museums and libraries that rank among the country's finest.

Nature endowed Dunedin with coastal colonies of the shy Yellow-Eyed Penguins, and the world's only mainland breeding colony of the Royal Albatross. Dunedin's green belt and its many parks and gardens add to the breath and soul of the city. The 'kiwi' passion for water sports is met by Dunedin's long natural harbor - ideal for wind surfing, yachting, kayaking, canoeing, rowing and fishing. Surf's up all year round on Dunedin beaches, and St Clair beach is considered one of New Zealand's best for surfing.

Curriculum
Exchange students are free to choose from available courses at Otago, though some courses may have restrictions. Please note that New Zealand refers to courses as "papers." Additionally, Otago offers a wide range of courses ("papers") with a fieldwork component. Note that some courses with fieldwork may require an additional fee which students are responsible for paying directly to Otago. 

Visit the Otago course catalog website

Terms
Spring (Semester 1): late February - late June
Fall (Semester 2): early July - mid November
Academic Calendar

Students will pay their regular tuition rate and fees to UVA for the term they are on a UVA Exchange Program. Students are additionally responsible for room and board, transportation, and personal expenses. Students will pay the host institution or make their own arrangements for accommodations. Check the host institution web site for accommodation choices, cost, and application procedures.

Students are responsible for booking and paying for their own international airfare as well as researching and obtaining the necessary visa.

UVA students are required to purchase CISI emergency medical and accident insurance as well as the New Zealand Studentsafe-University insurance.

Cost of living information

Tuition and Fees: Students will pay their regular tuition rate and fees to UVA for the term they are on a UVA Exchange Program. Tuition and fees will be billed to each student’s SIS account and can be paid as normal.

Housing and Meals: Students are responsible to pay for accommodation and any required or preferred meal plan. Students will pay the host institution or make their own arrangements for accommodations. Check the host institution web site for accommodation and meal plan choices, cost, and application procedures.

Travel and Travel Documents: Students are responsible for booking and paying for their own international airfare as well as researching and obtaining the necessary visa. Students should also budget for in-country transportation costs.

Insurance: UVA students are required to purchase CISI emergency medical and accident insurance. More information can be found on our insurance page. 

Additional Expenses: Students should be prepared to purchase required books and supplies. Students should also budget for additional personal expenses; examples include laundry, phone costs, personal travel, meals out, etc.

If you are not able to find accommodation costs or application, cost of living, or other information you need in order to prepare for your study abroad program, please contact your Education Abroad Advisor.

Financial Aid
You can find detailed information regarding financial aid and study abroad on the following websites:

• Education Abroad Financial Aid
• Financial Aid Availability by Term
• Student Financial Services (SFS)

Please contact your Education Abroad Advisor with any questions.

The University of Virginia believes in providing reasonable accommodations for students with documented disabilities on an individual basis. If you believe that you would require adjustments in order to fully participate in this program, please contact the Student Disability Access Center at 434-243-5180 as early as possible in order to begin this dialogue.

All participants will need a valid passport in order to participate in the program. Students must ensure that their passport is valid at least six months past the program return date. US passport holders will need a visa to participate in this program. All students must consult www.immigration.govt.nz for information about visa and other entry requirements. International students should meet with their International Student Advisor in the International Studies Office as part of the application process.

All students considering Education Abroad should consult the Students Abroad section of the U.S. Department of State’s web-based travel resources and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Traveler’s Health web resources to research health, safety, and security conditions; visa requirements; immunization requirements; and recommendations on staying healthy and safe in their target destination(s). Students should also carefully review the UVA Education Abroad Health & Safety Abroad web page. Parents and guardians are strongly advised to review all of these resources, as well. UVA students and visiting students enrolled in UVA Education Abroad programs are subject to the University of Virginia’s Policy on Student International Travel.