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University of Otago

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Why choose University of Otago?

Find Study Abroad programs at the University of Otago - New Zealand's First University! Located in Australasia's true College city with the best access to New Zealand's beautiful scenery.

Study Abroad, Lead Locally: Join the Global Impact Scholar Programme

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Website
www.otago.ac.nz
Founded
1869
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Community Photos

Great Barrier Islands fall break trip
Orientation week: Sport's Day
Outside of our flat with the cars that my friends bought for the semester (sold at the end)
Games and snacks with German folk we met while hiking!
Backpacking the Routeburn track
Iconic nz sausage roll for breakfast
Campsite in the Catlins
Waterfall hike near the University of Otago
Saint Patrick's Day Festivities
Roy's Peak
White Horse campsite at Mount Cook!
Mount Cook
Mid Semester Break
view of the peninsula and harbor from mt cargill
ice hockey game at the dunedin ice rink
volunteering at the annual dunedin fashion show! (yes, we watched the show for free)

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Diversity & Inclusion 💙

At the University of Otago, BIPOC support is provided through a combination of formal services and student-led communities that aim to foster equity, belonging, and success for students from diverse backgrounds. Key services include the Māori Centre (Te Huka Mātauraka) and the Pacific Islands Centre, which offer academic, cultural, and pastoral support tailored to Māori and Pacific students, alongside scholarships and mentoring opportunities. The University’s Equity and Diversity offices, as well as International Student Support, further assist students who may face systemic barriers, cultural adjustment, or discrimination. In addition, Otago’s vibrant network of cultural clubs and associations, such as OUASA and various international student groups, provide spaces for connection, advocacy, and celebration of cultural identity. Together, these initiatives reflect Otago’s commitment to ensuring that Black, Indigenous, and other students of colour are supported academically, socially, and personally throughout their studies.
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At the University of Otago, LGBTQIA+ support is centred on creating safe, inclusive, and affirming spaces where students can thrive both personally and academically. The Otago University Students’ Association (OUSA) provides dedicated Queer Support, offering confidential advocacy, one-on-one chats, peer networks, and resources tailored for students exploring or affirming their gender and sexual identities. Students also have access to the Queer Space on campus, a safe hub for connection, study, and community, as well as UniQ Otago, a vibrant student club that organises events and fosters belonging for queer students and allies. These services work alongside University initiatives, including Rainbow Tick accreditation and staff training, to ensure equity and inclusion across the campus. Together, they reflect Otago’s commitment to supporting LGBTQIA+ students with care, visibility, and celebration of diversity.
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At the core of neurodivergent support is the Disability Information and Support (DI&S)—Te Pokapū Hāpai Huka Hauā. This central service supports students with ongoing conditions, whether physical, mental health-related, learning-based, or developmental. DI&S offers tailored study and exam accommodations, everything from note-taking services, interpreters, adapted materials, tutoring, assistive technology loans, quiet study spaces, to exam modifications—and operates through confidential, student-aligned support plans. All arrangements begin with a meeting with a Student Advisor and require documentation, but remain personal and private unless permission is granted otherwise
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At the University of Otago, accessibility support is coordinated through Disability Information and Support (Te Pokapū Hāpai Huka Hauā), which partners with students to develop tailored support plans offering services such as note-taking, adapted materials, assistive technology, exam accommodations, advocacy, and access to accessible parking and campus facilities all delivered with strict confidentiality and no impact on academic records. For students requiring accessible residential living, mobility-friendly housing options are available and can be arranged in consultation with DI&S Additionally, Otago has enhanced its digital accessibility by implementing the AI‑powered UserWay widget, which enables on‑site adjustments (contrast, fonts, spacing, link highlighting) to improve navigation and inclusivity of its online platforms DI&S can be contacted via email or phone to arrange appointments or support, with a vision to foster inclusive, barrier‑free learning environments for all students with impairments.
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Impact 🌎

At the University of Otago, sustainability is part of everyday student life, with lots of opportunities to get involved. One of the most unique initiatives is the Sustainability Neighbourhoods, where groups of students live together in flats near campus and put eco-friendly ideas into practice, composting, recycling, saving energy, growing vegetables, and even looking after beehives and worm farms. It’s a great way to meet people, live more sustainably, and learn practical skills. Another popular option is Te Oraka, the campus op-shop, where students can pick up affordable second-hand clothes, kitchenware, and flatting essentials, helping reduce waste while saving money. Together, these initiatives give international students a chance to connect with others, live more sustainably, and be part of a welcoming community in Dunedin.
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Reviews

Sophia
21
Female
United States
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program
Program:
Study Abroad at the University of Otago in New Zealand

Study Abroad at Otago

Mar 31, 2026

My time at the University of Otago is something that I will cherish forever! Between the people I met, the adventures I went on, and the classes available, I had a wonderful time. I appreciated the support and effort that went into welcoming the international students in UniFlats. They must have a pretty good roommate matching system as well- I got paired up with some of my forever friends. I liked that the housing was close to campus and oriented in communities- it led to a lot of fun hangouts in our neighborhood! I enjoyed that I was able to knock out a couple of gen-eds such as physics, while also taking really cool and quite rigorous lab courses that were relevant to my majors. The city of Dunedin is awesome and there are plenty of activities. If you want to leave the city for a weekend, it's feasible/attainable and there are no bad choices for backpacking or other outdoor adventures. Again, I met some of my best friends here and had a great experience. Overall, the country, culture, and university are wonderful, and I could not recommend it more!

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
To anybody about to embark on a journey here, try to branch out early on and set the scene for your experience! There are a lot of social events and activities right off the bat, and everybody is equally excited and nervous to be there- it's a good time to make some friends! Otherwise: try everything that you want to, there is always somebody down for an adventure.
Pros
  • Nature
  • People/culture
  • Housing
Cons
  • Long travel time
Mount Cook
White Horse campsite at Mount Cook!
Roy's Peak
Saint Patrick's Day Festivities
Waterfall hike near the University of Otago
Campsite in the Catlins
Iconic nz sausage roll for breakfast
Backpacking the Routeburn track
Games and snacks with German folk we met while hiking!
Outside of our flat with the cars that my friends bought for the semester (sold at the end)
Orientation week: Sport's Day
Great Barrier Islands fall break trip
Katherine
23
Female
United States
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program
Program:
Study Abroad at the University of Otago in New Zealand

New Zealand Study Abroad Spring 2025

Mar 31, 2026

Truly this was one of the best experiences of my life. I had no idea what to expect but truly I would not change a thing. I loved my papers, professors, my living situation, my flatmates and the location. I was able to explore every weekend for a pretty reasonable price, and I felt that there was always something to do, and see. I can't recommend this program enough! I have met so many, many people through this program that are now lifelong friends. Just go and see for yourself! I can not recommend this enough.

If you did this all over again, what's one thing you would change?
If I was to do this again, I would expand my study abroad time to a full year, instead of just a semester. I truly did not want to leave when my time ended!
Pros
  • Flatmates
  • Location
  • Weather
Cons
  • Nothing
Mid Semester Break
Mio
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program
Program:
Study Abroad at the University of Otago in New Zealand

Awesome way to live a few months in NZ!

Aug 26, 2025

University of Otago made it super easy to come to NZ for exchange, especially through exchange student specific housing (Uniflats). The student culture at Otago and in Dunedin provides an environment where there's always lots of events going on, people excited to meet you, and trips to go on. I met some awesome people, got to rediscover what I enjoy doing, and spend a lot of time hiking and camping outside of Dunedin. There's lots to do and see (and it's hard to miss info about it), but it's also easy to take a breath and relax!

rock climbing at long beach
field trip on the university's research boat
volunteering at the annual dunedin fashion show! (yes, we watched the show for free)
ice hockey game at the dunedin ice rink
view of the peninsula and harbor from mt cargill
Neve
23
Female
United States
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program
Program:
Study Abroad at the University of Otago in New Zealand

100/10 The Best Choice I Ever Made

Aug 26, 2023

I started at Otago as a study abroad student from USA in 2023 and loved it so much that I transferred to a full degree! This is seriously the best decision I ever made. I have made the best friends here and I am so thankful for this opportunity! I met New Zealand friends straight away and became best friends with my Kiwi host in Uniflats! Living in uniflats really made my study abroad experience because it connected me with so many people. It is such a unique feature that not many other universities offer. Through uniflats, I immediately made friends with like 15 other abroad students and we hung out all semester! It was awesome meeting people from all over the world, one of my best friends was from Hungry! It's been so amazing getting to experience other cultures, it's truly eye-opening. There are so many activities to do that are so close to the University! The beach is 15 minutes away, there are so many hiking trails, and tons of clubs you can join! There's a snow sports club that goes on trips every weekend to ski and snowboard and you can decide which ones you want to attend! The transportation is SO easy. You can get to so many places using the intercity buses and it's very comfortable and affordable. I've used it like 5 times already to go to Queenstown and Christchurch! It's so crazy beautiful here, you have to come!

Pros
  • Easy Transportation Options
  • Very Freindly People
  • Accepting Culture
St. Claire Beach
Tasman National Park
The Heart of The University
My Uniflat Roommate and I at Mount Cook
April
28
China
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program
Program:
University of Otago - Postgraduate Programmes

Fantastic Trip in Dunedin

Jul 24, 2019

I’m so pleased to have such an opportunity coming here. Everything here is amazing and seems like quite different experience for me!

The university of Otago is so big, students with multi-background gathered here, campus here is beautiful, Gothic architecture looks cool.
I visited the building for the business school and enjoy the extraordinary view on the 9th floor.

We had two guides helping us know the campus ,that’s pretty nice and thank them for their kindly help.

By the way, my homestay here is amazing, they are so so so nice, and it’s my great honor to meet them!!!!!!!

Thank for the great chance and I have fantastic time here. I will always keep the memories here!!!!!

I’m sure I’ll come back again soon!
Thank you all the way.
:)

Amazing view
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Programs

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Alumni Interviews

These are in-depth Q&A sessions with verified alumni.

Melanie Allegretti

Program
Study Abroad at the University of Otago in New Zealand
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Why did you choose this program?

I talked to a ton of people about their experiences abroad, and while everyone had nothing but great things to say about Europe and Australia, no one had been to New Zealand! When I saw that my school offered an exchange with Otago, I knew that was where I wanted to go. Dunedin had a small, college town vibe, which was completely opposite from the metropolitan city vibe of my university.

New Zealand is well-known for their picturesque landscape, which was a great selling point for me! I have always loved skiing, and over the years, I was blown away by the pictures taken by my favorite skiers when they visited in New Zealand. I wanted the opportunity to explore all of the beauty it had to offer!

What did your university assist you with, and what did you have to organize on your own?

My university provided me with the basic information about studying abroad, but I was tasked with applying to the university and searching for classes and getting them approved by my university.

The University of Otago set up housing for all of the study abroad students. We were placed in houses with other foreign students and one New Zealand student (AKA "kiwi host") to help with our transition!

What is one piece of advice you'd give to someone going on your program?

New Zealand was my greatest adventure. Don't be afraid to take risks! Take a trek on one of the Great Walks, throw yourself off a bridge with a bungee strapped to your feet, drive on the wrong side of the road! Make friends with the Kiwis that live next door or the ones in your classes, because they are awesome people.

Explore the country, but don't forget about Dunedin. There are some amazing places right in your backyard.

I got to walk through botanical gardens just to go to the grocery store! The time you spend there will never be enough, so say yes to as much as you can.

Bring warm clothes! Dunedin is pretty far south and coastal, so while the summers are pleasant 80-85 degrees, winters can be very cold (it can even snow). Also, New Zealand homes lack insulation and do not have central heating, so your jackets, sleeping bag, and heated mattress pad will be your best friends.

What does an average day/week look like as a participant of this program?

Most people have class Monday to Thursday. You might utilize your three day weekends to explore this beautiful country, or you might spend it with friends in Dunedin.

Weekend activities ranged from nights out in downtown Dunedin, to flat dinners, to beach days, to cheering on the local Highlanders rugby team! There's always something to do.

Going into your experience abroad, what was your biggest fear, and how did you overcome it? How did your views on the issue change?

I was pretty apprehensive about living with guys. My flat, like most, was co-ed, and while it took some adjustment, it was a great experience, one that you don't typically get in the US.

My biggest fear was probably getting lost or stranded somewhere! It is always good to be prepared with cash and the number for a cab company when traveling.

On my first trip, I realized how nice and accommodating the Kiwis are and all of my fears dissipated. I also learned that sometimes you just have to go with the flow. My roommate and I were stuck in a small town that had lost power from a storm, and the only open place in town with food was a gas station. So we grabbed some chips and garlic bread, checked in to our powerless hotel and rode out the storm!

What made this trip meaningful for you?

The pictures I took were beyond beautiful, but what gives this experience meaning are the moments shared with all of the people I met. When I share my photos with friends, there are always stories that go along with them. The people and the experiences are what give those photos life.

You may see a photo of me holding glacial ice, but I see the 5-hour bus ride that my roommate and I took, to stand in the rain at a glacier! I see our sopping clothes hanging in our powerless hotel room as we eat gas station garlic bread and PB+J sandwiches for dinner for three meals in a row.

But those are the moments worth remembering, the moments that are meaningful.

Staff Interviews

These are in-depth Q&A sessions with program leaders.

Amber Russell

Program
Study Abroad at the University of Otago in New Zealand
Job Title
Community Support Co-ordinator
Amber works as part of the Pastoral Care team for the University of Otago Flats. She is one of the Community Support Co-ordinators and is responsible for events and provides pastoral care to the University's International exchange and study abroad students, as well as domestic "Kiwi Hosts".

She is a proud Otago University graduate with a Bachelor of Laws and a Bachelor of Arts majoring in Anthropology, and a New Zealand Powerlifting Athlete.
Amber Russell

What is your favorite travel memory?

In March of 2019, I had the amazing honour of representing New Zealand in the Asia-Pacific Powerlifting Championships held in Runaway Bay, Australia. It was an incredible experience being selected to represent my country and I was able to return home with an Oceania Record Bench Press and a Gold Medal.

How have you changed/grown since working for your current company?

Since starting my role at the University of Otago Flats (UniFlats), I have become so much more confident in talking to, and engaging in conversation with people from all backgrounds and also helping those I'm engaging with come out of their shell.

This job is definitely varied and being able to adapt to whatever situation comes my way is definitely a skill that I feel I have developed during my experience and it's incredibly rewarding when you see the student thriving.

What is the best story you've heard from a return student?

For me, my favourite moment is when the very shy ones, who seem incredibly anxious when they arrive, rather timid and soft-spoken - when you see those students again a month later and they've blossomed into such a confident and vibrant person. They've found their niche and you know they've made life long friends during their time at Otago.

If you could go on any program that your company offers, which one would you choose and why?

My māori culture is incredibly important to me, so I would love the opportunity to go on the Tūrangawaewae, Pōkai Whenua as it provides tauira Māori (māori students) the opportunity to travel abroad and explore the connections between indigenous communities and their tertiary institutions. Being able to learn and connect with other indigenous cultures in their homeland would be a humbling experience.

What makes your company unique? When were you especially proud of your team?

Our company is unique as it is one of the only University residential communities of its kind in Aotearoa.

We interview and select each of our Kiwi Host flatmates and then carefully select compatible international students that will make up the home based on their applications. We strive to make sure that every international student resident of our community feels connected in some way to their Kiwi Host - and I am proud of the care and effort that goes into this process each and every time.

What do you believe to be the biggest factor in being a successful company?

I believe you have to be passionate about the students in order to be successful - passionate about their goals, and passionate about their experience. This job will require you to go above and beyond the average "9-5" and to be successful as a company, you need people that are more than happy to go the extra mile - and I am proud to say the staff at the University of Otago Flats has those people.