Study Abroad in Dunedin, New Zealand
Whether you’re a student of the arts or the sciences, Dunedin is an inspiring destination to spend a semester abroad. A UNESCO City of Literature, there’s not really a wrong time to hit the books in one of Dunedin’s six libraries. Unless, of course, your classes are best supplemented with field experiences, like learning about endangered yellow-eyed penguins and other local wildlife on the Otago Peninsula.
Much like the educational opportunities, Dunedin also has something for everyone in regards to exploration. Wander around the free Otago Museum, see native flora in the Botanic Garden, and take a hike on Baldwin Street, the world’s steepest road.
Weekends and breaks are the perfect time to get out and discover New Zealand’s national parks, from the majestic Southern Alps to the coastal Catlins region. Every time you wander back around to Dunedin, you’ll be delighted to experience just how much this South Island city feels like home.
Deciding to study abroad in a place as cool as Dunedin is a no-brainer, but figuring out what type of course you want to take and where you’ll live is a tad trickier. This section will help you organize the finer details of studying abroad in Dunedin.
Course Types
As a study abroad student in Dunedin, there are a few options for course types. One option is to apply for and attend a Dunedin university of your choice as a regular student in what’s called a direct enrollment program. Alternatively, your own college may offer exchange programs, allowing you to take courses at a partnered institution overseas.
Another option is to go with a third-party provider. Through these independent organizations, you’ll likely be learning alongside and living with fellow study abroad students in Dunedin. While you’ll be a bit more disconnected from the local student life, organized activities will help to foster a close-knit community of study abroad students.
Housing
Typically for study abroad programs, student housing is provided at the local university’s accommodation. Otherwise, you can find a flat to sublet via platforms like Trade Me, Facebook, or Dunedin Craigslist. Since Dunedin’s population contains many students, you’ll be happy to know that flat availability tends to be flexible and line up with semester dates.
Transportation
To take the local buses in Dunedin, students will need to acquire a GoCard. While you’re able to pay as you go on public transit, the discounted GoCard fares are definitely worth the small card fee in the long run. There are a few places around the city where cards can be purchased, and from there you can top-up at those same locations or on the bus.
With the right preparation, studying abroad in Dunedin will be an affordable and enjoyable experience. There are a few things students should know before they get started.
Visas
Studying overseas in New Zealand requires either a visitor or a student visa. The former applies to U.S. students in programs under three months in length, and the latter is required for all other cases. With student visas, there are different types depending on factors like the duration of your stay, the nature of your chosen program, and your other plans while you’re in New Zealand.
Can You Work While Studying in Dunedin?
Even though some students might be eligible for a visitor visa, you’ll have to apply for a proper student visa if you intend to work while you study. Exchange, Fee Paying, and Foreign Government Supported Student Visas all permit visiting students to work under certain conditions. The Working Holiday, which is a 12-month visa, allows students to study for six months and work for the length of the visa.
Scholarships
Scholarships open up the possibilities for foreign students. If you need some extra help funding your study abroad in Dunedin, explore options from these organizations:
- Go Overseas: Yours truly supports annual scholarships to study abroad in New Zealand. Participating Dunedin schools include the University of Otago and Otago Polytechnic, two esteemed institutions.
- Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship: For U.S. citizens who wish to study abroad, the Department of State runs this program for need-based students.
- Fulbright Scholarships: A Fulbright Scholarship supports awarded students for ten months of study, and there are conditions under which some students may be able to extend.