The University of Otago

In 2007 there are over 20,000 students, approximately 4,000 of who are studying at postgraduate level. The University is home to 2,500 international students from more than 80 countries.

Location and Sites
The main campus is in Dunedin, a city of culture and learning in scenic southern New Zealand. The region provides excellent outdoor recreation and field-study 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.

The University also has Schools of Medicine & Health Sciences in Christchurch and Wellington.

Academic Courses
Undergraduate: Bachelor degree programmes are offered in Applied Science, Arts, Biomedical Science, Business, Consumer & Applied Sciences, Dental Surgery, Dental Technology, Education, Law, Medical Laboratory Science, Medicine, Music, Oral Health, Pharmacy, Physical Education, Physiotherapy, Sciences, Surveying, Teaching, Theology, and Tourism.

Study Abroad & Exchange: Students from overseas universities wishing to undertake one or two semesters at Otago can access many courses in the normal degree programmes.

Postgraduate: A full range of Postgraduate Diploma, Masters' and PhD courses is offered in the areas listed above. Specialist masters programmes include the MBA, Entrepreneurship, Indigenous Studies, International Studies, Science Communication and Wildlife Management.

More information is available at www.otago.ac.nz/courses/qualifications/index.

Research
The University of Otago is New Zealand's most research-intensive university (Ministry of Research, Science and Technology report, 2006) and New Zealand's top-ranked university for research quality (PBRF Quality Evaluation, 2007). Otago is home to world-quality research and researchers who are passionate about their fields of study. The University has developed Research Themes and Areas of Research Excellence 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.

More information is available at www.otago.ac.nz/research/index.

Foundation Year
The University offers an eight-month preparatory programme for students who need further English and academic preparation before commencing bachelors' degree study. The Foundation Year:

• is tought on the University campus
• allows students to access most University services and facilities
• has intakes in February and June
• upon successful completion, guarantees students a place in the Otago first year course for which they have prepared.

More information is available at www.otago.ac.nz/foundationstudies.

Language Centre
The University of Otago Language Centre offers intensive English language and study skills preparation for prospective University and Foundation Year students, and for general communication. The Language Centre is a registered test centre for IELTS, TOEFL and TOEIC. Students have access to most University services and facilities.

More information is available at www.otago.ac.nz/foundationstudies.

English Language Requirements
Undergraduate: Paper-Based TOEFL 550 (TWE 4.5); Computer-Based TOEFL 213 (Essay 4.5); Internet-Based TOEFL 80 (Writing 20); IELTS 6.0, (no band below 6.0)

Postgraduate: Paper-Based TOEFL 587 (TWE 4.5); Computer-Based TOEFL 240 (Essay 4.5); Internet-Based TOEFL 95 (Writing 22); IELTS 6.5, (no band below 6.0)

Academic Year
The academic year is structured into two teaching semesters and a Summer School:

• First Semester - February to June
• Second Semester - July to November
• Summer School - January-February

All academic programmes can be commenced in the First Semester (February); some programmes can also be commenced in July.

Application Closing Dates
First Semester & Summer School: 31 October
Second Semester: 30 April

Scholarships
The University offers scholarships for International Students at Masters' (thesis-only) and PhD levels. Applications close 1 November each year and selection is based on academic merit.

Further information can be obtained from the University's website, www.otago.ac.nz/international/postgraduate/scholarships.

Services and Facilities
The University has a dedicated Student International Services section. At the beginning of each semester (February and July) this section runs an orientation programme covering such things as course advice, enrolment, campus familiarisation, and information about living in New Zealand. The section also coordinates a mentor scheme for newly arrived international students, and the International Student Advisors are available to assist students year-round.

The University features a number of other useful services: Student Learning Centre, Careers Advisory Service, Disabilities Office, Student Health & Counselling Service, and Recreation Services.

The University's central city location means that students are easily able to access the central city shopping facilities and services. The University has a number of its own sports teams which participate in local competitions.

More information about services and facilities can be accessed at www.otago.ac.nz/services/index.

Information Services Building
The modern Information Services Building (ISB) incorporates a Central Library with 2000+ reader spaces, multiple access to databases, Student Computing Services, and the Student Learning Centre.

Accmmodation
The University has accommodation to suit any student. For Language Centre and Foundation Year homestays with local families can be arranged. First year University students may choose to stay in one of the University's fourteen Halls of Residence or in Toroa International House (a self-catering Hall of Residence). All Halls of Residence provide for a single room and three meals a day, and all are within walking distance of the campus. After the first year of study many students choose to live together in flats (apartments) - typically a house shared by 3-5 students. Most students live in flats within walking distance of the campus.

From the beginning of 2008, the University will open Abbey College, the first residential college in New Zealand for postgraduate students. In addition to offering a full serviced and catered residence, Abbey College will offer a supportive environment for postgraduate and research students.

More information about accommodation can be accessed at www.otago.ac.nz/about/accommodation.

Tuition and Living Costs
Dunedin is a very affordable place to live and study. The University estimates the living costs for one academic year are NZ$11,000-$14,000. Tuition fees can be downloaded from the University's website at www.otago.ac.nz/international/fees.