About the University
Otago provides academic excellence and unparalleled student support services in one of the world’s most beautiful adventure playgrounds - New Zealand’s South Island.
Founded in 1869, the University of Otago is New Zealand's first university. With 18,000 students, you'll find thousands of courses available to you in subjects from accounting to zoology. Of particular interest to study abroad students have been courses that take advantage of the university's unique geographical location and involve fieldwork in subjects like geology, anthropology, and ecology. With strong courses in political science, classics, film studies, business, psychology and public health, there's a lot more on offer than just courses in the sciences.
About the Area
Historic and sophisticated, Dunedin is the quintessential university city. Modelled on Edinburgh in Scotland, it is one of the best preserved Victorian and Edwardian cities in the Southern Hemisphere.
A long, natural harbour gives way to the church spires and towers of the historic town centre and university, set against high, green forested hills. A golden trail of beaches and dizzying cliffs skirt the city’s thundering Pacific Ocean flank, where seals, penguins, albatross – and incredible surf – can be found. Deservedly, Dunedin is now a popular tourist destination in its own right.
About Student Life
The lively campus, active clubs and societies and the vibrant city of Dunedin all provide opportunities to immerse yourself in New Zealand academic life. On-campus you'll find athletic facilities and a bit further afield you'll find that Recreation Services offers a variety of activities and sporting opportunities around the Otago region.
- Students must have completed a minimum of 30 semester credits
- Students must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00
- Students must an acceptable judicial conduct record
- Students must have declared their minor and core concentration
- Students must have academic advisor and dean approval
Visit the University of Otago's
online course catalog to see a list of available subjects.
To be considered a full time student, RWU Students will enroll in at lest 12 credits and no more 18 credits. This translates to 3-6 courses (or papers) taken at Otago, depending on the actual course's credit count.
UNIVERSITY OF OTAGO CREDIT POINT UNITS U.S. UNIVERSITY SEMESTER HOURS OF CREDIT
9 2.5
12 3.0
13.5 3.5
18 4.5
24 6
27 7
Almost all of Otago's study abroad students choose to live in University Flats. All of the flats are located in the main local student neighbourhoods, and all are within 15 minutes walk of campus and the city centre. We endeavour to place at least one local student in each University Flat, these students are known as "kiwi hosts". This unique living arrangement offers a much higher level of integration with the local student community and is a major benefit of the Otago Study Abroad experience. Every flat houses 2–6 students, and all are furnished; plus you will have your own bedroom which is also fully furnished with double bed, mattress, desk, chair, and drawers.
Otago offers two semester terms: a Spring Term, which runs from early July thru November; and their Fall Term which runs from mid February thru mid June.
Approved semester long programs will be billed through RWU Bursar accounts based on regular tuition, housing and semester fee rates.
Do not refer to Otago's listed program costs.
Financial Aid and Scholarships
Students will be able to apply their financial aid awards to their semester abroad charges. Additional the following Roger Williams University Study Abroad Scholarships are available:
Bridging the World Scholarship
The Morris Award
Health & Safety Abroad
Students should review the U.S. State Department’s consular information website for complete information on safety and security (https://www.state.gov/travel/).
Visas
Students studying in New Zealand will need a Student Visitor Visa. More information on Visa procedures will be communicated upon acceptance but can also be explored
here.