From Eh to NZ
The University of Otago is ranked in the top 1% of universities in the world according to the QS World University Rankings.
The main campus is located in Dunedin, which is the major city within the province of Otago, and is close to all of Dunedin’s cafés, music venues, designer boutiques, stores, museums and galleries. The vast majority of courses are offered here, including the only dental school in the country.
What to Expect
Like Australia, New Zealand’s seasons are the reverse of those in the Northern Hemisphere. The warmest months are December, January, and February, while the coldest are June, July, and August. In Dunedin, spring and summer days can become quite warm with temperatures ranging from 14°C to 26°C. It is generally cool in the winter months, averaging 11°C from June to September. There are sometimes frosty mornings, usually followed by clear sunny days, and occasional snowfalls, so be sure to take a jacket!
On the Otago Boarding Pass, you’ll find everything you need to know about getting ready to go to The University of Otago, including how to accept your offer and accommodation tips.
Accepting Your Offer
Congratulations on receiving your offer!
Here are some important tips to ensure your acceptance process is as easy and smooth as possible.
Important Information
Congratulations once again on receiving your offer!
Please take time to read your offer email and letter of offer carefully and make sure all the information is correct.
Acceptance deadline/offer lapse date: Make sure to complete your acceptance process prior to this date. If a lapse date is not indicated on your letter of offer, we have provided a lapse date for you in your offer email.
This date will give you enough time to submit your acceptance documents, apply for and obtain your student visa, kiss your family and friends goodbye at the airport, and hop on a plane bound for New Zealand!
Check your name: (As on your passport), birth date, and student (applicant) ID number, campus location
Commencement and completion dates: Plan to arrive in New Zealand at least two weeks prior to your class start date.
Acceptance deposit amount: Your offer letter gives you the deposit amount required to hold your place.
Tuition fees: Your offer letter will list the total tuition fees.
University’s tuition fee policy: Please note that Otago reviews all fees annually and these fees are subject to change without notice. It is important to factor this into your financial plan.
Understand Otago’s refund policy.
Specific admissions requirements/conditions (if applicable), including vaccination info and certificate requirements.
Declining Your Offer?
In case you choose to decline your offer, please let us know as soon as possible. Let us know by emailing your OzTREKK admissions officer outlining your decision and reason for declining your offer. We will then advise the university on your behalf. This is important because it can potentially open a spot for another student!
How to Accept
Step 1 – Read Your Entire Offer Letter
Ensure that you have read and understood your Offer of Place.
Step 2 – Respond to Offer
Use the login information provided by OzTREKK, to log in to your to review and accept your offer online
Email us to confirm that you have accepted your offer.
Step 3 – Pay Acceptance Deposit
Your acceptance deposit will be on your offer letter. The total includes your tuition fee deposit, Student Services fee, and medical and travel insurance.
Payments must be made through Otago’s Convera account by credit card or via telegraphic/wire transfer. Save a copy of your payment receipt. See Paying Via Convera for information about the process.
Step 4 – Email Payment Receipt to OzTREKK
When you have completed your payment, email your admissions officer your payment receipt.
A receipt confirming payment of tuition fees is required to complete your student visa application. To avoid delays, we will forward your payment receipt to Otago and request an Otago receipt on your behalf, which you can use for your student visa application.
Step 5 – Receive Final Payment Receipt from University
When your acceptance and payment are processed, the university will create your final payment receipt. Otago will email your receipt and we will email you instructions on how to apply for your New Zealand student visa.
Visa Details
Once you have completed the University of Otago’s acceptance process and have received your deposit receipt directly from the university, you are ready to apply for your New Zealand student visa.
You will complete your New Zealand “Fee Paying Student Visa” application online through the New Zealand Immigration office.
This website provides a detailed checklist of documentation required to complete the application process. We suggest reading this listed in advance and compiling these documents before you start the application process.
Visa FAQs
Will I need to complete a medical exam?
Some applicants are asked to complete a chest x-ray and/or a medical examination as a part of their application. Students who are studying in New Zealand for more than six months are usually only flagged to complete a medical exam if they have spent time in a country that experiences high rates of tuberculosis (TB).
How long will it take for my visa to process?
New Zealand Immigration aims to process applications within 30 business days.
When is my visa active?
Once your visa is approved, you are able to enter New Zealand and your visa will remain valid a few weeks after your program end date.
Can I include a partner or dependents on my visa?
If you plan to take a partner or dependents over to New Zealand to stay for the duration of your program, separate visa applications will need to be complete for each dependent.
Can I work while I’m in New Zealand on a Fee Paying Student Visa?
You can work up to 20 hours per week on your student visa. Make sure to get an Internal Revenue Department (IRD) number (like a SIN number).
If you’re required to do practical work experience as part of your course, you must provide evidence that it’s a course requirement. Any practical work experience you need to do complete your course can be worked in addition to the other hours your visa conditions allow you to work.
Have more questions?
As OzTREKK is not a migration agent, we cannot answer specific questions regarding your student visa. For questions or concerns, contact New Zealand Immigration.
Accommodation
About Accommodation
Before you get into the nitty gritty about your university-specific accommodation options, it’s important to review the basics of securing long-term accommodation in NZ, which is often the number one predeparture priority of OzTREKK students. If you aren’t living on campus or pre-arranging accommodation before you leave Canada, we highly recommend that you understand how renting a property in New Zealand works, so you’ll be prepared to hunt for a place to live when you arrive. There are many benefits in arranging housing after you arrive. You can
- physically inspect the property before accepting the terms and conditions of the lease;
- decide whether you will be comfortable in your new neighbourhood;
- assess the noise levels, both by day and night. Remember, you need to be able to sleep and study in your new home;
- check whether it is well-lit at night.
This process still requires preparation. Consider the following when thinking about accommodation:
- Ensure you have temporary accommodation arranged.
- Be prepared financially for the time you may need to spend in temporary accommodation.
- Make housing your first priority.
- Avoid rushing your house hunting. Feeling rushed can hinder your ability to make wise choices.
- Be informed. Before you arrive, read as much as you can about the various housing options and how to arrange them. Then you can get straight into house hunting after you arrive, rather than trying to figure out where to go and what to do.
Things to consider when comparing options
- Location – Take a look at Google Maps when comparing accommodation options!
- Amenities – Kitchen, meal plan, gym, A/C, etc.
- Cost/price range – This will be dependent on the location and amenities, typically the closer to campus and the most amenities offered the higher the price.
Short-term Accommodation
OzTREKK recommends that you book temporary accommodation prior to leaving Canada if you plan to secure long-term housing once you arrive in New Zealand.
The University of Otago has a great list of temporary accommodation options on their website, including budget-friendly backpackers (from NZ$24 per night dorm room or NZ$55 per night single room).
Learn more about finding temporary accommodation near Otago Uni.
On Campus
“Flatting” is an important part of university life, offering both responsibility and independence, and Otago is famous for its residential college communities. They have 15 diverse colleges catering mostly for first-year students, but there are a few available for grad students.
Residential colleges on campus with postgraduate wings or houses
- Arana College
- Selwyn College
- Toroa College
The University of Otago offers a variety of accommodation options suitable for postgraduate students, including residential colleges and shared accommodation (flatting). All residential colleges provide fully-furnished and equipped accommodation. They have a strong community ethos, with academic support, cultural, sporting and social activities. Students wishing to live in university-managed accommodation need to submit an online application.
Get more information about living on campus at the University of Otago.
Off Campus, Managed
Residential colleges off campus with postgraduate wings or houses
- Abbey College (This is a fully dedicated postgraduate residential college)
- Knox College
- Salmond College
University Flats
The University of Otago has let us know that the team at University Flats (commonly referred to as Uni Flats) manage approximately 160 flats that house mainly single-semester international students; however, if several OzTREKK students are interested in living together, they may be able to provide this option! Please contact your admissions officer for more information.
Learn more about finding accommodation near the University of Otago.
Private Rentals
Dunedin has a wide range of rental accommodation from historic houses to multi-unit, purpose-built complexes
The University of Otago has created an ebook for those looking for rental properties in Dunedin. The ebook will help you navigate the process of finding a flat and making it a successful year. You will find information about tenancy, budgeting, and other support that is available to you when you go flatting.
Get more info about private rentals.
To find off-campus accommodation providers, rental tips, property advice, etc., visit
Look for a Place and a Roommate
The Burbs
The centre of Dunedin lies within a circle of hills broken only by the Otago Harbour and the Ocean Beach, (better known as St Clair and St Kilda beaches). Here are the closest suburbs to the University of Otago:
- Dunedin North (Otago Uni is here)
- North East Valley
- Dunedin City
Get Around Town
- Bus
- Driving (get your NZ driver’s license)
- Cycling rules
What Students Say
2023 Intake Reviews
Dental student
Private rental, North Dunedin, $430NZD including everything. Arranged before arrival. I would definitely recommend my accommodation. It is close to everything, including campus. Safe, with access to the building only by authorized keys. Clean and new, heater during the winter. Smart tv, clean kitchen, power and internet included in the rent. I would start with uni accommodation if you are hesitant. Though get to know what you are accepting from the university before doing so. Do your research, get in contact with realtors in the area of the campus, they are very helpful in providing accommodation options and pictures/videos. If you are looking for private accommodation (not through the university) don’t sign anything before actually seeing it.
Dental student
Student-purposed, Dunedin, $220 per week. Arranged before arrival. It’s close to school, however the standard of housing is poor compared to Canada. There is barely any insulation some flats and it can get loud in party areas. I like that it’s close to my campus and supermarket. Research the area before you decide. Check for campus proximity and convenience stores. Check if it’s known to have a lot of parties, as the noise can affect your studies.
Dental student
Student-purposed, Dunedin, $200 per week. Arranged before arrival. It’s good but I wished it was on a quieter street. If you’re an older student try and stay away from Castle St. It’s a party street. Uniflats is a good option.
More Accommodation Tips
Check out the following sites:
Airport Pick-ups
Dunedin Airport is located 30 minutes’ drive from the centre of the city.
If you are a new international student, you can arrange a subsidized airport transfer with Airport Shuttles Dunedin Ltd. and be taken to your accommodation. To arrange a transfer from Dunedin airport, book via their online form.
The transfer costs NZ$20.
Please note that this price is only available upon your arrival in Dunedin before the semester begins. During the semester period you will be charged the non-subsidized fee of NZ$20.
Get more airport pick-up info!
Advice from OzTREKK Students
Each year we send a survey to the students in their first year of studying in Australia or NZ. We ask about their university, program, adjustment to living Down Under, accommodation, and work outside the classroom.
Read our University of Otago Students’ Advice to get all the insider tips (copy and pasted directly from the survey!) for a smooth transition to studying at Otago!
