IFSA University of Otago Partnership
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- Fall: April 1
- Spring: November 1
YEAR OPTIONS: Students interested in calendar or academic year-long options should contact IFSA-Butler for deadlines, fees and more.
About University of Otago
Dunedin is a classic university town known as the "Edinburgh of the South". The University of Otago is New Zealand's oldest university, a top-ranked research institution and the second southernmost university in the world. Quality academics, shared houses with Kiwi hosts, and amazing outdoor excursions are all yours at Otago.
University of Otago Benefits
- Study at New Zealand's oldest university and a top-ranked research institution
- The university boasts an active student association and many societies and clubs for cultural, athletic, political and academic interests
- Live and learn in a student-centered university town, an ideal setting for students interested in great academics and outdoor adventure
- Popular programs for Health Sciences and Theater Studies students
- The second southernmost university in the world with easy access to spectacular scenery and amazing recreation opportunities
- Otago is offering IFSA first generation college students the exclusive opportunity to apply for one of two housing awards. To find out more click here.
What our students say
Homesickness Abroad: How To Get Over the First Month Slump
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The Importance of Personal Days While Abroad
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How to Balance Finances at Home While Studying Abroad
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Navigating Study Abroad as a First Generation Student
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Bipolar Abroad
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How My Semester in New Zealand Renewed My Passion for Environmentalism
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Remembering the “Studying” Part of Studying Abroad
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How to Avoid Dairy (And Other Allergens) While Abroad
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In A World of Possibilities, Why IFSA?
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What are Seasons? I’m From Hawaii!
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A First Generation Student Abroad
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New Lives, New Cultures
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A Guide to Friends, Travel, and Going Back Home
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Getting Out of Your Shell While Out of Your Country
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Learning to Appreciate Time with Myself
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Advice for Getting Involved Abroad: As Told by A Temporary Kiwi
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D.U.D.E.
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Musical Theatre Around the World – A Digital Story
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How Studying Abroad Changed My Outlook on Life
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Let’s Be Friends…Maybe
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Two Guys, Two Months, and a Minivan
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This is My Classroom – A Digital Story
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New Zealand: A Digital Story
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Divine
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Besty: A Digital Story
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Lack of Black
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Why Not
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The IFSA Difference
Academics at University of Otago Partnership
Open the University of Otago online course catalog to see available class options. If you have an idea of the types of courses you want, you can search by "keywords" and "semester" to pull up a list of courses that meet your criteria. Additionally, at the top of the web page you can click on "List subjects by: A-Z" to see all the subjects listed in alphabetical order. When you click on a specific subject (e.g., accounting), information will come up regarding getting a degree in that area of study. You can then click on the "Papers" link and you will be taken to a list of all the "papers" (this is the term used for courses in NZ) offered in that area. Included in the list are the unit code and title of the paper, as well as the point value and semester offered. Click on the unit code for a brief description of the paper.
At the University of Otago, an IFSA full course load consists of 54-72 University of Otago points per semester or 120 University of Otago points per year. Students take 3 or 4 classes each semester, depending on the credits awarded.
18 Points at Otago = 4.5 U.S. semester credit hours
20 Points at Otago = 5 U.S. semester credit hours
24 Points at Otago = 6.5 U.S. semester credit hours
30 Points at Otago = 7.5 U.S. semester credit hours
Please review all your syllabi and course materials when you are registering for classes (both pre-arrival and on-site). Certain classes may have a one-off lab or field trip fee that is disclosed in the syllabus or first meeting of class. You will be responsible for these fees, whether they are billed and paid by IFSA or billed to you.
Housing & Meals
The IFSA Team
IFSA has a dedicated team who are here to help you prepare to achieve your goals. Feel free to reach out. We are happy to answer your questions!
Program Advisor

Hannah Sutton
Assistant Director of Student Services, Advisor for Australia and New Zealand
317-940-4266 hsutton@ifsa-butler.org Read Full Bio Schedule Time to TalkFinance Advisor

Micah Spencer
Senior Student Account Coordinator
(317) 940-3077 mspencer@ifsa-butler.org Read Full BioResident Director
Academic Affairs Director