New Zealand: University of Otago

Located in the seaside town of Dunedin, the University of Otago, founded in 1869, is New Zealand’s oldest university. The School of Business dates from 1912 and is internationally recognized for its teaching and research. With AACSB and EQUIS accreditation, the Otago School of Business ranks among the best in the Asia-Pacific region.

New Zealand is known for its stunning natural beauty, friendly people, and wide variety of fun and interesting things to do. Dunedin, a coastal city of about 125,000 inhabitants, boasts a vibrant student life and culture. You will enjoy the university’s proximity to the beach and will have access to a range of outdoor activities while at the university. You’ll also learn about traditional Maori culture and history as well as European settlement.

Quick Facts & Links

GPA Requirement: 3.00
Program Options: Exchange
Language of Instruction: English
Program Dates:
- Fall: July 3 to November 11, 2023
- Spring: February 23 to June 19, 2024 (TBC)
Visit the University of Otago Exchange Student website to learn more about the range of opportunities available through the program.
The University of Otago in Brief
University of Otago campus tour
Study abroad at the University of Otago
University of Otago – Dunedin – Flyover
University of Otago Student Clubs
Meet program alumni
Accessibility Resources

Application Information

Apply for a Kenan-Flagler Global Program and Global Programs scholarship through the same application system using your Kenan-Flagler credentials. Click the Apply Now button below to learn more about application deadlines, requirements, and to start your application!

Apply Now

Program Logistics

Academics

Please visit Global Academic Procedures for detailed credit and other academic information.

You will enroll in three to four University of Otago courses, called papers, and transfer between 13.5-18 UNC credit hours. You may choose from a variety of business core and elective subjects.

Courses taken at the University of Otago will transfer back to UNC Pass (Otago grade of 50 and above)/Fail (Otago grade below 50). Pass grades do not affect your UNC GPA. Fail grades transfer back to UNC as Fs, which will affect your UNC GPA. Though transfer credit for this program is Pass/Fail, future employers and graduate schools will also look at the Otago transcript, so grades are important.

You will transfer back 4.5 UNC credits for every 18-credit paper at Otago, and are expected to take three to four papers worth 18 Otago credits each during the semester. Though each course is worth 4.5 UNC credits, you are permitted to earn a maximum of 3.0 BUSI credits per course at Otago. Therefore, if you earn 50/Pass or above in all courses, you will receive a total of 13.5-18 UNC credits for your semester abroad, but each course will come back to UNC as 3.0 of BUSI credit and 1.5 credits of general, non-business elective credit.

This program also fulfills the Experiential Education requirement. Full-time enrollment in this program is defined as a minimum of 12 credit hours.

Housing

Program Cost

We suggest you create your global program budget using our budget worksheet (xlsx) to help you think about your costs on this program:

Populate the figures from the tables below into the left side costs of attendance
Input your financial resources on the right

Your customized budget sheet can help determine your current financial status, and help you understand what additional funding you may need to help make this an affordable program option.

Cashier Billed Expenses*
Expense	Estimated Amount
UNC Tuition and Fees	Use the amount on the Tuition and Fees line and divide by 2 to get your cost
Fee UG Business Major/Minor	Based on major/minor enrollment
Global Programs Administrative Fee	$700
GeoBlue International Medical Insurance	$200

*Cashier Billed Expenses are those charges billed directly to your UNC ConnectCarolina account.

Out of Pocket Estimates**
Expense	Estimated Amount
International Airfare	$2,200
Housing	$2,200
Meals	$1,200
Immigration Visa/Residence Permit	$90
Passport Application Renewal	$145
Course Materials	$150
International Cell Phone Plan	$350
Personal Expenses
Travel Insurance	$400
Local Transportation	$300
Personal Travel	$1,500
Incidentals (ex. Laundry)	$650

Other Personal Expenses***

Total Estimated Expenses (In-State):	$15,594
Total Estimated Expenses (Out-of-State):	$29,085

Withdrawal Policy: Once a student accepts their offer/enrolls on a study abroad program, the spot will be considered filled and will not be offered to another student. Students who withdraw from UBP Global are responsible for non-recoverable costs including the Global Programs Administrative Fee. Your student account will be assessed charges to cover any/all amounts that Kenan-Flagler UBP Global programs has committed or paid on your behalf and are non-recoverable at the time of withdrawal. Such costs include, housing, meals, transportation and any expenses that may be associated with faculty and support participation on your program (if applicable).

**Out of Pocket Estimates are based on the cost of the program, which is determined by combining the average costs our previous students have spent in each of these categories, along with the costs our partner provides to us as their averages. These estimates are subject to change based on exchange rate fluctuations, bank fees, and individual variances in costs of living.

***Other Expenses: our budget worksheet (xlsx) also has a place for you to input other expenses outside of the out-of-pocket estimates that you may incur, such as attending concerts or sporting events.

Funding your global program

Scholarships & Financial Aid

Travel Documents

Do you have a valid passport? If yes, check your passport’s expiration date to ensure that your passport is valid at least 6 months after your program’s scheduled end date. If not, you’ll need to submit a passport renewal application.

Do you need to apply for a passport (first time or renew)? If yes, we recommend that you get started on your passport application right away as you’ll need time to collect documents like your birth certificate to include as part of your application. For complete instructions click here.

Will I need immigration documents? If you are accepted into this program you will need to travel to a New Zealand consulate/embassy in the United States to obtain a visa permitting you to study in New Zealand. For this appointment, you will need your passport in hand along with other documentation from our office and the host university office. Please set up an appointment with your Global Programs Advisor to discuss.

Meet with an Advisor

UBP students can schedule a meeting with Ben Hershey to learn more about this and other Semester programs in Asia, South America, and Oceania by clicking on the “Schedule Appointment” link below.

Schedule Appointment

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