University of Otago
Northwestern Requirements
Northwestern requires that students enroll in at least the following amount of credits (points) at the University of Otago:
- Fall Semester or Spring Semester (Winter-Spring Quarters): 54-72 points (3-4 courses)
- Full Year: 108-144 points (6-8 courses)
Program Requirements
- Northwestern students applying to the University of Otago are required to purchase the Studentsafe-University plan, available directly through the University of Otago. New Zealand universities are subject to very stringent regulations about the level and type of student insurance acceptable (as per the government's Code of Practice for the Pastoral Care of International Students, mandated by the New Zealand government for all education institutions in New Zealand).
- Students who have been accepted to Otago must sign up for Studentsafe-University on the commitment form that Otago sends in the "Offer of Place" packs, and Otago will then directly enroll them in the plan. Students on this plan will be fully insured before they leave home, although they do not pay their premium until they arrive in Dunedin. Insurance coverage begins the moment students leave home to travel to Dunedin, providing that their journey takes place within 31 days of the start of the course they have enrolled for. Following the above requirements will ensure that the students are fully compliant with the New Zealand Government's requirements.
- NOTE: Northwestern students must purchase HTH Worldwide Insurance, in addition to New Zealand's mandated Studentsafe-University plan.
Academic Specialties
Particular academic strengths include political studies, anthropology, theatre studies, geology, environmental science, ecology, genetics, indigeneous studies, biochemistry, bioethics, business, physical education, and media, film & communication studies.
Field study options available for students in geology, ecology, and anthropology are popular among study abroad students as well as courses related to New Zealand studies, such as "Maori Society" and "Pacific Societies".
Course Type
Direct university enrollment.Additional Information
About the Terms of Study:This program follows the New Zealand calendar.
- Fall Semester program begins in early July and ends in November.
- Spring Semester program begins in early February and ends in late June.
- Full Year is either February through November (the New Zealand academic year) or early July through late June. Students may choose either option.
- This session offers intensive field study courses in subjects such as southern landscapes, Maori studies, earth & ocean science, and geology. Students typically enroll in one, 18-point course.
- If you have no intention of receiving credit at Northwestern for this Summer Session, simply apply directly to the University of Otago. You will pay program tuition and fees directly to Otago for the Summer Session.
- If you wish to receive credit at Northwestern for this Summer Session, you will need to submit an Application for Permission to Study Abroad on a Non-NU Summer Program to the Northwestern Study Abroad Office. (Note that this application is in addition to submitting the application for study abroad during fall, winter, and spring quarters). You will be required to pay the Northwestern Study Abroad Admiinstrative Fee (SAAF) for summer study abroad as well as for the academic year or winter-spring quarters.
- Important note: Students are not eligible to apply to Otago's Summer Session as a stand alone program. The Summer Session must be combined with study at Otago during Winter-Spring quarters.
Housing
Self-catered university flats with Kiwis and international students. University flats surround the university campus and are within easy walking distance of the campus.
- Note: University of Otago occasionally experiences housing shortages. Therefore, students should make sure to submit their housing applications by the deadlines stated on the University of Otago website!
Program Costs
Estimated Costs: Fall 2011
For the most updated program cost information, please refer to your program provider’s website.
- Tuition: NZD$11,000 (New Zealand Dollars)*
- Room & Board: $4,000
- SAAF: $2,355
- Transportation: $2,200
- Books & Supplies: $240
- Personal Expenses: $2,400
- HTH: $134
- Required New Zealand insurance: $215
*Note: This is a direct enrollment program. Northwestern will send your tuition payment to the University of Otago via wire transfer, so the exact amount of tuition you are charged by NU will depend on the exchange rate when the wire transfer is processed. Please see www.xe.com for an approximate conversion. All other values above are estimates in U.S. Dollars.
Additional Information:
- Billing Arrangements: Find out what you will be billed for by Northwestern and by your study abroad program.
- Study Abroad Budgeting Worksheet: Estimate total expenses associated with study abroad.
For more information on billing and financial aid, visit the Financial Considerations section of the website.
Approximate Program Size
Approximately 2-5 Northwestern students, depending on the term.Application Requirements
Northwestern students must complete two applications for this program:- University of Otago application, available the Otago International Student Exchange website.
- Northwestern University Application for Permission to Study Abroad.
