New Zealand’s oldest university, University of Otago is well-regarded for its deep respect for the country’s rich cultural history, shaping generations of local leaders through its scientific, medical, political, literature and athletic pursuits. On the South Island’s southeastern coast in the picturesque city of Dunedin, the University of Otago has been hailed as one of the world’s most beautiful campuses, with an abundance of mountains, harborside, and ocean views.
University of Otago Language Pathway
About the Program
Program Advisor
Student Counselor SAFFY
Your Student Counselor is your study abroad ambassador and supporter. They join your application journey when you’ve confirmed you’re interested in studying abroad. At this point, they guide you through each stage of the application, notify you of the documents you need, let you know when your admission results are in, and walk you through the next steps, including class enrollment and organizing pre-arrival tests.
At a Glance
Language of Instruction:
English
GPA Requirements:
3.00
Academic Level:
Undergraduate
Academic Strengths:
Sociology,
Business, Economics & Finance,
Environmental,
History,
English
Housing:
Homestay
Visa Required:
Maybe
Stay Healthy & Safe While You Study Abroad
WHAT STUDENTS SAY
Kaori Saito
I often ask my host mother to check the grammar before submitting the assignment, but since the number of corrections has decreased considerably compared to before, I know my English ability has improved.
University of Otago SAF Alumni
About the University
University of Otago
As the oldest university in New Zealand and one of the world’s finest institutions, the University of Otago is where you truly define yourself and choose your own direction in life on one of the world’s most-beautiful campuses.
With a deep respect for New Zealand’s cultural history, 95% of Otago graduates go directly into work or further study, and alumni since 1869 have followed the school motto—Dare to be Wise—and stepped out into the world to make a difference in the scientific, medical, political, literary, and—of course—rugby worlds.
The university is in Dunedin, considered the gateway to the South Island, and framed by the mountains, harbor, and the Southern Ocean.
Learn more at University of Otago's official website.
Academics
University of Otago's Academic Approach
When you join the pathway program, you take a placement test to determine which of the 5 class levels fits you best. You study 23 hours a week, taking the core English program with optional electives such as Test Skills and IELTS Preparation. To continue into academic classes after you’ve finished your language program, you need to achieve at least a 55% or higher to ensure you succeed in your credit-gaining classes.
Courses
In a class with no more than 18 students, you step into a deeply personalized and supportive learning environment. for 23 hours each week. Here, you work in close communication with language experts to prepare your English proficiency and confidence for the rigors of academic writing when you move into your discipline's academic program at the end of the semester. The program offers five levels, from beginner to advanced, as well elective courses to prepare you for internationally recognized tests. By the end of the pathway program, you must achieve 55% or higher to progress into academic classes.
Get To Know Our Application Process
From academics to visa requirements, our structured process helps you choose the right program and university for your goals. Complete a strong application, and prepare for success abroad.
Personalize Your Study Abroad Plan With Your SAF Counselor
Each student has unique academic goals for a study abroad experience. As you think about studying abroad, your SAF Counselor will help you plan for success and support you every step of the way.
Application Requirements
When applying to study abroad, you must meet the entry requirements set by the host university - and SAF is here to set you up for success.
The requirements outlined in this section include the language proficiency scores you may need to demonstrate your language skills, a guide to the GPA range and other academic prerequisites required by your host university, and a list of documentation and other application materials you will need to finalize your application. You may need to supply additional information throughout the process, and you will be alerted through your emails and SAF Student Portal if this is the case for you.
The requirements outlined in this section include the language proficiency scores you may need to demonstrate your language skills, a guide to the GPA range and other academic prerequisites required by your host university, and a list of documentation and other application materials you will need to finalize your application. You may need to supply additional information throughout the process, and you will be alerted through your emails and SAF Student Portal if this is the case for you.
Language Test Score Requirements
If you hope to progress to academic classes, you need to achieve 55% at the end of the language component. To prove your language proficiency, you can use any of the following:
- IELTS: 5.5
- TOEFL iBT: 70
Program Dates
When studying abroad, you will want to consider the time of year and how long you are away. Most programs follow the host university's academic calendar.
The dates shown below are general estimates, and as you get closer to the start of the term, you will get more detailed information from SAF. If you have any questions, your Student Counsellor and Program Specialist are always here to support you and point you to the correct information.
Fall 2024 Language Pathway (15 week Presessional) + Spring 2025 Academic
Program dates:
Mid October - Mid June
Application Deadline:
Fees Starting From:
NZ$
47,400
Housing Information
Homestay
The SAF program fee includes a comfortable and friendly homestay with a local family.
*Housing is subject to availability. For specific questions regarding housing please contact SAF.
About Otago
Why Otago
A dynamic, welcoming city, Otago is the gateway to New Zealand's South Island, framed by mountains, harbor, and the Southern Ocean. Otago has it all: beaches, alpine peaks, fjords, glaciers, world-class vineyards, and sub-tropical rainforest. It's a wealthy city and one of the nation's fastest growing centers.
The Student Experience
Explore the movie set that is New Zealand
See New Zealand’s dramatic landscape on screen when you’re an SAF Scholar in Auckland or Otago.
Orientation
Advising and Support
The process of studying abroad could quickly feel overwhelming, but we have been doing this for decades and do everything we can to support you through it.
Many SAF staff are alumni and have walked this path. They have real-life experience to draw on as they advise and support you through every step of our comprehensive services. They’re in your corner, taking care of all the details and explaining what you need to do next.
Take the first step in your study abroad journey by scheduling a consultation with your closest Student Counselor. You can discuss your for-credit academic courses and language programs and explore internships, research programs, and study tours. When you know what you want to do, we guide you through the pre-program steps, help you arrange your visa and transport, and finalize your accommodation or digital experience.
Get To Know Our Application Process
From academics to visa requirements, our structured process helps you choose the right program and university for your goals. Complete a strong application, and prepare for success abroad.
Personalize Your Study Abroad Plan With Your SAF Counselor
Each student has unique academic goals for a study abroad experience. As you think about studying abroad, your SAF Counselor will help you plan for success and support you every step of the way.
Commonly Asked Questions About Studying Abroad
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Why Travel With SAF?
Studying abroad is an unforgettable experience, one that stays with you in your career, your contacts, your future. It can define you. At any of our prestigious university partners, you can build personalized for-credit programs that can last up to a whole year.
