University of Otago

Dunedin is a charming city on the southeast coast of New Zealand's South Island. Its unique vibe comes partly from its much celebrated Scottish heritage - reflected most immediately by stunning Victorian and Edwardian architecture - and partly from its laid-back atmosphere. The latter is due in no small part to Dunedin's student population! Together, these characteristics make this small city a perfect place for wandering its beautiful streets and parks and taking in all there is to see and do.

Holy Cross students will experience Dunedin through Otago University, New Zealand's oldest undergraduate institution. Otago's student body numbers around 21,000 and pulls greatly (to the tune of 85%!) from outside Dunedin. Over 100 countries, in fact, are represented. Holy Cross partners with Arcadia Abroad, an American university which over the years has built a host of first-class programs across the world, to support its students who choose Otago as their host university abroad. 

After you are approved to study abroad by our (HC's) office, you will be invited to open an account in Arcadia's student portal. Doing so marks the beginning of your administrative journey which ultimately leads to matriculation at Otago - including enrolling in courses, applying for housing, and receiving the all-important Confirmation of Enrollment (COE) letter from Otago which starts the student visa process rolling. Arcadia staff are exceptionally well versed in the ins-and-outs of this administration and will help you navigate the many steps prior to boarding your flight to Auckland, where Arcadia holds a 3-4 day Orientation period designed to help you acclimate, form friendships, learn your way around, and get over your jet lag. From that point onward, Otago and Dunedin await.