Commencement date

The academic year commences with the traditional Orientation Week on Monday 21 February.  You will need to plan to arrive in Dunedin and move into your accommodation prior to this date (most students arrive on the Saturday before the official start of “O Week”). These details will be discussed with you once your place on the programme has been confirmed. 

Arrangements will be made to ensure you are welcomed on arrival and assisted with settling in to your accommodation.

During the Orientation Week, you will be introduced to key support staff at Foundation Year, the Māori Centre and at the Residential colleges.  There will be compulsory events during the week such as orientation tours of the campus; you will be invited to the mihi whakatau or welcome to all first year Māori students which is held on a marae close to Dunedin city; and there will be numerous student social events you can participate in.

Tū Kahika academic classes start the following week. 

Optional course

The University of Otago Foundation Year has a Bridging Course beginning mid January which involves five weeks’ focused study in subject areas that will help you prepare for the Foundation Year.
Tū Kahika funding does not cover this Bridging Programme, but if you feel you would benefit from this opportunity, it can be discussed at the time of your interview.