Otago Polytechnic
Description
Established in 1966, Otago Polytechnic is nationally and internationally recognized as one of New Zealand's leaders in high quality, career-focused education. Dunedin School of Art remains the oldest teaching department at Otago and has produced some of NZ's finest artists. In 2015, Otago became the first New Zealand polytechnic to achieve Fair Trade status following Dunedin being named New Zealand's first Fair Trade city in 2009. Dunedin, home to about 30,000 students, is New Zealand’s incubator for IT, entrepreneurship and fashion.
Eligible Majors: Graphic Design
Program Type: Exchange
“Exchange” lets you study abroad at a partner school while paying FIT tuition, with
limited spots available.
Looking to Fund Your Study Abroad Experience?
FIT offers competitive scholarships - up to $10,000 - for students enrolled full-time while abroad. Awards are based on an essay, recommendations, GPA and financial need. Learn more about Paying for Study Abroad.
Review the Otago Program Financial Budget Sheet (Google Doc) and meet with a financial aid counselor to discuss your program costs.
Eager to Study Abroad? Apply Now!
Submit your application through the Study Abroad Portal and then complete the required Course Equivalency Form with your Office of International Programs (OIP) program coordinator. After that, your department will review your completed course plan and application. See How to Apply step-by-step.
Program Details
If you have further questions about this program, contact the International Programs office at (212) 217-5380 or studyabroad@fitnyc.edu
Fall Semester: Applications reviewed and approved on a rolling basis through February 15
Note: Early applicants receive preference.
- Minimum GPA: 3.0
- Enrollment: Must be matriculated in a Bachelor's degree program
- Capacity: As an exchange program, it operates on a 1:1 ratio—meaning for every FIT student studying abroad, an international student studies at FIT. This limited capacity means spots can be competitive.
Additional Requirements by Major:
Graphic Design
- Portfolio: Submit a portfolio with 12 pieces of recent work to the department in addition to the online application.
- Meet with an academic advisor and/or thoroughly review degree requirements in Degree Works
- Meet with an OIP program coordinator
- Obtain approval from the department chair or international coordinator
- Students study mainly in the Bachelor of Design (Communication) program at Otago and fulfill 7th Semester major and related-area courses by taking modules from Year Three of the program (scroll down).
- Students must also take GD 491 - Senior Thesis Research (3 Credits) online at FIT while abroad.
- Eligible to participate in the 7th semester
A full-time semester course load at Otago Polytechnic consists of 60 NZ credits. Major and related area courses are available. Liberal arts courses are not available, but students may take liberal arts and other courses online at FIT at no additional expense as this is an exchange program.
A detailed Academic Calendar can be viewed on the Otago website.
Otago Semester Two (FIT Fall): July - November
Students are generally expected to arrive the weekend before orientation begins.
Students are responsible for making their own accommodation arrangements for the duration of their stay. Students may choose to live in Otago's Student Village, a homestay, or private/shared accommodations.
US citizens will enter as student visitors and will not require a Study Visa for the duration of their stay in New Zealand. Supporting documentation will be provided after approval.
FIT requires all students to be covered in the U.S. and internationally for the duration of their study abroad program. Otago Polytechnic requires Uni-Care Insurance in lieu of UHC Study Abroad insurance. More detailed information about coverage and claims processes will be provided post-approval. Students will not be billed by FIT for UHC.
In addition, all students must maintain U.S.-based health insurance while abroad. If you already have a U.S. policy with coverage equal to or greater than that offered by Haylor Student Health Insurance, you may waive the Haylor plan by completing the standard waiver process.
Otago offers a wide range of Wellness & Support services for their students, including Learning Advisors, Disability Support, and Counseling. For an extensive list and contacts on-site, please review Otago's Student Support website.