The University of Otago offers Hands-On at Otago, a showcase of Sciences, Health Sciences, Humanities, and Business projects, held during the secondary school summer holidays. The programme is open to students who are in Year 11 or Year 12 at the time of applying (who will be starting Year 12 or Year 13 after Hands-On at Otago takes place). Priority is given to senior students and to students who have not previously attended.
Hands-On at Otago gives students a taste of university life by spending a full week on campus, working alongside Otago researchers and experiencing study, social, and residential life as a university student.
The goal of Hands-On at Otago is to demonstrate, in a friendly and interactive environment, some of the activities that researchers are involved in, and to encourage talented young New Zealanders to consider further study as a step in their career pathway.
Programme overview
Hands-On at Otago runs over six days during the summer holidays. For 2026, the programme took place from Sunday, 11 January to Friday, 16 January and was open to students who would be attending Year 12 or Year 13 in 2026.
Each day is divided into three parts:
- Morning research project: Students are placed in one University department and work on a hands-on research project. Project allocation is based on the five project preferences selected during application, with every effort made to meet student preferences
- Afternoon "Taster" programme: Students take part in interactive sessions that provide exposure to a wide range of research activities, both on and off-campus
- Social and recreational activities: Afternoons and evenings include supervised social activities to balance learning with fun and connection
Subjects and projects
More than 20 subjects offer projects as part of Hands-On at Otago. Students who are unsure what they want to study can explore a range of disciplines through both their main project and the Taster programme.
Costs and what is included
The cost for Hands-On at Otago 2026 was NZ$675 for the week. This fee covers:
- Accommodation
- Meals
- Programme activities
- Course materials
- Transport to and from Dunedin Airport or bus terminals on arrival and departure days
Students are responsible for their own travel costs to and from Dunedin. Payment plans are available, and full payment must be received before the programme begins.
Applications and selection
Entry to Hands-On at Otago is competitive. Applicants are required to submit a strong personal statement, and applications must include a principal or teacher endorsement confirming school support.
Applications for Hands-On at Otago 2026 are now closed.
Arrival, departure, and supervision
Students arrive in Dunedin on the Sunday, with registration open from 10:00am and the first formal session starting at 3:00pm. The programme concludes on the Friday, at approximately 12:30pm. Transfers between the airport or bus depot and accommodation are organised by the programme team. Students are supervised at all times during the Hands-On week.
Further information
Additional guidance is available for common questions, including scholarships and funding options, payment methods, changing allocated projects, Duke of Edinburgh programme sign-off, and exceptional travel circumstances.
For enquiries, contact the Hands-On at Otago team: hands-on@otago.ac.nz