Summer School

Summer School is an intensive course of study which usually runs from early January to mid-February, with additional pre-Christmas Summer School papers offered in November to December. It offers a great opportunity to fast track your study or explore new subjects in a focused, supportive environment.

Summer School papers follow the same academic standards as semester-time study, but are taught over a shorter period, meaning students should plan for a higher weekly workload.

Study options

Students can enrol in Summer School papers either on campus or by distance learning, depending on the paper.

Some papers are offered in both modes. Students planning to study on campus should select the paper with the code DNIA in the Occ (occurrence) column during paper selection.

Paper selection and course approval

You can apply for Summer School in eVision by clicking the Course Enrolment 2027 button. Then, to select papers for Summer School, follow the same process as selecting papers for the rest of the year (making sure to select the Summer School offering if the paper is also available for other semesters).

All paper selection and course approval must be completed through your eVision portal.

Interest Only enrolment

Summer School offers an “Interest Only” enrolment option. This allows students to attend lectures for personal interest without completing assessments or receiving grades or academic credit.

Workload and support

Because Summer School is intensive, students are encouraged to carefully consider their workload and commitments before enrolling.

Study support is available through Student Academic Skills, who provide free and confidential help with writing, study skills, note-taking, and exam preparation:

Student Academic Skills

Library and learning resources

Students have full access to University library services during Summer School, including:

• Library Search for research materials
• Course Reserve for reading list items
• Subject Guides for discipline-specific resources
• Library Hours information to plan study time
• Support for distance students including requesting research materials

Getting Started resources from Student IT are also available to help students access essential digital tools and services.

Key dates for Summer School 2027

15 December 2026 – Due date for submission of 2027 Summer School papers for course approval
11 January 2027 – Summer School classes begin
14 January 2027 – Last day to add Summer School papers (11:59pm deadline)
20 January 2027 – Last day to delete Summer School papers with a full refund of fees (11:59pm deadline)
6 February 2027 (8 February 2027) – Waitangi Day (Waitangi Day observed)
8 February 2027 – Last day to withdraw from Summer School papers (11:59pm deadline)
20 February 2027 – Last day of Summer School classes
21 February 2027 – Summer School examinations begin
25 February 2027 – Summer School examinations end

Accommodation and exams

Summer School accommodation options are available for eligible students, and exam timetables follow the published Summer School examination period.

Students should check accommodation availability and exam arrangements early when planning their study.

Need help?

Students can access support through the AskOtago Service Portal or contact the University by phone:

Freephone 0800 80 80 98 (within New Zealand)
Tel +64 3 479 7000 (overseas callers)