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 2026 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 which provides free and confidential help with writing, study skills, note-taking, and exam preparation.
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 2026
31 October 2025 – Course enrolment (including paper selection) opens for Summer School
15 December 2025 – Due date for submission of papers for course approval
5 January 2026 – Classes begin
8 January 2026 – Last day to add papers (11:59pm deadline)
14 January 2026 – Last day to delete papers with a full refund of fees (11:59pm deadline)
6 February 2026 – Waitangi Day public holiday
8 February 2026 – Last day to withdraw from papers (11:59pm deadline)
13 February 2026 – Last day of classes
14 February 2026 – Summer School examinations begin
19 February 2026 – 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)
Staff enrolment
Staff interested in taking Summer School papers are welcome to apply, and may be eligible for study assistance. Visit the Human Resources website for further information:
Study assistance for University staff
Staff taking Summer School papers will need to meet the usual University and programme admission requirements, potentially including the provision of academic records and identity documents:
Staff will need to apply through eVision by selecting a Certificate of Proficiency (COP). It is preferable that staff sign in to eVision using their personal email address, not their staff email.