A Certificate of Proficiency (COP) is a term that covers a type of enrolment; it is not a formal academic qualification. It allows you to enrol in one or more University of Otago papers without being admitted to an Otago qualification, typically for a single semester.
It is used to describe a paper which is not being credited towards a particular qualification e.g.
- An additional paper surplus to degree requirements, or
- A paper being repeated in the hope of gaining a higher grade, or
- A paper being taken to complete a degree at another institution
COP enrolment is available at both undergraduate and postgraduate level.
The COP is approved by StudyLink for student loans or allowances, where eligibility criteria are met.
You can apply to enrol in two types of COP:
- Certificate of Proficiency – General Otago. For the general study of papers at the University of Otago which are additional to the requirements of your degree or diploma
- Certificate of Proficiency – Other NZ university. For students intending to credit their University of Otago study to another university in New Zealand
COP enrolments are normally for one semester. At undergraduate level, standard semester start dates apply (for example, Semester 1 and Semester 2). Estimated fees vary by year and student type (domestic or international).
Undergraduate COP study is based in Dunedin. Postgraduate COP papers may be available through the Dunedin, Christchurch, or Wellington campuses, depending on where the paper is offered.
If you are coming to Otago as part of an international exchange or Study Abroad programme, apply through the Otago Global Student Exchange or Study Abroad processes, rather than a COP.