Uni Exchange Aotearoa is a collaborative initiative between the University of Otago, Victoria University of Wellington (VUW), and Auckland University of Technology (AUT).
The exchange allows full-time domestic students in their second year of study to complete one semester (semester 2, 2026) at either VUW or AUT. Students from VUW and AUT can also apply to study at the University of Otago for one semester. Applications for second semester 2026 close on 20 April 2026.
Students coming to the University of Otago as part of Uni Exchange Aotearoa can access guidance from exchange advisers at their home university.
Successful applicants will receive a NZ$1,200 travel grant in 2026.
Eligibility
Uni Exchange Aotearoa is open to full-time domestic students who meet the following criteria at the time of exchange:
- Have a Grade Point Average (GPA) of 5 or above
- Are in their second year of study
- Studying a degree which includes eligible subjects at AUT or VUW
This exchange is not available to students in their final year of study.
Subjects and papers
Each participating university offers a range of subjects across humanities, commerce, and science disciplines
Papers completed while on exchange are credited towards the student's current University of Otago degree.
While studying at the host university, students enrol in a Certificate of Proficiency. This enables enrolment in papers without starting a new qualification.
During the exchange year, students complete a full-time, full-year workload:
- Students on exchange at VUW or AUT take four 15-point papers
- Students coming from VUW or AUT to Otago receive workload guidance from exchange advisers at their home university
Papers passed while on exchange can be credited towards a University of Otago degree. Papers that are not passed are not credited. If fewer than 50 percent of papers are passed across the full academic year, Otago's Academic Progress Policy may apply.
Credit transfer and Grade Point Average
Once exchange results are finalised, the host university sends the student's transcript to the University of Otago.
- Papers equivalent to a specific Otago paper are credited as that paper
- Papers without a direct equivalent are credited as unspecified papers with the appropriate number of points
The Otago Grade Point Average (GPA) is calculated using grades earned at Otago only. Grades achieved while on exchange are not included in the Otago GPA.
Students applying for entry into a specialised programme or postgraduate study after completing their degree are required to provide their Otago transcript and the transcript from the exchange university.
Student finance, loans and allowances
Students who meet the eligibility criteria for a student allowance can continue to receive it while taking part in Uni Exchange Aotearoa. A new student allowance application is required to match enrolment at the host university. Enrolment details and confirmation that tuition fees have been paid are sent to StudyLink by the host university.
Students who meet the eligibility criteria for a student loan can continue to access a student loan for their exchange enrolment. A new student loan application reflecting enrolment at the host university is required. Tuition fees are paid directly to the host university.
All students participating in Uni Exchange Aotearoa in 2026 will receive a $1200 travel grant to help with the costs of relocating and settling into a new city.
Accommodation
Accommodation may be available at your host university. You are also welcome to make your own accommodation arrangements.
Further information
Uni Exchange Aotearoa
Victoria University of Wellington – Uni Exchange Aotearoa
Auckland University of Technology – Uni Exchange Aotearoa