The University of Otago Calendar is our official publication which provides key information about the University.
2020 Study dates
The key study dates for the 2020 academic calendar are as follows:
Further information
Summer School
| 5 January | Latest arrival for new international students studying at Summer School |
| Enrolment/Orientation seminar for new international students | |
| 6 January | Summer School lectures begin |
| 13 January | Last day to add or delete Summer School papers (5pm deadline) |
| 3 February | Last day to withdraw from Summer School papers (5pm deadline) |
| 6 February | Waitangi Day (public holiday) |
| 14 February | Summer School lectures cease |
| 15 February | Summer School examination period begins |
| 20 February | Summer School examination period ends |
First semester
| 15 January | Due date for first semester and full year papers to be selected and submitted for course approval |
| 17 February | New international students for first semester should arrive by this date |
| 17-21 February | New international student Orientation |
| 21 February | Preliminary lectures held |
| 24 February | Formal lectures begin |
| 28 February | Last day to add first semester and full year papers (5pm deadline) |
| 13 March | Last day to delete first semester papers (5pm deadline) |
| 20 March | Last day to delete full year papers (5pm deadline) |
| 10 April | Mid-semester break begins/Good Friday (public holiday) |
| 13 April | Easter Monday (public holiday) |
| 14 April | Otago Anniversary Day observed (Dunedin) |
| 20 April | First semester resumes |
| 25 April | ANZAC Day |
| 27 April | ANZAC Day observed |
| 1 May | Last day to withdraw from first semester papers (5pm deadline) |
| 9 May | Graduation ceremonies |
| 16 May | Graduation ceremonies |
| 29 May | First semester lectures cease |
| 1 June | Queen’s Birthday (public holiday) |
| 3 June | First semester examination period begins |
| 17 June | First semester examination period ends |
Second semester
| 25 June | Due date for second semester papers to be selected and submitted for course approval |
| 29 June-3 July | New international student Orientation |
| 6 July | Second semester lectures begin |
| 10 July | Last day to add second semester papers (5pm deadline) |
| 24 July | Last day to delete second semester papers (5pm deadline) |
| 15 August | Graduation ceremony |
| 22 August | Mid-semester break begins |
| 29 August | Graduation ceremony |
| 31 August | Second semester resumes |
| 11 September | Last day to withdraw from second semester and full year papers (5pm deadline) |
| 9 October | Second semester lectures cease |
| 14 October | Second semester examination period begins |
| 26 October | Labour Day (public holiday) |
| 7 November | Second semester examination period ends |
| 12 December | Graduation ceremonies |
| 16 December | Graduation ceremonies |
| 19 December | Graduation ceremonies |
The study dates for some courses offered by the College of Education or the Division of Health Sciences may differ from those listed above. Please contact the applicable academic department for further information.
Download the 2020 Study dates to print out (PDF 471KB)