University Of Otago Term Dates

The week map refers to the University of Otago academic year and does not necessarily correspond with other week maps. The key study dates for the 2020 academic calendar are as follows:



2020 Study dates

The key study dates for the 2020 academic calendar are as follows:



Summer School

5 JanuaryLatest arrival for new international students studying at Summer School
Enrolment/Orientation seminar for new international students
6 JanuarySummer School lectures begin
13 JanuaryLast day to add or delete Summer School papers (5pm deadline)
3 FebruaryLast day to withdraw from Summer School papers (5pm deadline)
6 FebruaryWaitangi Day (public holiday)
14 FebruarySummer School lectures cease
15 FebruarySummer School examination period begins
20 FebruarySummer School examination period ends

First semester

15 JanuaryDue date for first semester and full year papers to be selected and submitted for course approval
17 FebruaryNew international students for first semester should arrive by this date
17-21 FebruaryNew international student Orientation
21 FebruaryPreliminary lectures held
24 FebruaryFormal lectures begin
28 FebruaryLast day to add first semester and full year papers (5pm deadline)
13 MarchLast day to delete first semester papers (5pm deadline)
20 MarchLast day to delete full year papers (5pm deadline)
10 AprilMid-semester break begins/Good Friday (public holiday)
13 AprilEaster Monday (public holiday)
14 AprilOtago Anniversary Day observed (Dunedin)
20 AprilFirst semester resumes
25 AprilANZAC Day
27 AprilANZAC Day observed
1 MayLast day to withdraw from first semester papers (5pm deadline)
9 MayGraduation ceremonies
16 MayGraduation ceremonies
29 MayFirst semester lectures cease
1 JuneQueen’s Birthday (public holiday)
3 JuneFirst semester examination period begins
17 JuneFirst semester examination period ends

Second semester

25 JuneDue date for second semester papers to be selected and submitted for course approval
29 June-3 JulyNew international student Orientation
6 JulySecond semester lectures begin
10 JulyLast day to add second semester papers (5pm deadline)
24 JulyLast day to delete second semester papers (5pm deadline)
15 AugustGraduation ceremony
22 AugustMid-semester break begins
29 AugustGraduation ceremony
31 AugustSecond semester resumes
11 SeptemberLast day to withdraw from second semester and full year papers (5pm deadline)
9 OctoberSecond semester lectures cease
14 OctoberSecond semester examination period begins
26 OctoberLabour Day (public holiday)
7 NovemberSecond semester examination period ends
12 DecemberGraduation ceremonies
16 DecemberGraduation ceremonies
19 DecemberGraduation 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.