University of Otago

We encourage all students – including International students – to make use of the career resources available on our website. From exploring your career options to specific job search strategies, you’ll find the information you need to establish your future career. You’ll also find information on this page specifically targeted at International students.

Get help with:

Career planning: Explore your career and study options
Job Applications: CV and cover letters, interview skills and applying for work
Gaining Experience: Get the ‘right’ skills, enhance your Otago experience… and volunteer.
Finding Employment: Job search strategies, career events and looking for work
Speak to a career adviser one-on-one if you need further assistance.

Enhance your employability
The graduate job market is competitive – good grades alone may not be enough to get your ideal job. You’ll also be expected to possess excellent English language skills, and be able to demonstrate a range of work-related skills and personal qualities relevant to the job. Develop the required skills through:

Work experience – gain part-time work, voluntary work, summer placements, or internships
Extracurricular activities – get involved in activities outside your course such as student societies and sporting clubs
Academic activities – show your capabilities by, for example, leading a group project or being a student representative for your course

Level 7 (Bachelor’s degree)

• Duration: Equal to length of study (typically up to 3 years)
• Requirement: minimum 30 weeks full time study in NZ

Level 7 (Graduate Diploma)
Eligible for PSWV
Conditions:

• Must also hold a Bachelor’s degree (NZ or overseas)
• Duration: Up to length of study (typically 1 year)

Level 8 (Postgraduate Diploma)

• Duration: Equal to length of study, OR
• Up to 3 years in some cases (if part of higher qualification pathway)

Level 9 and 10 (Master’s degree and Doctoral degree)

• Duration: 3 years
• Condition: Must study at least 30 weeks in New Zealand

- Most eligible international students can work up to 25 hours per week during study and full-time during scheduled breaks, only if their student visa includes work rights.

- Foundation, pathway and short courses have different rules.

- Not allowed for part time students.

A master’s degree is usually undertaken in the same area of study as the major subject
pursued for a bachelor’s degree, postgraduate diploma or honours degree. However,
some masters’ programmes require only that the candidate is a graduate and/or has
appropriate work experience.

IELTS

Score of 6.5 in the academic module (with no individual band below 6.0)

IELTS Indicator test

This is an online version of the regular IELTS test, made available due to COVID-19 testing centre restrictions.

Paper-based TOEFL

Score of 587 (TWE 4.5).

TOEFL iBT Special Home Edition

This is an online version of the regular TOEFL iBT test, made available due to COVID-19 testing centre restrictions.

Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English (CAE)

Minimum of 176 (with no individual band below 169)

Duolingo English Test (DET)

Score of 110

Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic

Overall score of 64 with no communicative skills score below 57