Diploma for Graduates (DipGrad)

Entry requirements

Every applicant shall

• be a graduate; and
• have attained a satisfactory standard of academic performance; or
• have submitted evidence satisfactory to the Senate of previous training and experience appropriate to the planned programme of study.

If your first language is not English you need to meet our English language requirements as follows: IELTS score of 6.5 in the academic module (with no individual band below 6.0); we also accept a number of other English language tests. Due to COVID-19, we currently accept Duolingo English Test (DET), IELTS Indicator Test, and TOEFL iBT Special home Edition.

Don’t meet the English language requirements? The University of Otago Language Centre English for Otago programme offers a pathway for Undergraduate and Postgraduate students to meet the English language requirements for undergraduate and postgraduate study.

Months of entry

February, July

Course content

The Diploma for Graduates (DipGrad) can be used for many purposes, and in some cases, effectively provides an additional major. It requires you to do at least seven papers, of which at least four are at 300-level or above. The programme is designed for graduates and may be completed by full-time candidates in one year or by part-time candidates over more than one year.

A DipGrad is a great way to retrain or to update existing qualifications. Many students also find it a convenient way to continue learning and that it is a useful bridge to postgraduate study.

The endorsement is available for any subject specified as a major subject for:

• Bachelor of Health Sciences (BHealSc)
• Bachelor of Arts (BA)
• Bachelor of Theology (BTheol)
• Bachelor of Applied Science (BAppSc)
• Bachelor of Science (BSc)
• Bachelor of Commerce (BCom).

Information for international students

Otago offers students an unrivalled campus experience and a vibrant, social student culture. The majority of Otago’s 21,000 students live, work and play in Dunedin - New Zealand’s only true university city. Otago is home to over 3,000 international students, from over 100 countries.

Fees and funding

New Zealand is a relatively affordable country to live in. Dunedin, being a student-focused city, has living and entertainment options for all budgets.