Get a taste of university life with Hands-On at Otago 🎓️
Experience a week of the Otago student life over the summer holidays 2026!
Heading into Year 12 or 13 in 2026? Don't miss out on the University of Otago's epic Hands-On programme! Spend a week on campus in Dunedin, diving into your dream subject and experiencing uni life firsthand.
When: Sunday 11 to Friday 16 January 2026
What: Hands-on learning in a university department+++
Who: students who will Year 12 & 13 students in 2026
Applications: Open 14 July and close on Thursday 7 August 2025
What is Hands-On at Otago?
This is a unique opportunity for students from our school, who will be in Years 12 and 13 in 2026, to experience a week of Otago student life.
If you haven’t heard about Hands-On at Otago before, students stay on campus in one of university's residential colleges and choose a subject to study for the week. There are over 20 subjects on offer, from across Business, Health Sciences, Humanities (Arts) and Sciences. They will learn from Otago's world-class academic staff, meet students their age from schools across the country and participate in a huge range of activities that will challenge and inspire them for the year ahead!
New for 2026 is the introduction of project themes - two or more subject areas collaborating to offer an engaging project from across a range of subject areas. Students can read more about project themes on the Hands-On at Otago webpage.
Do you want to know more about the programme? Head online to otago.ac.nz/hands-on-at-otago. Here you’ll find videos, info on costs, scholarships (there are lots of these available and students are encouraged to apply for one), fundraising ideas, accommodation information, transport options and more.
It’s important to note that Hands-On at Otago tend to receive more applications than they have places available, so students are encouraged to put time and effort into their applications, and share why they should be offered a place. Their application is often the deciding factor in their acceptance.
What to hear from previous Waimate High School students? Then check out these articles:
What Happens When You Mix Teens, Chemistry & Fun? Hands-On at Otago!
If you have any questions, please email: hands-on@otago.ac.nz
Don't miss this awesome opportunity! Get ready to apply for an unforgettable experience!
