University of Otago Intake Process for Bachelor of Laws

The Bachelor of Laws (LLB) program at the University of Otago, New Zealand, aims at providing prospective law students with an acumen of legal research using modernised e-databases and tools, as well as formal and informal advocacy. Law is an inherent part of our social society and must protect human rights at any cost. Most of the businesses, governments, non-governmental, and welfare agencies in New Zealand require the services of legal professionals. 

The Law of Otago is a professional degree that allows you to challenge, question, analyse, and find solutions to a wide spectrum of personal and professional problems encountered in your daily life. Students from various backgrounds, such as Science, Commerce, Arts, and Business join the University of Otago’s Bachelor of  Law program to enhance their legal skills and get jobs in various domains in New Zealand.

This article explores the admission requirements, program structure, funding and scholarship opportunities, application and selection process, and key dates and deadlines to apply for the Bachelor of Laws at the University of Otago.

Bachelor of Laws Admission Requirements at the University of Otago

Entry criteria: the University of Otago, Bachelor of Laws Entry Criteria and Selection Process for Indian students are summarised below:

  • Academic Qualifications: You must have obtained a minimum overall average of 75% in the All India Senior School Examination (CBSE) or Indian Certificate of Secondary Education (ICSE) with a minimum of 70% in English. The final percentage is calculated by taking an average of the best four scores, excluding languages and non-academic subjects.
  • English Language Proficiency: You must demonstrate excellent English language proficiency by taking tests such as IELTS, TOEFL, or CET.
  • University Entrance Examination: You must qualify for a mandatory university entrance examination for admission to the University of Otago.
  • Additional Requirements: Other requirements such as personal statement, recommendation letters, and prior experience, if any, adds to the probability of selection.

Selection process: The final selection for admission to the Bachelor of Laws program at the University of Otago is based collectively on the following criteria:

  • Academic achievements
  • English language proficiency score
  • The qualified university entrance test
  • Personal Interview post shortlisting
  • References/Recommendation letter

Being highly competitive, the admissions process at the University of Otago could be overwhelming for you. Hence, we will help you navigate through the preparation process for admission to the Bachelor of Laws program.

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Following this royal lineage, ALLEN Global Studies Division is now proactively supporting students willing to pursue their higher education at foreign universities. We are committed to assisting with the preparation of English language proficiency tests, motivational letters, interview preparation, and visa and travel-related documentation.

Application Process for Bachelor of Laws Program at the University of Otago

The application process for the Bachelor of Laws program at the University of Otago commences with considering the following steps:

  • You must extensively research the program structure, eligibility requirements, fee structure, key dates and deadlines, and scholarships available for the program. All information is available on the official website of the University of Otago.
  • To start the application process, you must create an account on the website.
  • You must complete the online admission form by providing personal information, academic qualifications, etc.
  • This would also include uploading personal statements, English language proficiency test scores, and academic transcripts on the website. Before submitting the form, a non-refundable application fee has to be paid.
  • After submission, you must wait for the final shortlisting and decision from the university. This could take a few months.
  • If you are accepted for the program, you will need to complete the further formalities by paying the tuition and other fees for formal enrollment. If you are an international student, you must start the visa process immediately.

Bachelor of Laws Program Structure at the University of Otago

The Bachelor of Law at the University of Otago offers comprehensive education in law practices and principles via theory-based as well as practical subjects. Some of the important details of the Bachelor of Law program are as follows: 

  • Start date: Around October yearly.
  • Duration and Mode of study: Four years of full-time study, or an equivalent period of part-time study
  • Credits: Consist of papers worth not less than 534 points.
  • Subjects: The course curriculum broadly comprises the following subjects:
  • Core Law Subjects (e.g. Criminal law, Property law, Constitution law, etc.)
  • Elective law subjects (e.g. Environmental law, Family law, International law, etc.)
  • General subjects (e.g. History, Philosophy, Social Science, etc.)
  • Clinical legal education
  • Research training/Dissertation

What Areas of Law Are Emphasised in the Bachelor of Laws Program at the University of Otago?

Though the Bachelor of Laws program provides an in-depth understanding and practical utility of all domains of legalities in New Zealand, several domains of law that are stressed by the University of Otago Law School are as follows:

  • Public Law: This majorly comprises human rights laws and administrative/constitutional legalities
  • Commercial Law:  This deals with commercial transactions and contract laws.
  • Criminal Law: This deals with criminal proceedings, related witnesses, and sentencing procedures.
  • Environmental Law: This relates to climate change, environmental sustainability, and regulatory aspects. 
  • Family Law: This majorly deals with marriages, divorces, and child support.

Scholarships Available for Bachelor of Laws Students at the University of Otago

Numerous scholarship schemes offered by the University of Otago for the Bachelor of Laws program are offered annually to Bachelor of Law or Bachelor of Law (with Honours) students as financial aid to lessen the burden of tuition fees and achieve their academic goals. It is suggested that you browse through the official website of the University of Otago to learn about the process and deadlines for scholarship application submission. 

  1. Vice-Chancellor’s Scholarship for International Students: The scholarship is offered to full-time undergraduate international students including Indians, pursuing a Bachelor of Laws from the University of Otago for the first time, and covers tuition fees of NZ$10,000. 
  2. University of Otago Law Alumni Scholarship: This scholarship is intended to support academically bright students and in financial need, willing to pursue a Bachelor of Laws at the University of Otago. This scheme is supported by alumni and friends from the University of Otago and covers NZ$6000 per year of the study. This is usually paid as an accommodation fee waiver directly to the university.
  3. Clarrie Stevens Memorial Scholarship: This annual scholarship is awarded to undergraduate law students, in memory of the late Clarrie Stevens, a prominent Dunedin lawyer. The selection and award of scholarships are mostly based on financial needs and the academic excellence of students. A value of NZ$5,000 is contributed by the Rua and Clarrie Stevens Charitable Trust.

Bachelor of Laws Fees and Funding Options at the University of Otago

The tuition fee for the Bachelor of Laws program at the University of Otago is approximately NZD $7,274 per year, while for international students, the tuition fee is approximately NZD $36,056 per year. Additional funding options that may be explored at the University of Otago are:

  1. Students Loans
  2. Scholarships
  3. Part-time Job opportunities

What Kind of Internships or Practical Experience Opportunities Are Available for Bachelor of Laws Students at the University of Otago?

The University of Otago offers numerous practical opportunities and internships for Bachelor of Laws students that offer exposure to real-time legal scenarios and issues during the study period. All these activities also offer employment opportunities upon their completion. Some of the practical learning opportunities are as follows:

  • Legal Clinics: Students work under experienced lawyers and advocates and assist them with real legal cases.
  • Moot Court: Students get exposure to simulated legal trials where they present the cases and get assessed by a panel of judges.
  • Internships: Students are supposed to intern under law firms, government, or private agencies for a stipulated period (mostly during summer break) to gain knowledge on legal practices.

Legal Research Projects: As a part of the curriculum, students undergo a dissertation project under experienced legal professionals.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Bachelor of Law program at the University of Otago, New Zealand, intends to provide top-class legal education and experience for students. The class size is customised in such a way that each student benefits individually. The university also offers a global student exchange program that allows students to gain access to global networks and learn the legal ethics of the chosen destination.

Frequently Asked Question

What is the average class size for Bachelor of Laws courses at the University of Otago?

The University of Otago program offers an intake of about 250 students for admission to the Bachelor of Laws program and maintains a student: faculty ratio of 19:1.

What is the bar passage rate for University of Otago Bachelor of Laws graduates?

Law graduates from the University of Otago are supposed to complete the Professional Legal Studies Course (PLSC) to gain admission to the bar through the New Zealand Law Society. As per a recent study (2020), the overall pass rate for the PLSC examination is around 85.2%.

What are the key dates and deadlines for the University of Otago Bachelor of Laws intake?

The application submission period for a yearly session commences around late October of the previous year. Let’s say the intake is advertised for October 2023; then, the application process normally starts around October 2022, and the deadline is expected around mid-November.

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