If you get sick, have a bereavement or something serious happens around an HSFY exam, Otago has a process called special consideration. It's there for exactly these situations, and using it isn't a big deal. What does matter is applying on time and understanding the possible outcomes, because in HSFY your marks feed straight into your application for Medicine, Dentistry or the other professional programmes.
Here's how it works for semester 2 finals, which run until 7 November.
Who can apply
According to AskOtago's guide to special consideration in final exams, you may be eligible if:
- you were prevented from sitting an exam by a significant and unexpected impairment, or
- your performance in an exam was significantly impaired, or
- your preparation was significantly impaired within the 14 days before the exam.
The kinds of circumstances that count include serious illness or injury, severe psychological impairment, bereavement and critical personal circumstances.
It doesn't cover exam anxiety or pressure, having several exams close together, or circumstances you knew about in advance. Known or ongoing conditions generally aren't covered either, unless there's medical evidence of an unexpected worsening. If you have an ongoing condition, the right route is usually alternative exam arrangements set up ahead of time.
How and when to apply
- Apply through eVision, on the Examinations and Results page.
- Apply within 5 calendar days of the last exam you're seeking special consideration for. No applications are accepted after results are released.
- For illness or injury, including mental health, you'll need a University of Otago Health Declaration form completed by a health professional. Try to be seen on the day, or as close to it as you can.
- If your documents aren't ready, apply anyway by the deadline. Otago gives you 7 calendar days from your application to upload them.
The five-day deadline is the part people miss. They wait to see how the exam went, or until they feel better, and by then it's closed.
What can happen
If your application is accepted, the department decides the outcome. AskOtago says departments may offer a choice between an adjusted exam mark, a special exam, or an aegrotat pass. If you're given options, you have 8 calendar days to respond.
A special exam
You sit a different exam for the paper at a later date. For semester 2 2026, Otago has scheduled the HSFY special exams as:
| Paper | Special exam |
|---|---|
| BIOC192 | Thursday 3 December 2026, 9.30am |
| HUBS192 | Monday 7 December 2026, 9.30am |
| POPH192 | Thursday 10 December 2026, 9.30am |
These are earlier than most other semester 2 special exams, which run from 22 to 26 February 2027. Check Otago's examination timetabling page for any changes. If your 8th paper needs a special exam, check its date separately, because departmentally run special exams may be at a different time.
A special exam gives you a real mark, which goes into your HSFY average like any other.
An aegrotat pass
An aegrotat pass is a pass with no mark or grade. It's only possible if your internal marks are well above the minimum to pass, usually a C+, and it isn't included in your Otago GPA.
That sounds like a relief, but for HSFY students it needs careful thought. Professional programme selection ranks you on your marks, and a pass with no mark may not help you the way a real mark would. AskOtago also says aegrotats aren't available as an outcome for students in specified Health Sciences programmes. If an aegrotat is offered, ask AskOtago or the Health Sciences admissions team how it would affect your application before you accept.
An adjusted mark
The department may adjust your exam mark based on your circumstances and other evidence. Ask what the adjustment would be based on before you choose.
Should you sit the exam if you're unwell?
This is a personal call. If you're unwell before an exam, see a doctor if you can and get the Health Declaration done that day. If you decide to sit it and your illness affects how you do, you can still apply on the basis that your performance was impaired, within the same five days.
What we'd avoid is skipping an exam without seeing anyone or applying. That leaves you with nothing to apply on.
Looking after yourself
A bad exam week happens to a lot of people. If you're struggling with how one went, our post on what to do if you fail a progress test covers how to regroup, and how to survive HSFY without burning out has more on keeping going. If HSFY doesn't go to plan, there's also a graduate route into Medicine and Dentistry later on.
FAQ
How long do I have to apply for special consideration at Otago?
Five calendar days from the last exam you're applying for. If you're still waiting on documentation, apply anyway and upload it within 7 days of applying.
Does exam stress count for special consideration?
No. Exam anxiety, pressure and having several exams close together aren't covered on their own. Severe psychological impairment, supported by a health professional, can be.
When are the HSFY special exams for semester 2 2026?
BIOC192 on Thursday 3 December, HUBS192 on Monday 7 December and POPH192 on Thursday 10 December 2026, all at 9.30am.
If you have a special exam coming up and want exam-style practice to prepare, see how Cutline HSFY works.
Cutline is not affiliated with the University of Otago. Details are from AskOtago and Otago's examinations pages, checked 8 October 2026. Special consideration rules can change, so check the official pages and contact AskOtago about your own situation.
