University of Otago
Upcoming Intake
Feb 2025
Tution Fee
Starts from 6,936 NZD
English Requirement
IELTS, TOEFL
Highlights
The University of Otago was founded in 1869, making it the oldest university in New Zealand and one of the oldest in Oceania. Between 1874 and 1961, it was part of the University of New Zealand but is again a university on its own right now. Its main campus is in Dunedin, but it also has campuses in Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, and Invercargill.
It has more than 21,000 students, including more than 3,000 students from 100 countries worldwide. It has also been rated 5-Stars Plus by QS Stars for its facilities, teaching, graduate employability, internationalisation, and inclusiveness.
The University of Otago has 15 residential colleges on or near the Dunedin campus. Catered and self-catered options are available so students can choose according to their preferences. Four residence halls are on the Dunedin campus, offering catered accommodation and a supportive living environment. Students can opt for the independent lifestyle of a flat or private rental apartment either on or off campus.
Many international students choose to live with a local family via a homestay arrangement. It is often viewed as an accessible way to grasp the local culture and improve English language skills.
The University of Otago enjoys exceptionally high student satisfaction levels. Surveys showed 98% satisfaction with administration and support and 98% with campus safety. They also showed 99% satisfaction with libraries, 98% with residential colleges, and 97% with sports and recreation facilities.
According to Tertiary Education Commission Educational Performance Indicators, Otago is New Zealand's top university for educational performance. For six of the past nine years, its teachers have beaten all other universities and polytechnics to win the Prime Minister's Supreme Award for Teaching Excellence.
Campuses
The main campus is located in Dunedin, New Zealand. An area famed for having lots of natural wildlife and being near sandy white beaches, students find the area enhances their well-being and opens up opportunities to socialise. The many students in the surrounding area ensure a buzzing nightlife is open for students to unwind over cocktails in the evening.
Ranking
by QS
214
by THE
301–350
FAQs
The University of Otago offers more than 200 courses spanning four academic faculties: Science, Commerce/Otago Business School, Health Sciences and Humanities.
The student-to-faculty ratio at the University of Otago varies depending on the program of study but is generally around 19:1.
The University of Otago has a strong sports program and is known for its rugby, netball, and basketball teams.
The campus life at the University of Otago is vibrant and diverse, with various clubs and societies, cultural events, and recreational activities for students to get involved in.
International students can apply for a range of scholarships. The University of Otago International Scholarship provides partial tuition fee waivers for international students enrolling in undergraduate or postgraduate coursework programs. It is awarded based on academic merit. The New Frontiers Scholarship provides partial tuition fee waivers for international students enrolling in undergraduate or postgraduate coursework programs. It is awarded based on academic excellence and demonstrated leadership potential.
The Performance Entrance Scholarship is awarded based on academic merit and performance in a relevant subject area. It provides partial tuition fee waivers for international students enrolling in undergraduate programs.
The International Research Master's Scholarship offers a full tuition fee waiver for international students enrolling in a research-based master's degree and is awarded based on academic merit' the International Ph.D. Scholarship provides a full tuition fee waiver and a living allowance for international students enrolling in a Ph.D. program. It is awarded based on academic merit and research potential.
