The University of Otago

About The University of Otago

Established in 1869, the University of Otago is New Zealand’s first university and one of the country’s most internationally respected institutions. Ranked among the world’s top 200 universities in the QS World University Rankings, Otago combines a rich academic heritage with modern, globally relevant teaching and research.

Otago offers more than 200 degree programmes and research opportunities across four major academic areas: Business (Otago Business School), Sciences, Humanities and Social Sciences, and Health Sciences. Its programmes are designed to deliver strong academic foundations alongside practical, career-ready skills, ensuring graduates are well prepared for professional success in a global environment.

The university is New Zealand’s leading institution for student performance and retention and holds a prestigious five-star plus QS rating for employability, internationalisation, teaching, and research. Otago has built a strong reputation for producing well-rounded, practical, adaptable, and resilient graduates who are highly sought after by employers worldwide.

Students benefit from a supportive learning environment, close academic mentoring and a strong residential campus culture. Otago’s emphasis on applied learning, research-led teaching, and industry engagement helps students develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and leadership capabilities valued across diverse sectors.

With a diverse campus community representing more than 90 countries, Otago offers a culturally inclusive and academically focused environment. Its globally recognised qualifications, excellent graduate outcomes, and strong international reputation provide students with a powerful platform for long-term academic and professional success.

Why Otago?

Otago is one of the top research institutions in the Asia-Pacific region, with world-class teaching and a team of expert and widely experienced faculty staff. The university offers flexible study programmes, where students can combine subject areas to earn a degree that will expand future career opportunities.

Otago students have the opportunity to connect with a network of peers, experts, and researchers in their chosen fields, collaborating at the national and global levels to address questions of universal concern. Otago’s Business School is ranked in the top one percent of business schools in the world, and its MBA programme is ranked number one in New Zealand.

World-class teaching and supervision

• Otago’s approachable, world-renowned teaching staff are dedicated to fostering creativity and independence and helping students achieve their visions for the future.
• Otago graduates are globally in demand, with 96 percent of graduates going on to employment or further academic studies. Otago’s Social Impact Studio provides volunteering and leadership opportunities, while programmes like ‘Audacious’ support start-ups and entrepreneurs.
• Otago boasts some of the best completion rates for a doctorate or master’s qualification in the world, with exceptional supervisory support.

State-of-the-art facilities

At Otago, old meets new, from iconic historic buildings to modern, award-winning laboratories and teaching spaces, on one of the most beautiful campuses in the world. Otago’s Central Library is recognised as one of the best libraries in the world. The university is also home to award-winning Mellor ‘super labs’ and a host of other facilities that support students’ academic and professional development.

Prospective students can chat online with Otago’s current international students to learn more.

Pathways to Otago

Otago offers over 200 undergraduate and postgraduate programmes. Flexible courses allow students to choose elective courses to broaden the scope of their education and customise their learning experience. The Bachelor of Arts and Science (BASc), Bachelor of Arts and Commerce (BACom), or Bachelor of Commerce and Science (BComSc) allows for 400 possible major combinations.

The university also has a range of taught and research postgraduate courses spanning four divisions: Health Sciences, Sciences, Humanities, and Otago School of Business.

Foundation Studies Certificate

The 26-week Foundation Studies Certificate enables students to meet the entrance requirements for degree study, with four academic pathways: business/commerce, health sciences, arts/humanities and sciences. Successful completion guarantees entry to first-year degree study and is recognised by all New Zealand universities as an entrance qualification.

Diploma in Arts, Diploma in Commerce, and Diploma in Science

The Diploma in Commerce, the Diploma in Arts, or the Diploma in Science (Level 5) are ideal for international students who only just miss the direct entry requirements for undergraduate study at Otago.

Students who successfully complete one year of diploma study at the University of Otago can progress directly into the second year of the Bachelor of Commerce, Bachelor of Arts, or Bachelor of Science degree programmes.

English language

The University of Otago offers five levels of expert tuition in general English, from elementary to advanced, at its specialised English Language Centre.

Summer School, Distance, and Online

Otago’s Summer School runs from January to February and includes distance options for offshore students. A range of undergraduate and postgraduate programmes can be taken remotely, and study abroad and exchange programmes are also available.

Graduate outcomes

Ninety-six percent of Otago graduates progress directly into employment or further studies, joining the university’s global alumni network which spans over 140 countries. Otago graduates are sought after by employers and researchers, and are known for their negotiating and interpersonal skills, analytical and conceptual skills, and independent judgement.

• The Otago Business School is an Asia-Pacific leader in education and holds EQUIS and AACSB accreditation, ensuring its qualifications are globally portable and internationally recognised.
• Humanities graduates benefit from Otago’s flexible degree structure, including combined degree programmes, which equip students with critical skills for a changing world and a global workforce.
• Health sciences graduates from the University of Otago are well respected throughout the world for their skills and their clinical and research excellence. Students develop the experience, skills and knowledge necessary to prepare them for a successful global career. All health sciences programmes at Otago include substantial clinical or laboratory-based learning.
• Otago Mentor Match is a mentorship programme connecting soon-to-be graduates with Otago Alumni. It's an incredible opportunity to gain insider knowledge from industry professionals, expand networks, and develop critical workplace-ready skills that will help students be better prepared in transitioning after graduating.
• The employability award programme, OtagoExtra, equips students with skills required for life after graduation.
• For two consecutive years, Otago Career Development Centre has been voted the best among New Zealand’s universities by the New Zealand Association for Graduate Employers (NZAGE). The centre also won the Global University Career Development Award from Global University Central Career Union.

What’s new

Teaching and Learning

• Otago is recognised as a national leader in educational performance, with its teaching staff repeatedly awarded the Prime Minister’s Supreme Award for Tertiary Teaching Excellence in eight of the past 12 years.
• Otago records the strongest performance indicators of any New Zealand university for course and qualification completion, student progression to higher-level study, and long-term student retention, reflecting the quality of its teaching and academic support.

Facilities

• Otago is home to New Zealand’s only national centre for dentistry, a world-class teaching and research facility that places the university at the forefront of oral health education.
• Otago’s Music, Theatre and Performing Arts Centre is a new multi-purpose complex with a large live studio, control rooms, and dedicated practice spaces supporting professional-standard creative training.
• Otago Business School houses one of the largest academic trading labs in New Zealand, equipped with 12 Bloomberg Professional terminals, giving students access to the same financial data platforms used by leading global firms, banks, and government agencies.