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Welcome to Otago
At Otago
Foundation lab class
University of Otago
At University of Otago
Otago Business School
At University of Otago
One of the most beautiful campuses in the world
Ranked 151st in QS World Rankings
New Zealand’s only Dental school
World-class facilities
Dunedin is New Zealand’s student capital
15 residential colleges
Established in 1869, the University of Otago is New Zealand’s first university and enjoys a long and distinguished educational heritage. The university is ranked within the top 1 percent of universities globally and has developed a widely renowned research and teaching profile.
Otago has campuses in the North and South Islands, and their Dunedin campus is recognised as one of the most beautiful in the world, boasting forested hills, beaches, incredible wildlife, and a stunning natural harbour on the doorstep.
Otago delivers a superb student experience, with internationally excellent teaching, state-of-the-art facilities, world-leading research groups and a lively programme of extra-curricular events and activities.
The university offers a range of flexible study options with over 200 courses spanning four academic faculties: Health Sciences, Sciences, Commerce/Otago Business School, and Humanities.
Otago is the top New Zealand institution for student performance and retention, boasting a five-star plus QS rating for employability, internationalisation, teaching, and research.
Otago’s student lifestyle is unmatched, with a diverse community including 2,500 international students from over 90 countries.
Otago’s Social Impact Studio works alongside more than 200 community organisations, running volunteering and leadership programmes which achieve impactful contributions and promote student-driven change.
Student-driven change further flourishes in Otago’s Sustainability Neighbourhood, with university-owned flats set up to grow food, compost, recycle, be energy efficient and take part in ongoing research focused on creating a sustainable student community.
2025 214 8
2024 206 11
2023 217
2024 301
2023 301 100
2022 201
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 are globally connected with a network of peers, researchers, and experts in their chosen fields, collaborating nationally and internationally to address questions of global concern. Otago’s Business School is ranked in the top one per cent of business schools in the world, and its MBA programme is ranked number one in New Zealand.
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.
Prospective students can chat online with Otago’s current international students to learn more.
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.
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.
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.
The University of Otago offers five levels of expert tuition in general English, from elementary to advanced, at its specialised English Language Centre.
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.
Ninety-five per cent 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 in demand by employers and researchers, known for their negotiating and interpersonal skills, analytical and conceptual skills, and independent judgement.
NZ$37,870 Undergraduate Fees are for indicative purposes, check with institution for details
NZ$38,120 Postgraduate Fees are for indicative purposes, check with institution for details
NZ$20,000 Living costs
NZ$20,000 To live on campus
Otago offers scholarships at all levels of study, including:
For international and domestic students enrolling in the Foundation Studies Certificate or the pathway Diplomas. From NZD 5,000 for tuition fees.
For new international bachelor’s degree students commencing full degree study in 2025 or 2026 (February or July intakes).
NZD 10,000 tuition fee scholarship off first year of tuition fee. Unlimited offers.
For new international bachelor’s degree students from specific countries commencing full degree study in 2025 or 2026 (February or July intakes).
Current eligible countries for 2025 and 2026 scholarships: China (Mainland China, Hong Kong, Macau), India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, South Korea, Thailand, Vietnam.
NZD 15,000 tuition fee scholarship off first year of tuition fee. Unlimited offers.
For high achieving international students who have studied overseas and will be commencing a full-time bachelor’s degree at Otago, commencing studies in 2025 or 2026 (February or July intakes).
Approx. NZD 35,000 (comprising first year accommodation and tuition scholarships in year 2 and year 3).
For international students applying into a degree programme through an established partner articulation agreement (e.g. 2+2, credit recognition). Other conditions apply.
NZD 10,000 towards tuition fees off first year of study at Otago.
For international and domestic students studying in New Zealand high schools or in a New Zealand-based foundation programme who will be commencing full-time bachelor’s degree studies in 2025 and 2026 (February or July intakes) at Otago.
NZD 10,000 to approx. 35,000.
For international students commencing selected postgraduate programmes (Master coursework degrees or postgraduate coursework diplomas) at the University of Otago, studying full-time, course duration of at least two semesters, either on campus or by distance learning in 2024 or 2025 (excludes MBA and Science Communication).
NZD 10,000 for tuition fees.
Otago provides a range of generous master’s awards as well as doctoral scholarships (for levels of study such as PhD and other doctoral levels of study).
Prospective applicants can visit the University of Otago’s international scholarships page for the full listing of scholarships.
A university entrance qualification is essential for admission to the University of Otago for all undergraduate and postgraduate programmes.
Check out the Otago website for the specific entrance requirements for each country.
Applicants for this programme will have:
Details are found here.
Applicants for this programme will have: