University of
Otago
Country :
New Zealand
Founded :
1869
Address :
362 Leith Street, Dunedin North, Dunedin 9016, New Zealand
Study at the University of Otago, where world-class academics, vibrant student culture, and breathtaking natural beauty empower you to shape your future.
The University of Otago stands as New Zealand’s top-ranked research-led tertiary organisation and is one of the world’s top 200 universities. It organises its teaching, research, and activities into four academic schools of Health Sciences, Sciences, Humanities, and the Otago Business School, offering a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate courses. With its landmarkly attractive main campus in Dunedin, Otago has learning centres elsewhere in New Zealand - Christchurch, Wellington, Auckland, Queenstown, and Invercargill.
With a focus on student achievement, Otago is dedicated to leading research of the highest calibre along with a global vision for world-class innovation, cultural diversity and worldwide sustainability. Otago supports indigenous Māori and Pacific frameworks while accepting students from around the globe. Coupled with hands-on learning and an array of live-in colleges, students are able to achieve a career-defining education and make a positive, real-world impact on any number of professional fields.
Other important facts about the University of Otago are detailed below, based on the information provided above: the best courses, the scholarships and the fees you need to be aware of.
362 Leith Street, Dunedin North, Dunedin 9016, New Zealand
The University of Otago is ranked, making it the second-highest-ranked university in New Zealand, holding a premier 5 Stars Plus rating with several subjects placed within global top ranks. Below are the global rankings of QS, THE, and US News & World Report 2026.
The University of Otago has the best Health Sciences, Business, Sciences and Humanities programs, including unique New Zealand courses like Dentistry, Surveying and Radiation Therapy, and it has an award-winning online MBA. Below are the major courses for UG & PG with their annual tuition fees:
The University of Otago provides excellent ROI. Graduates can be expected to recoup their education costs in 2-4 years, as graduates find themselves highly employable, earning competitive starting salaries. Leading employers of Otago graduates include Deloitte, PwC, KPMG, EY, Fonterra, ANZ, and Health New Zealand.
Salary figures are indicative estimates based on graduate outcomes, industry surveys, and available employment data. True pay may vary with experience, location, and designation.
The University of Otago provides strong merit-based scholarships for international students wishing to undertake both undergraduate and postgraduate courses, which include tuition fee credits ranging from NZD 15,000-35,000 and accommodation fees.
Navigate the University of Otago main Dunedin campus as well as regional sites around New Zealand easily with its 360-degree tour and interactive downloadable map available through its online campus locator.
The actual cost of living is estimated between NZD 18,000 and NZD 22,000 per year. Costs will include things such as accommodation, food and transportation to university.
Yes, student visa holders can work 20 hrs/week only during semester and full-time when it's a designated scheduled break.
Students can live in any of the 15 catered Residential Colleges, university-managed UniFlats or arrange private flat rentals around the campus in Dunedin.
Absolutely, Otago also has merit-based programs such as the Otago Global International Scholarships and the postgraduate scholarships to a maximum of NZD 15,000.
The University of Otago has a reasonably selective admission rate that is approximately 58% for its undergraduate and postgraduate courses.
Applications generally close on November 15 for Semester 1 (February intake) and April 30 for Semester 2 (July intake).
Otago is home to New Zealand’s only professional degrees in Radiation Therapy, Surveying and Dentistry and the health science programme.
Choose your course on the website. Check the eligibility, create an account, and submit the application through the eVision portal.
To get into an undergraduate course, you normally need an overall IELTS score of 6.0, whereas for a postgraduate course it's usually 6.5 overall.
The University of Otago is in the world's top 200 universities and is a highly valued 5 Stars Plus QS Rating for excellence.
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