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University of Otago

University of Otago

University of Otago

Introduction

University of Otago

Founded in 1869, the University of Otago is New Zealand's first university. Otago has gained an excellent international reputation for its research and teaching.

Ranked among the world’s top 1% of universities according to QS World University Rankings, Otago students can choose from more than 200 study options at undergraduate and postgraduate level covering areas such as health science, business, science, and humanities.

Why study here?

Otago is renowned for its research, academic excellence, and unmatched student experience.

  • Ranked in the top 1% of universities worldwide (QS World Rankings)
  • #1 in NZ for educational performance (Tertiary Education Commission)
  • 95% of graduates go into work or on to further study (Graduate Opinion Survey)
  • Highest-possible university rating of 5 Stars Plus (QS Stars Rating)
  • Home to a total of 21,000 students, including international students from over 90 countries.

Life on Campus

The University of Otago main campus is located in the city of Dunedin – New Zealand’s student capital. Students make up one-fifth of Dunedin’s population, creating an energy and atmosphere that you’ll only find at Otago. Dunedin offers a wide range of accessible leisure activities. Ride the waves at some 30 nearby beaches, take on excellent mountain biking tracks, paddleboard, kayak or sail on the harbour, or head to Central Otago for a weekend at New Zealand’s top ski fields. It’s just part of life in Dunedin.

Want to gain an inside look of life at Otago? Follow us on Instagram @universityofotagointernational and capture a glimpse of daily life on campus.

Read more on the institution's website

Campus Features

    Scholarships and Funding

    Otago offers scholarships at all levels of study: pathway, undergraduate, and postgraduate. It also offers a wide range of scholarships for students from specific countries applying for particular areas and levels of study.

    Why study at University of Otago

    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 95 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.

    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.

    Awards & Accreditations

    top 1% of universities worldwide

    QS World Rankings

    #1 in New Zealand for Educational Performance

    Tertiary Education Commission

    5 stars plus University rating

    QS Stars Rating

    #1 MBA programme in New Zealand, with equis and accsb Accreditations

    Accredited

    Campus Life & Facilities

    As the only truly residential university in New Zealand, Otago’s student lifestyle is unmatched, and supports a diverse and inclusive student community with a population of 3,000 international students.

    • AskOtago – central help service for all questions!
    • International Student Support (Pastoral Care) & Visa & Insurance team
    • Otago University Students Association (OUSA) and Otago University International Students Association (OISA)
    • Social Impact Studio – University Volunteer Centre
    • Chaplains/ Muslim staff member/ Mosque/ Halal meals
    • Campus Watch
    • UniPol (Gym centre – free for students)
    • 7 Libraries – largest sits over 2000 students
    • Student Learning Development
    • Career Development Centre
    • Disability Information and Support
    • Student Health
    • Fellows at the residential colleges
    • PASS program
    • Academic and Pastoral support from departments
    • Residential college tutorial programs
    • AskOtago – central help service for all questions!
    • International Student Support (Pastoral Care) & Visa & Insurance team
    • Otago University Students Association (OUSA) and Otago University International Students Association (OISA)
    • Social Impact Studio – University Volunteer Centre
    • Chaplains/ Muslim staff member/ Mosque/ Halal meals
    • Campus Watch
    • UniPol (Gym centre – free for students)
    • 7 Libraries – largest sits over 2000 students
    • Student Learning Development
    • Career Development Centre
    • Disability Information and Support
    • Student Health
    • Fellows at the residential colleges
    • PASS program
    • Academic and Pastoral support from departments
    • Residential college tutorial programs

    Locations

    • Dunedin

      362 Leith StreetDunedin North, Dunedin 9016, New Zealand, 9016, Dunedin

    • Christchurch

      Christchurch, New Zealand

    • Wellington

      Wellington, New Zealand

    Programs

    Institution also offers:

    Chat with students

    Questions