The University of Otago

The University of Otago is New Zealand's very first university, having been founded in 1869. The university enjoys an excellent international reputation for its research and teaching.

Otago is among the world's top 1 per cent of universities according to QS World University Rankings. 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 has a five star plus ranking on QS Stars, reflecting its excellence and quality across teaching, research, employability, and internationalisation.
• The university has a national presence, with its main campus in Dunedin and specialised campuses in Wellington, Auckland, Christchurch, and Invercargill.
• Otago is the top university in New Zealand for student retention and performance, according to the Tertiary Education Commission (TEC) Educational Performance Indicators.
• 85 per cent of the university's students are from outside Dunedin.
• Home to a total of 21,000 students, including international students from over 90 countries.
• 95 per cent of the university's students' progress to further study or go into work.

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.

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 95 per cent 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.
• Award-winning Mellor ‘super labs'.
• Award-winning, world-class dental school.
• Award-winning Music, Theatre and Performing Arts Centre.
• 12 Bloomberg Professional terminals at the Otago Business School.

Chat with Otago

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

Academic Entry requirements

A university entrance qualification is essential for admission to the University of Otago for all undergraduate and postgraduate programmes.

• For undergraduate programmes, Otago recognises many qualifications as equivalent to the New Zealand qualification for entrance. It also accepts international qualifications such as IB, CIE, NUCK, and IFY. Students can check the eligibility of their previous studies online
• For postgraduate programmes, entrance requirements vary by programme, with most requiring a minimum bachelor-level qualification in the same field, and some having additional requirements such as relevant work experience and/or professional registration in New Zealand

Check out the Otago website for the specific entrance requirements for each country.

English Language Entry Requirements

• Otago's entry requirements for international students require a statement of results from an accepted English language test from within the last two years
• For undergraduate study, students will usually need the equivalent of IELTS 6.0 overall in the academic module, with no individual band below 5.5
• For postgraduate study, students will usually need the equivalent of IELTS 6.5 overall in the academic module, with no individual band below 6.0
• Some programmes have a higher English language requirement

New Diploma in Commerce, Diploma in Arts, or Diploma in Science

Applicants for this programme will have:

• an overall IELTS score of 5.5 (with no band less than 5) or equivalent
• completed the final year of their high school system with a minimum B- average across at least 3 relevant subjects

Details are found here.

Foundation Studies Certificate

Applicants for this programme will have:

• an overall IELTS score of 5.5 (with no band less than 5) or equivalent
• completed Year 11 or equivalent of their K12 high school system. Details are found here

Otago offers scholarships at all levels of study, including:

University of Otago Pathway │ Te Huarahi Scholarship

For international and domestic students enrolling in the Foundation Studies Certificate or the pathway Diplomas. From NZD 5,000 for tuition fees.

Vice-Chancellor's Undergraduate Scholarships for International Students 2025-2026

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.

University of Otago Global Scholarships 2025 – 2026

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.

University of Otago International Academic Excellence Scholarships 2025-2026

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).

University of Otago International Partnership Scholarship 2025-2026

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.

University of Otago Undergraduate Entrance Scholarships 2025 – 2026

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.

Vice-Chancellor's International Postgraduate Scholarships 2025

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.

Master's research and doctoral scholarships

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.

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.

• 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's has been voted the best among New Zealand's universities by the New Zealand Association for Graduate Employers (NZAGE). They also won the Global University Career Development Award from Global University Central Career Union.

Teaching and Learning

• Otago has been consistently awarded for excellence, receiving the Prime Minister's supreme award for tertiary teaching excellence at the New Zealand Tertiary Teaching Awards eight times in 11 years
• New international scholarships for 2025 - 2026

Facilities

• Otago University's world-class facility is New Zealand's only national centre for dentistry
• Otago's Music, Theatre and Performing Arts Centre is a brand-new multi-purpose facility with a spacious live studio, and a variety of additional spaces including control rooms, percussion rooms, social spaces and practise booths
• Otago Business School houses one of the largest academic trading labs in New Zealand, with 12 Bloomberg Professional terminals, giving students access to the same trading platform used by the world's leading investment companies, banks, and government agencies

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.

New 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.