University of Otago

Overview

University of Otago is the oldest institute of higher learning in New Zealand and one of the most prestigious institutions in research. Since its establishment in Dunedin in 1869, it has managed to become a globally renowned university that balances academic high-quality with a rich student life and a sense of community along with robust scholarships to study in New Zealand.

The University of Otago has five divisions, namely, Health Sciences, Humanities, Sciences, Commerce, and Law, which provide a wide spectrum of programs integrating both academic and experience learning. It is research-oriented and innovative, which makes the students receive international worldviews and practical experience and courses to study in New Zealand.

The campus is located in the scenic heritage city of Dunedin where it boasts of world-renowned facilities, a caring atmosphere, and an international community. Having a tradition of making leaders and innovators, the University of Otago (New Zealand) is the best place to study in New Zealand where students can choose to achieve academic excellence and career success in a safe and beautiful environment.

Highlights

Acceptance Rate: 70%
Total Students: 20,000+ (including 3,500+ international students)
Programs Offered: 200+ undergraduate and postgraduate programs
Graduate Employability Rate: 95% within six months of graduation
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 17:1
Global Ranking: Top 1% of universities worldwide (QS 2025)
Scholarships: Up to NZD 25,000 for international students

Rankings

The University of Otago (New Zealand) consistently achieves the top ranking in the world in terms of research excellence, student experience and graduate outcomes. It is one of the most influential institutions in the Asia-Pacific region due to its good international partnerships and dedication to innovation.

Expense Type	Estimated Cost
QS World University Rankings 2025	#206 Worldwide
Times Higher Education (THE) 2025	Top 250 Worldwide
QS Sustainability Rankings 2024	Top 150 Globally
THE Impact Rankings 2024	Top 100 Worldwide
THE Impact Rankings 2024	Top 100 Worldwide
QS Graduate Employability 2025	Top 200 Worldwide
Academic Ranking of World Universities (ARWU) 2024	Top 300 Globally

Heriot-Watt University Intakes

The University of Otago has a flexible academic year and different intakes to suit international students. Every intake will have orientation, academic advising, and career preparation workshops. Its early applications are welcomed in order to get scholarships and accommodation.

February Intake: Main intake for most undergraduate and postgraduate programs.
July Intake: Mid-year intake for selected business, science, and IT programs.
October Intake: Limited entry for short courses and foundation programs.

Courses

The University of Otago (New Zealand) has a variety of programs that equip the students with careers in the global arena. It focuses its curriculum on critical thinking, research, and practical learning. Internships, research projects, and field placements are the programs in collaboration with the leading companies and organizations in New Zealand.

Program	Duration	Total Tuition Fees
Undergraduate Programs
Bachelor of Commerce (Accounting/Marketing)	3 Years	NZD 33,000 per year
Bachelor of Science (Computer Science)	3 Years	NZD 36,000 per year
Bachelor of Health Sciences	3 Years	NZD 37,000 per year
Postgraduate Programs
Master of Business Administration (MBA)	1.5 Years	NZD 45,000 per year
Master of Data Science	2 Years	NZD 42,000 per year
Master of Public Health	2 Years	NZD 41,000 per year
Master of Education	2 Years	NZD 38,000 per year

Cost of Studying at the University of Otago

The University of Otago provides a stellar cost of study in New Zealand, good value when compared to other countries due to the high academic standards and low-cost of living in New Zealand. Dunedin is the student friendly city in the country. International students are able to spend their money efficiently by taking part-time jobs and student discounts.

Expense Type	Estimated Cost
Tuition Fees	NZD 33,000 – 45,000 per year
Accommodation	NZD 1,200 – 1,800 per month (≈ NZD 14,000 – 21,600 per year)
Food & Groceries	NZD 400 – 600 per month (≈ NZD 4,800 – 7,200 per year)
Transportation	NZD 100 – 150 per month (≈ NZD 1,200 – 1,800 per year)
Miscellaneous Expenses	NZD 300 – 500 per month (≈ NZD 3,600 – 6,000 per year)

Scholarships

The University of Otago offers a range of scholarships recognizing academic excellence, leadership, and research potential. Applications are reviewed based on academic achievement and leadership potential. In this chart below you will find a better understanding of list of scholarships provided by the university based on your performance.

Scholarship	Value	Details
Vice-Chancellor’s International Scholarship	NZD 10,000 – 25,000	For outstanding academic performance (UG & PG)
Otago International Research Master’s Scholarship	Full tuition + stipend	For research students in science & health fields
Coursework Master’s Scholarship	Up to NZD 15,000	Merit-based for high GPA applicants
Pathway Entrance Scholarship	NZD 5,000	For students progressing from foundation to degree programs

Admission

Masters

The candidates should have a bachelor’s degree recognized with at least B average. There are programs, which demand work experience or research proposals.
English Requirement: IELTS 6.5(no lower band than 6.0) or TOEFL iBT 90 or PTE 61+.
The applications should be placed 3-6 months before the desired start date.

Bachelors

The applicants need to have accomplished high school (Year 12 or higher) with good academic achievement in pertinent subjects.
English Proficiency: IELTS 6.0 (no lower than 5.5) / TOEFL IBT 80 / PTE 58+.
Documents to be provided: Academic transcripts, copy of passport, SOP, English test results and letter of recommendation (as applicable).

Accommodation

The university provides well furnished, beautiful, clean, and organised housing options. It has managed to become a globally renowned university that balances academic high-quality with a rich student life and a sense of community along with robust accommodation to study and live in New Zealand.

On-Campus Accommodation

Otago University has fully furnished residential colleges and student villages that are within walking distances of the main campus. It has facilities such as Wi-Fi, meals, laundry, study lounges and 24-hour security.

Price: NZD 1,200 -1,600/month (utilities and food included). There is a great demand on on-campus housing which is distributed first come first serve.

Off-Campus Accommodation

The students can also opt to live together in flats or opt to rent their own rooms in suburbs like North dunedin and Mornington. The rent prices vary between NZD 1,000 -1,800 a month. The Accommodation Office assists the students in identifying verified listings and offers counsel on tenancy contracts and local transportation.

Placements

University of Otago (New Zealand) has a good record of employability where 95 percent of its graduates secure jobs or continue their education within a period of six months. It has its Career Development Centre that provides mentoring, internships and industry-collaboration programs to equip its students with career opportunities worldwide.

Top Recruiters Include:

Deloitte New Zealand
PwC New Zealand
ANZ Bank
KPMG
EY (Ernst & Young)
Fonterra
New Zealand Health Group
IBM New Zealand
Ministry of Education
Fisher & Paykel

Student Essential Services

Special teams have helped the students during the enrolment, orientation, visa processing and cultural adaptation. Student Support Centre provides individual assistance during the academic process.

Student Success Centre

The university is known for a brilliant student support desk. Offers study skills workshops, academic writing services and individual mentoring. Different students are given personal guidance to improve their performance and self-esteem.

Careers & Internships

The Career Development Centre connects the students to employers through internship, graduate scheme, and projects in the industry. Resume writing and interview workshops make students successful.

Counselling & Accessibility

Professional counsellors will provide confidential mental wellbeing support, whereas accessibility staff will make learning inclusive to students with disabilities or special needs.

Health & Safety

Medical centres and medical assistance on campus are given through healthcare, vaccinations, and emergency assistance. The school has 24/7 security and safety guards in the school and its residential facilities.

Clubs & Recreation

There are approximately 150 student clubs that cut across sports, culture, arts as well as community volunteering. The contemporary gyms and seminars are encouraging an active and inclusive student lifestyle.

Learning Resources

The extensive research databases, laboratories and online 24-hour access to academic resources available to Otago through its central library network and digital learning systems.

Visa & Housing Assistance

The university is known for organised housing assistance. Advisors of the international students assist in visa renewal, accommodation search and advice on settlement once in New Zealand.

Events & Cultural Activities

They also conduct frequent festivals for inbound scholars, university seminars, and international networking help students to make networks and accept cultural diversity in the university.

Location of University of Otago

Frequently Asked Questions

University of Otago have its intakes in which months to be precise?

Select programs are taken in every year in the months of February, July, and October as the main intakes.

What does Otago accept regarding ELT/ English tests?

IELTS, TOEFL and PTE are all acceptable, with minimum IELTS of 6.0 in undergraduate and 6.5 in postgraduate.

Is there any international student scholarship at the University of Otago?

Yes, there are scholarship tuition up to NZD 25000 available depending on the academic excellence.

What are the accommodation facilities at Otago?

The students may select any of the on campuses colleges or off campuses flats located close to the main campus in Dunedin.

Does Otago offer include internships?

Yes, internships and research projects are built into most of the programs in terms of industry partnerships.

What are Otago student support services?

The services offered under support are counselling, career guidance, health care services, and visa counselling to international learners.

Why would one want to study at the University of Otago in New Zealand?

Otago is a prestigious education with low living cost, good student life, and high rate of graduate employment.

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