queen-logo

University of Otago, New Zealand

  • Dunedin, New Zealand
  • Rank

    206

  • Established

    1869

  • Programs

    -+

Overview

The University of Otago, New Zealand, is a world-renowned institution located in Dunedin, New Zealand. Founded in 1869, it is the oldest university in the country and has gained a reputation for excellence in teaching, research, and scholarship. With a student population of around 20,000, the university attracts a diverse group of students from all over the world.

The university is fully committed to supporting student success and provides a range of support services, including academic advising, counselling, and career development. The university is also recognised for its commitment to sustainability, with numerous initiatives in place to reduce its environmental impact.

The University of Otago is a highly respected institution, offering world-class academic programmes, a supportive and inclusive community, and vibrant campus life that attracts students from all over the world.

 

Why Choose the University of Otago?

The University of Otago provides an outstanding academic experience combined with a supportive and inclusive community, making it an excellent choice for students seeking a high-quality education and a unique and rewarding university experience.

Some of the reasons why one might choose the University of Otago are as follows:

  1. Academic Excellence: The university is renowned for its high academic standards, with consistently high rankings among universities globally. The university prides itself on providing a challenging and rewarding academic experience with rigorous academic programmes and access to state-of-the-art facilities and research opportunities.

  2. Diverse Student Community: The university attracts students from all over the world, creating a culturally diverse and inclusive community. This allows students to gain a broader perspective and learn from a variety of different perspectives.

  3. Supportive Campus Life: The university offers supportive campus life, with numerous clubs, societies, and sports teams catering to a wide range of interests. There are also regular cultural events and performances that showcase the diverse talents of students. The residential college system provides a supportive living environment, helping students adjust to university life and succeed academically.

  4. Career Development: The University of Otago has a strong career development programme, helping students prepare for their future careers through internships, job fairs, and networking events. The university also maintains strong connections with businesses and organisations around the world, opening up a wide range of employment opportunities for graduates.

  5. Beautiful Location: Dunedin, the University of Otago's main campus location, is a scenic and welcoming city with easy access to the surrounding natural beauty of New Zealand. The mild climate and beautiful surroundings make it an excellent place to study, work, and live.

 

Key Features

The University of Otago is a highly reputable university with a strong research culture, a unique residential college system, a wide range of disciplines, an expansive campus, and a commitment to sustainability.

The University of Otago has several key features that distinguish it from other universities, which are as follows:

  1. Strong Focus on Research: The University of Otago is widely recognised for its research excellence. It is home to over 4,000 faculty members, many of whom are world-renowned experts in their fields. The university also has a strong research culture, with a broad range of research centres, institutes, and groups conducting cutting-edge research.

  2. Residential College System: The University of Otago has a unique residential college system that provides a supportive living environment for students. Each college has its own distinctive character and offers a range of academic and social activities, providing an excellent opportunity for students to develop lifelong friendships and enhance their learning experience.

  3. Wide Range of Disciplines: With its four main faculties (Health Sciences, Sciences, Humanities and Social Sciences, and Business), the University of Otago provides a broad range of disciplines, giving students the opportunity to explore many different fields of study. The university is particularly renowned for its health science programmes, which are consistently rated among the best in the world.

  4. Expansive Campus: The University of Otago has an expansive campus spread across 16 hectares, providing a rich and diverse environment for students to learn, live, and socialize. The campus includes a wide range of facilities, including libraries, lecture halls, research centres, and sports facilities.

  5. Commitment to Sustainability: The University of Otago is committed to sustainability, with numerous initiatives in place to reduce its environmental impact. The university has been awarded several sustainability awards, highlighting its efforts to become a leader in sustainability practices.

University of Otago Courses & Fees:

University of Otago Courses

The university is organised into four main faculties—Health Sciences, Sciences, Humanities and Social Sciences, and Business—and offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate degrees in various fields.

Here's an overview of University of Otago Courses and University of Otago Fees:

University of Otago Tuition Fees & Cost of Living

1. University of Otago Tuition Fees:

Below is the estimated tuition fee programme-wise for undergraduate and postgraduate programmes at the University of Otago in New Zealand:

University of Otago Tuition Fees (undergraduate programme)

  • Bachelor of Arts: NZD 29,571-NZD 39,774

  • Bachelor of Commerce: NZD 33,357-NZD 44,778

  • Bachelor of Science: NZD 36,648-NZD 73,296

  • Bachelor of Medical Laboratory Science: NZD 53,840

  • Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBChB): NZD 79,240

  • Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS): NZD 91,791

  • Bachelor of Laws (LLB): NZD 37,789

University of Otago Tuition Fees (Postgraduate Programme)

  • Master of Arts: NZD 16,577-NZD 38,362

  • Master of Business Administration (MBA): NZD 68,480

  • Master of Commerce (MCom): NZD 29,010-NZD 52,698

  • Master of Health Sciences: NZD 37,450-NZD 50,058

  • Master of Science: NZD 29,010–NZD 56,412

  • Master of Public Health: NZD 36,546

 

2. University of Otago Cost of Living:

It is estimated that international students at the University of Otago earn around NZD 20,000 to NZD 25,000 per year. However, this is just an estimate, and the actual cost might vary based on an individual's lifestyle choices and preferences.

Following is an estimate of the University of Otago cost of living:

Accommodation:

  • On-campus accommodation: NZD 300-NZD 400 per week

  • Off-campus accommodation: NZD 150-NZD 250 per week

Food:

  • Grocery: NZD 50-NZD 100 per week

  • Eating out: NZD 15-NZD 30 per meal

Transportation:

  • Public transport: NZD 2–NZD 4 per ride

  • Bicycle rental: NZD 100-NZD 200 per semester

  • Car rental: NZD 50-NZD 70 per day

Other expenses:

  • Textbooks and course materials: NZD 500-NZD 1,000 per semester

  • Entertainment and social activities: NZD 50-NZD 150 per week

Health insurance:

  • International students are required to have health insurance that fulfils New Zealand's regulations. The cost varies based on coverage and duration.

University of Otago Rankings & Intakes

University of Otago Rankings

The University of Otago is a prestigious institution known for its academic excellence, research achievements, and vibrant student life. It has consistently been ranked as one of the top universities in New Zealand and around the world.

Here are some of the most recent University of Otago rankings:
 

University of Otago Ranking

Ranked By 

Ranking 

QS World University Rankings 

206

US News & World Report - Global Universities 

247

Times Higher Education World University Rankings

301-350

Webometrics -World Ranking Universities

315

 

US News & World Report - Global Universities Rankings 2023 for Courses 

Ranked By

Ranking

Agricultural Sciences 

107

Arts and Humanities

197

Clinical Medicine

167

Infectious Disease

92

Chemistry

724

Psychology

53

Social Science and Public Health

154

Microbiology

150

Immunology

151

Environment/Ecology

306

 

Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2023 for Courses

Ranked By

Ranking

Art & Humanities 

201-250

Life Sciences 

251-300

Business & Economics

151-175

Social Sciences 

201-250

Physical Sciences 

501-600

 

University of Otago Intakes

The University of Otago intakes are mentioned in the tables below:
 

University of Otago Intakes

Intakes 

Month of Intake

Application deadline 

Semester 1 

February

15th November 

Semester 2 

July

30th April

Admission Criteria

The admission process for the University of Otago typically involves submitting an online application, academic transcripts from previous institutions, proof of English language proficiency, and any additional programme-specific requirements. Some programmes may also require an interview or additional documentation, such as work experience or references. The University of Otago acceptance rate can vary by programme and the nationality of the students.

Below are the general requirements:
 

For undergraduate programmes:

  • Completion of a secondary school qualification equivalent to New Zealand's NCEA (National Certificate of Educational Achievement)

  • Certain programmes may require additional subject prerequisites or minimum grades in specific subjects.

  • International students must provide evidence of English language proficiency through standardised tests such as PTE or IELTS.
     

For postgraduate programmes:

  • A bachelor's degree or equivalent from a recognised institution

  • Certain programmes may require additional subject prerequisites or minimum grades in specific subjects.

  • International students must provide evidence of English language proficiency through standardised tests such as PTE or IELTS.
     

For PhD programmes:

  • A master's degree or equivalent from a recognised institution

  • A research proposal demonstrating the ability to conduct advanced research in the area of study

  • International students must provide evidence of English language proficiency through standardised tests such as PTE or IELTS.

University of Otago Scholarships:

The University of Otago offers a range of scholarships to both domestic and international students. Some examples of University of Otago scholarships are:

1. Research Scholarships:
Scholarship Name Research Scholarships
Scholarship amount N/A
Details These scholarships are available to domestic and international students who are undertaking research degrees and provide financial support to assist with tuition and living expenses.
2. Sports Scholarships:
Scholarship Name Sports Scholarships
Scholarship amount N/A
Details These scholarships are available to students who excel in sports and provide financial support to assist with tuition and living expenses.
3. Postgraduate Scholarships:
Scholarship Name Postgraduate Scholarships
Scholarship amount N/A
Details These scholarships are available to both domestic and international postgraduate students and provide financial support to assist with tuition and living expenses.
4. M?ori and Pacific Peoples Scholarships:
Scholarship Name M?ori and Pacific Peoples Scholarships
Scholarship amount N/A
Details These scholarships are available to M?ori and Pacific Island students and provide financial support for tuition and living expenses.
5. Vice-Chancellor's Scholarships:
Scholarship Name Vice-Chancellor's Scholarships
Scholarship amount N/A
Details These scholarships are available to international students and cover the full tuition fees for the duration of the student's programme.
6. New Frontiers Excellence Awards:
Scholarship Name New Frontiers Excellence Awards
Scholarship amount $5,000
Details These awards are available to domestic students and provide a one-time payment of $5,000 to assist with study costs.

FAQ's

The University of Otago was founded in 1869 and is New Zealand’s oldest university.

There are approximately 21,000 students, with 18,000 undergraduates and 3,000 postgraduates.

The most popular programmes of study are in the fields of health sciences, sciences, humanities and social sciences, and business.

The student-to-faculty ratio at the University of Otago is 19:1.

The University of Otago is consistently ranked among the top 1% of universities in the world and is regarded as one of the best universities in New Zealand.

Yes, the University of Otago offers several online programmes, including postgraduate programmes.

Yes, the university has a dedicated international support team that provides services such as visa support, academic and personal counselling, and cultural activities.

Yes, the university has several on-campus and off-campus accommodation options available to students.

Yes, the University of Otago offers a wide range of scholarships to both domestic and international students.

The minimum GPA requirement for admission varies by programme and level of study. However, most programmes require a minimum GPA of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale.

The average tuition fee for international students at the University of Otago varies by programme and level of study. However, the average range is between NZD 27,000 and NZD 40,000 per year.

Book Your Online Counselling Session