University of Otago

Dunedin, New Zealand

"Dare to Be Wise"

Talk to a mentor Research University 🌐 www.otago.ac.nz https://www.otago.ac.nz/

At a Glance

Accept Rate —
Avg Salary/Yr —
Ranking #197 (QS)
PSW VISA Up to 3 years
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About University of Otago

University of Otago is New Zealand's first university, established in 1869, with its main campus in Dunedin. It is ranked #197 in the QS World University Rankings 2026 (#198 in 2027). Annual tuition for international students is around NZ$39,690 – 50,925 / year. Programmes are taught in English.

Rankings & Recognition

#197
QS World University Rankings 2026 Ranked #197 in the QS World University Rankings 2026.

Ranked #197 in the QS World University Rankings 2026.

Accreditations & Memberships

QS 5 Stars Plus Triple Crown Accreditation

QS 2026 Performance Breakdown

Score out of 100 across each QS evaluation pillar, with University of Otago's global standing for that metric.

Academic Reputation #
Employer Reputation #
Faculty Student Ratio #
Citations per Faculty #
#

Key Facts

1869 Established
96% Graduate Employment
#197 QS World Rank
English Teaching Language

Popular Programs

Bachelor of Commerce Bachelor of Science Bachelor of Biomedical Sciences

Application Details

Application Route Online via eVision / agents
Application Fee N/A
Intakes Feb, July
UG Deadline 15 Nov (Feb intake)
PG Deadline 30 Apr (July intake)
Application Opens 1 May
Global Scholarship NZ$15,000

Standardized Test Requirements

TestMinimum Score
IELTS
6.0 UG / 6.5 PG
TOEFL iBT
80 UG / 90 PG
PTE Academic
50 UG / 58 PG
Duolingo English Test
105 UG / 120 PG
Duolingo
105

Study Abroad & Visa Details

Visa Approval Rate 75%
I-20 Processing N/A
Post-Study Work Up to 3 years
Green Card Pathway Skilled Migrant Category

Financials

Application Fee N/A
Avg Scholarship NZ$10,000 – 15,000

Career Outcomes

95% Placement Ratio
Up to 3 years Post-Study Work
20 hrs/week Work While Study

Where Graduates Land

Deloitte New Zealand PwC New Zealand ANZ Bank

Faculty & Alumni

Academic Staff — 1,700+ Student-Staff Ratio — 21:1 —

Notable Alumni

Bill English Graham "Mont" Liggins

Campus & Location

Main campus in Dunedin, with health sciences campuses in Christchurch and Wellington, plus Auckland and Invercargill.

Campus Details

Main campus in Dunedin
Health sciences campuses in Christchurch & Wellington
Auckland and Invercargill centres
Historic Clocktower building
Water of Leith river through campus
Award-winning Central Library
Residential colleges for first-year students
Compact & walkable student city

Campus Forecast

Summer (Dec–Feb): 12–20°C Autumn (Mar–May): 8–16°C Winter (Jun–Aug): 3–10°C Spring (Sep–Nov): 6–15°C Cool climate throughout the year Bring warm clothes & a rain jacket

Student Life & Housing

Housing

Residential colleges Private flats Homestay

Dining

Catered meals in residential colleges Campus cafes

Health & Wellness

Student Health Centre Counselling services Disability support Unipol recreation centre

Activities & Clubs

OUSA student clubs and societies Sports clubs Cultural societies

Diversity & Demographics

Total Students ~21,000
International Students ~3,000 (17%)
Countries Represented 100+S

Cost Deep-Dive

Annual Tuition NZD 32,000 – 45,000 / year
Annual Living Cost NZD 20,000 / year

Intakes & Deadlines

Two main intakes: February (Semester 1) and July (Semester 2). Applications for Semester 1 open from 1 May to 15 November. Deadlines vary by programme, so confirm the latest dates with your counsellor.

Scholarships at University of Otago

2 scholarships available

View All 2
Bachelor's NZD 10,000

Vice-Chancellor's Scholarship for International Students

Deadline: Ask counsellor

These are general eligibility guidelines. Always confirm exact requirements with the university's admissions office or your Sukhada counsellor.

Academic Requirements

Undergraduate 12th grade · 75% overall, 60% in English
Postgraduate Relevant Bachelor's degree

English Proficiency

IELTS

6.0 UG / 6.5 PG

TOEFL iBT

80 UG / 90 PG

PTE Academic

50 UG / 58 PG

Duolingo English Test

105 UG / 120 PG

Duolingo

105

Required Documents

Academic transcripts Passport or birth certificate Proof of English proficiency

Application Process

1
Select your programme
Choose your course or programme.
2
Check entry requirements
Check academic and English requirements and deadlines.
3
Apply online
Apply through the eVision portal and upload your documents.
4
Submit your application
Submit it and watch your email for status updates.
5
Accept your Offer of Place
Accept the offer in eVision to secure your place.

Campus & Location

Main campus in Dunedin, with health sciences campuses in Christchurch and Wellington, plus Auckland and Invercargill.

6 of 6 courses
Bachelor's 4
University of Otago
📍 New Zealand
Bachelor's courses, full-time
Study language: English
Duration: 3 years
Apply now! Next intake
Application open
Deadline Application open all year
University of Otago
📍 New Zealand
Bachelor's courses, full-time
Study language: English
Duration: 3 years
Apply now! Next intake
Application open
Deadline Application open all year
University of Otago
📍 New Zealand
Bachelor's courses, full-time
Study language: English
Duration: 3 years
Apply now! Next intake
Application open
Deadline Application open all year
University of Otago
📍 New Zealand
Bachelor's courses, full-time
Study language: English
Duration: 3 years
Apply now! Next intake
Application open
Deadline Application open all year
Master's 2
University of Otago
📍 New Zealand
Master's courses, full-time
Study language: English
Duration: 1 year
Apply now! Next intake
Application open
Deadline Application open all year
University of Otago
📍 New Zealand
Master's courses, full-time
Study language: English
Duration: 15 months
Apply now! Next intake
Application open
Deadline Application open all year

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