Founded in 1869, the University of Otago is New Zealand’s first university and it has been pushing the boundaries of what can be achieved by a higher education institution ever since.

The university has an unparalleled record for teaching quality, receiving more teaching awards than any other university in the country. Postgraduate students make the most of a staggering 3:1 student to staff ratio alongside 12 flagship multidisciplinary research centres.

Otago is unique in that it encourages both students and staff to get involved in volunteering. 80% of staff at the institution are involved with community services such as animal welfare programmes and human rights support groups. The university Volunteer Centre for students works with more than 205 different organisations and over 3,730 registered student volunteers.

Ranking number 12 among universities worldwide for sports-related subjects, the University of Otago boasts brilliant sporting facilities across campus. The university rugby club has played host to the teaching and training of more New Zealand internationals than any other rugby club.

The university is located in one of the 16 most beautiful campuses in the world, according to rankings by the Huffington Post. It also has over 150 different clubs and societies that students can join, and results from surveys show that students are happy with the facilities on offer at the institution.

There have been three different winners of the Prime Minister’s Science Prize at the institution in the last eight years for expert research into the sciences and it receives NZD 183 million in external research funding.

With over 195 different undergraduate and postgraduate courses to choose from, and 95% of graduates moving into work or on to further study, students can be sure of a great education no matter what they study.

With a distinguished 150-year history, the University of Otago is at the forefront of research and postgraduate study. Offering more than 200 study options for students covering a wide variety of subject areas, the university boasts leading multidisciplinary research centres that underpin outstanding research.

Students at the University of Otago hail from 100 countries and form part of an energetic 3,000 strong international student community. Students can apply for and benefit from a number of scholarships, on offer. A high-quality educational experience is offered at the university and it is ranked first for its educational performance - for 6 of the past 8 years, Otago teachers have beaten all other universities and polytechnics to win the Prime Minister's Supreme Award for Teaching Excellence.

The university prides itself on the quality of its faculty, who are leaders and experts in their respective fields. This is borne out by the placement of the university within the top one percent of institutions worldwide and the award of a five star plus rating by the QS global university performance ratings.

Rated as one of the most beautiful campuses in the world, the main university campus is based in Dunedin. The institution also has specialist sites in Christchurch, Wellington and Invercargill. Students enjoy a great student lifestyle and facilities in the safe environment of Dunedin. This includes a choice of 150 clubs and societies to join, and university accommodation.

98 percent of students at the university have registered their satisfaction with campus safety and student support. This provides the ideal backdrop for students to develop their skills and graduate ready to make a positive impact in the workplace. This is demonstrated by the fact that 95 percent of students go into work or on to further study after graduation.

The molecule responsible for heart disease in diabetics has been identified by University of Otago researchers recently, which greatly improves chances of survival.

Associate Professor Rajesh Katare, of the Department of Physiology, says diabetes is an epidemic in New Zealand with more than 110,000 people diagnosed with type-2 diabetes, while 100,000 remain undiagnosed. The leading cause of death in diabetics is cardiovascular disease.

"Cardiologists have, until now, not been able to diagnose diabetic heart disease before it has developed,’’ Associate Professor Katare says.

This discovery has shown that, by monitoring the level of microRNA-34a in diabetic individuals, doctors can help identify those who are at risk of developing heart disease.

"This will allow GPs to either prescribe lifestyle modification, or closely monitor those individuals who show changes. Importantly, this can be done without the need for sophisticated equipment.’’

Another key finding of the study was, for the first time, increased microRNA-34a was identified in stem cells isolated from diabetic heart tissue.

More about this…

The University of Otago is recognised as the first university in New Zealand, and will celebrate its 150^th anniversary in 2019, a significant milestone for Dunedin, New Zealand, as well as the university.

The anniversary will be marked with a year-long course of events celebrating and highlighting the University of Otago’s achievements, reflecting on its contributions to society, as well as engaging with its community and more.

The university was established in the year 1869 to create an educational environment that is world-class and suitable for life in New Zealand.

The university is currently recognised as a significant educational, cultural and economic force, and has over 20,000 students and over 4,029 staff in employment. It has more than 150,000 former students and enjoys a reputation worldwide for its outstanding teaching and research.

University of Otago researchers have discovered how bacteria killing viruses outwit the former by hiding from its defence. This is an important finding for development of new virus-based antimicrobials, an important advance in biological knowledge.

Lead researcher Professor Peter Fineran explains, ''From a biological perspective, our results provide exciting new insights into how phages evade bacterial defence systems. This is important because the rise of the multi-drug resistant bacteria is an issue of global concern, which has led to a renewed interest in using phages as anti-bacterials and jumbo phages may provide excellent therapeutics.''

Lucia Malone, first author of study and PhD student (Department of Microbiology and Immunology) says, ''We had molecular and genetic evidence for what was happening, but we really needed to see directly inside these tiny bacteria, which if 100 lined up side-by-side would be the width of a human hair.''

Otago is New Zealand’s only university offering both academic excellence and outstanding student experience. Otago leads the way when it comes to world-class teaching and student lifestyle.

Students at Otago are taught by academic staff who are dedicated to teaching, and who are internationally recognised for their research.

Otago is placed in the top 100 Universities in 13 subject areas including Law, Archaeology, Development Studies, Education, Geography, Physiology, Dentistry, Medicine, and sports-related subjects. The University’s internationally accredited Business School is an Asia-Pacific leader in education and research, and its arts and humanities are ranked 88th in the world.

Otago has earned an international reputation for the quality of its research and training. It is home to 12 flagship multidisciplinary research centres and 17 research themes with particular teaching and research strengths across the areas of Biomedical Sciences, Applied Sciences, Accounting and Finance, Clinical Medicine, Dentistry, Earth Sciences, Economics, Education, English Language and Literature, Food and Nutrition, Law, Medicine, Pharmacy, Philosophy, Physics, Psychology, Public Health, and Tourism.

More about studying at Otago…

Otago is New Zealand’s only university offering both academic excellence and outstanding student experience. Otago leads the way when it comes to world-class teaching and student lifestyle. It has an unparalleled reputation in the National Teaching Excellence Awards with seven Supreme Award wins over the past 15 years.

The university tops all of the TEC (Tertiary Education Commission) educational performance indicators for areas such as course and qualification completions, retention of students, as well as progression to higher study. Students at Otago are taught by academic staff who are dedicated to teaching, and who are internationally recognised for their research.

The research awards Otago staff have won include the Rowheath Trust Award which aims to develop research at the university as well as to provide recognition to the remarkable research performance of early career staff.

Otago is placed in the world’s top 50 Universities (QS rankings 2018) for the study of anatomy, archaeology, development studies, education, physiology, dentistry, and sports-related subjects. The university’s internationally accredited business school is an Asia-Pacific leader in education and research, and its arts and humanities are ranked in the top 100 in the world.

Otago has earned an international reputation for the quality of its research and training. It is home to 12 flagship multidisciplinary research centres and 17 research themes with particular teaching and research strengths across the areas of biomedical sciences, applied sciences, accounting and finance, clinical medicine, dentistry, earth sciences, economics, education, English language and literature, food and nutrition, law, medicine, pharmacy, philosophy, physics, psychology, public health, and tourism.

The University of Otago is the top university in New Zealand for educational performance. Otago is New Zealand's only university offering both academic excellence and outstanding student experience. Otago leads the way when it comes to research-led, world-class teaching and student lifestyle. Unmatched record in the National Teaching Excellence Awards: six Supreme Award winners over the past eight years.

The university tops all of the TEC (Tertiary Education Commission) educational performance indicators for areas such as course and qualification completions, retention of students, as well as progression to higher study. Students at Otago benefit from research-led teaching and are taught by academic staff who are dedicated to teaching, as well as internationally recognised for their research.

Student speak

''I have had a wonderful experience with the staff, they are very approachable. I have found that studying is not merely learning, it is much more than that, it has become an exciting and fun task for me. Even in the theoretical classes, concepts are taught in a practical way. And the labs are simply amazing. Otago has made both the living and the learning invigorating.'' - Khushboo Soni (India)/ Bachelor of Applied Science (Forensic Analytical Science)

Otago offers a first-class education across:

Business

The world needs business graduates who are flexible, capable and determined to succeed. The Otago Business School meets these needs with more than 20 programmes from undergraduate level through to executive education, with postgraduate certificates, diplomas, masters and PhD programmes.

Health Sciences

The Division of Health Sciences consists of the Otago Medical School, the Faculty of Dentistry, the School of Pharmacy and the School of Physiotherapy. Health Sciences provides a range of qualifications leading to careers as medical practitioners, dentists, pharmacists, physiotherapists and medical laboratory scientists. The Division also provides programmes in the areas of radiation therapy, dental technology, oral health and biomedical sciences.

Humanities

The value of a Humanities degree is that it imparts essential knowledge and understanding about humans and the world we live in. In addition to a Bachelor of Arts degree, with its wide range of majors, Otago offers Music, Performing Arts and Theology, as well as professional programmes in Law, Social Work and Teaching. Otago also offers a diverse set of outstanding postgraduate programmes that are highly competitive.

Sciences

The Division of Sciences has strengths in fundamental and applied sciences, in human performance and health, and in environmental science. It offers a number of disciplines that are unique to Otago. As well as the touchstone Bachelor of Science, it offers Applied Science, professional degrees, and programmes that cut across departments.

View all study options on offer…

Otago offers a first-class education delivering over 195 undergraduate programmes, as well as postgraduate programmes across:

Commerce

The world needs business graduates who are flexible, capable and determined to succeed. The Otago Business School meets these needs with more than 20 programmes from undergraduate level through to postgraduate certificates, diplomas, masters and PhD programmes. Choose from a Bachelor of Commerce majoring in International Business or Tourism, or gain your Master of Business Administration from the top MBA programme in New Zealand.

Health sciences

The Division of Health Sciences consists of the Otago Medical School, the only Faculty of Dentistry in New Zealand, the School of Pharmacy and the School of Physiotherapy. Health sciences provides a range of qualifications leading to careers as medical practitioners, dentists, pharmacists, physiotherapists and medical laboratory scientists. The division also provides programmes in the areas of Radiation Therapy, Dental Technology, Oral Health and Biomedical Sciences.

Humanities

The value of a humanities degree is that it imparts essential knowledge and understanding about humans and the world we live in. In addition to a Bachelor of Arts degree, with its wide range of majors, Otago offers music, performing arts and theology, as well as professional programmes in law, social work and teaching. Otago also offers a diverse set of outstanding postgraduate programmes that are highly competitive.

Sciences

The division has research and teaching strengths in fundamental and applied sciences, health and human performance, and environmental science. It provides a range of disciplines which are unique to the university. Alongside the cornerstone Bachelor of Science, the division also offers qualifications like the Bachelor of Surveying, Bachelor of Applied Science majoring in Sports Technology and the Postgraduate Diploma in Science and Natural History Filmmaking.

To help international students achieve their goal of studying at Otago, the University of Otago Language Centre and Foundation Year (UOLCFY) offers a pathway for students to meet the entrance requirements for both undergraduate and postgraduate study. The UOLCFY also provides excellent preparation for academic study.

The University of Otago Language Centre delivers a range of English-language programmes, as well as pathway programmes leading to further study. Five levels of tuition in general English are offered, from elementary to advanced. The lessons are learner-centred and the materials reflect a contemporary New Zealand context. The average class has 14 students and is a full-time course of 23 hours a week. Upon completion of a programme, each student receives a certificate and a report detailing their achievement.

The University of Otago foundation year offers a programme of two 13-week semesters where students can choose to study one of the four academic streams which align with the four University of Otago academic divisions: business/commerce, health science, arts/humanities and science/applied science/life science. Students who successfully complete the ten paper, 26-week programme are awarded the Foundation Studies Certificate. This certificate guarantees students' entry to their chosen University of Otago first-year course (except those with limited intakes) and is recognised by all New Zealand universities as an entrance qualification.

Students in the UOLCFY are offered full student support services, a comprehensive orientation and a weekly programme of student activities and events.

Violina Gunawan, former Foundation Year student and recipient of 2019 Vice-Chancellor's Scholarship said, ''UOLCFY has provided an excellent academic and non-academic transition. I feel very safe and well-supported studying here. The amount of help that is offered is unbelievable and it makes me feel that I belong here and I deserve the chance to be successful.''

For all international students that do not count their first language as English, evidence of a satisfactory level of English language proficiency must be provided. Students should include with their application a certified statement of results from an accepted English language test that has been taken within two years of the start of their proposed studies at Otago.

For undergraduate study, students will usually need the equivalent of IELTS 6.0 overall in the academic module, with no individual band below 6.0. 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 courses may have a higher English language requirement and students are advised to check with the International Office.

To study at the University of Otago, students also need a recognised university entrance qualification, along with the required score in a recognised English language test. The University recognises many international qualifications as equivalent to a New Zealand qualification for entry.

The entry requirements for postgraduate study varies by programme, with most requiring a bachelor-level qualification in the same field, and some having requirements such as relevant work experience and/or professional registration in New Zealand.

Some master’s degrees require students to complete a postgraduate diploma, then proceed to their second year of study. If students are interested in studying a new subject at postgraduate level, the University has a diploma for graduates, which can act as a bridge to postgraduate study.

To study a PhD, students usually require a master’s degree or good honours degree in the same or related discipline, as their intended area of research.

More entry requirement details…

For all international students whose first language is not English, evidence of a satisfactory level of English language proficiency must be provided. Students should include with their application a certified statement of results from an accepted English language test that has been taken within two years of the start of their proposed studies at Otago.

For undergraduate study, students will usually need the equivalent of IELTS 6.0 overall in the academic module, with no individual band below 6.0. 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 courses may have a higher English language requirement and students are advised to check with the International Office.

To study at the University of Otago, students also need a recognised university entrance qualification, along with the required score in a recognised English language test. The university recognises many international qualifications as equivalent to a New Zealand qualification for entry.

The entry requirements for students who wish to pursue postgraduate study differs by programme, with most of them requiring a qualification in the bachelor level in the same area of study, and some having requirements like relevant work experience.

Some master’s degrees require students to complete a postgraduate diploma, then proceed to their second year of study. If students are interested in studying a new subject at postgraduate level, the university has a diploma for graduates, which can act as a bridge to postgraduate study.

To study a PhD, students usually require a master’s degree or good honours degree in the same or related discipline, as their intended area of research.

For all international students whose first language is not English, evidence of a satisfactory level of English language proficiency must be provided. Students should include with their application a certified statement of results from an accepted English language test that has been taken within two years of the start of their proposed studies at Otago.

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 courses may have a higher English language requirement and students are advised to check with the International Office.

To study at the University of Otago, students also need a recognised university entrance qualification, along with the required score in a recognised English language test. The university recognises many international qualifications as equivalent to a New Zealand qualification for entry.

For undergraduate study, it offers both general and specialised bachelors' degrees. Specialised degrees have additional entry requirements and limits on the number of students who may enrol to general bachelor's degrees.

The entry requirements for students who wish to pursue postgraduate study differs by programme, with most of them requiring a qualification at a bachelor's degree level in the same area of study, and some having requirements like relevant work experience.

Some master's degrees require students to complete a postgraduate diploma, then proceed to their second year of study. If students are interested in studying a new subject at postgraduate level, the university has a diploma for graduates, which can act as a bridge to postgraduate study.

To study a PhD, students usually require a master's degree or good honour's degree in the same or related discipline as their intended area of research.

To help international students achieve their goal of studying at Otago, the University of Otago Language Centre and Foundation Year (UOLCFY) offers a pathway for students to meet the entrance requirements for both undergraduate and postgraduate study. The UOLCFY also provides excellent preparation for academic study.

The University of Otago Language Centre delivers a range of English-language programmes, as well as pathway programmes leading to further study. Five levels of tuition in General English are offered – from Elementary to Advanced. The lessons are learner-centred and the materials reflect a current New Zealand context. The average class has 14 students and a full-time course consists of 23 hours a week. Upon completion of a programme each student receives a certificate and a report detailing their achievement.

The University of Otago Foundation Year offers a programme of two 13-week semesters where students can choose to study one of the four academic streams which align with the four University of Otago academic divisions: Business/Commerce, Health Science, Arts/Humanities and Science/Applied Science/Life Science. Students who successfully complete the 10 paper, 26 week programme are awarded the Foundation Studies Certificate. This certificate guarantees students’ entry to their chosen University of Otago first-year course (except those with limited intakes) and is recognised by all New Zealand universities as an entrance qualification.

To help international students achieve their goal of studying at Otago, the University of Otago Language Centre and Foundation Year (UOLCFY) offers a pathway for students to meet the entrance requirements for both undergraduate and postgraduate study. The UOLCFY also provides excellent preparation for academic study.

The University of Otago Language Centre delivers a range of English-language programmes, as well as pathway programmes leading to further study. Five levels of tuition in general English are offered – from elementary to advanced. The lessons are learner-centred and the materials reflect a current New Zealand context. The average class has 14 students and is a full-time course of 23 hours a week. Upon completion of a programme, each student receives a certificate and a report detailing their achievement.

The University of Otago foundation year offers a programme of two 13-week semesters where students can choose to study one of the four academic streams which align with the four University of Otago academic divisions: business/commerce, health science, arts/humanities and science/applied science/life science. Students who successfully complete the ten paper, 26-week programme are awarded the Foundation Studies Certificate. This certificate guarantees students’ entry to their chosen University of Otago first-year course (except those with limited intakes) and is recognised by all New Zealand universities as an entrance qualification.

Students in the UOLCFY are offered full student support services, a comprehensive orientation and a weekly programme of student activities and events.

Arina Aizal, First Year Anatomy Student in 2018 from Malaysia, studied in the Foundation Year Programme in 2017 said, “I consider Foundation Year the best 8 months of my life. We are all set in classes of around 20 people and it is very diverse, we have this special bond because we see each other every day, all the time.”

The university has a number of scholarships, bursaries, fellowships, and grants for students who pursue undergraduate studies and are committed to excellence in academics. International students may be eligible for a New Frontiers Scholarship or Health Science Entrance Scholarship, awards based on academic accomplishment, measured by official secondary school qualifications or pre-degree level tertiary grade point average.

The University of Otago also provides a range of master's degree awards as well as doctoral scholarships (for levels of study such as PhD and other doctoral-levels of study). These scholarships are awarded by Otago depending on the academic merit, research ability (if applicable) as well as suitability within the department.

The University of Otago currently offers the New Zealand Excellence Award (NZEA) for students from India, and there are New Zealand Aid Programme Scholarships for the citizens of several developing countries, to help them undertake tertiary level study or vocational training. There is also the ASEAN Scholarship, which recognises New Zealand's close cultural, economic, and geographic ties with Southeast Asia.

Most study at the University of Otago takes place at its campus in Dunedin, a safe city that is easy to get around and has a relatively inexpensive cost of living. The University also has campuses in Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch and Invercargill, where there are different facilities to meet the needs of its diverse population of students.

Most international students choose to live in one of Otago’s residential colleges during the first year of study. This is a great way for them to meet new friends and adjust to their new home. Others prefer to stay in university-managed flats, and there are also private accommodation options. Whichever students choose, the Accommodation Office will help them find accommodation that is best suitable for them.

A first-class education requires world-class facilities, and Otago is known for its state-of-the-art lecture theatres, research labs and libraries. There is unlimited Wi-Fi across campus and computer labs are open 24/7.

For students who are serious about sports, the University hosts international cricket minutes away from campus, and has an international rugby stadium right next door.

Unipol Recreation Centre is a gym facility that offers everything students need for exercise free of charge, including cardio and weights, sports hall, group fitness classes, social sport and outdoor adventures.

Most study at the University of Otago takes place at its campus in Dunedin, a safe city that is easy to get around and has a relatively inexpensive cost of living. The university also has campuses in Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch and Invercargill, where there are different facilities to meet the needs of its diverse population of students.

Most international students choose to live in one of the 15 residential colleges situated on or near the university’s campus, accommodating nearly 3,500 students. This is a great way for them to meet new friends and adjust to their new home. Others prefer to stay in university-managed flats, and there are also private accommodation options. Whichever students choose, the Accommodation Office will help them find accommodation that is best suitable for them.

The University of Otago is recognised for its advanced research labs, lecture theatres, and libraries. There is unlimited Wi-Fi across campus and computer labs are open 24/7.

For students who are serious about sports, the university hosts international cricket, minutes away from campus, and has an international rugby stadium right next door.

The university’s gym facility, Unipol Recreation Centre, provides everything students require for physical exercise free of cost, including weights and cardio, group fitness classes, a sports hall, social sport and outdoor adventures.

The Otago International Friendship Network (OIFN) helps new incoming international students connect with friendly and returning Otago students to ensure they settle into Dunedin as well as adjust to university life. OIFN is a supportive and fun way to meet more people and can smooth the path for international students to settle well in a new place.

The graduates of the University of Otago are highly sought-after globally as they are known for their negotiating and interpersonal skills. Additionally, they possess analytical and conceptual skills, as well as independent judgement.

The university's career development centre's new employability award programme, OtagoExtra equips students with the skills they require for life after they graduate.

The centre has been voted the best among New Zealand's universities two years consecutively by the New Zealand Association for Graduate Employers (NZAGE).

The university's Division of Commerce, the Otago Business School is an Asia-Pacific leader in education and holds EQUIC and AACSB accreditation, ensuring its qualifications are globally portable and internationally recognised. Its business graduates have an excellent reputation in the international business arena and are well-known throughout the world for their independence and practicality, derived from the Otago culture.

Health science graduates from the University of Otago are well respected throughout the world for their skills, and their clinical and research excellence. All health science programmes at the university include substantial clinical or laboratory-based learning, providing students with the experience, skills and knowledge necessary to prepare them for a rewarding and successful career as a healthcare provider.

Students of humanities are encouraged to embrace critical thinking, applying ground-breaking methodologies, theories and approaches to make sense of human experience.

The Division of Sciences develops the essential lifelong learning skills that employers seek such as critical thinking, communication skills, interpersonal and teamwork skills, and analytical and problem-solving skills.