The University of Otago

Established in 1869, the University of Otago is New Zealand's first university and one of the country's most prestigious institutions. Ranked 197^th globally (QS World University Rankings 2026) and 2^nd in New Zealand, Otago combines a rich academic legacy with a forward-looking commitment to innovation, impact, and student success.

Renowned for delivering an exceptional student experience, Otago offers internationally recognised teaching, world-leading research groups, and state-of-the-art facilities. Close academic support and a strong residential campus culture encourages a distinctive learning environment that fosters innovation, curiosity, and leadership across all disciplines.

With over 200 programmes across four academic faculties: Health Sciences, Sciences, Commerce (Otago Business School), and Humanities, Otago provides flexible study pathways aligned with global career outcomes. The university leads New Zealand in student performance and retention and holds a prestigious five-star plus QS rating for employability, teaching, research, and internationalisation.

Otago's main campus in Dunedin is widely recognised as one of the most beautiful in the world. Set among forested hills and close to beaches, wildlife reserves, and a natural harbour, it offers a unique blend of academic focus and lifestyle balance that international students consistently value.

Otago's student lifestyle is unmatched, shaped by a diverse community where 86 per cent of students come from outside Dunedin, including 2,500 international students from over 90 countries worldwide. Through its Social Impact Studio and Sustainability Neighbourhood, the university empowers student-led change, community leadership, and environmental responsibility. These initiatives contribute to Otago's strong global sustainability ranking of 110^th (QS World University Rankings: Sustainability 2026) and reflect its deep commitment to shaping graduates who make a positive difference in the world.

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 have the opportunity to connect with a network of peers, experts, and researchers in their chosen fields, collaborating at the national and global levels to address questions of universal concern. Otago's Business School is ranked in the top one percent 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 96 percent 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. The university is also home to award-winning Mellor ‘super labs' and a host of other facilities that support students' academic and professional development.

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

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.

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.

Academic Entry Requirements

A university entrance qualification is required 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.

Students can 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 need to 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 three relevant subjects.

Foundation Studies Certificate

Applicants for this programme will need to 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.

Otago offers scholarships to international students at all levels of study, including:

University of Otago Pathway │ Te Huarahi Scholarship

For international students enrolling in the Foundation Studies Certificate.

Value: Minimum NZD 5,000 tuition fee contribution.

Vice-Chancellor's Undergraduate Scholarships for International Students

For new international Bachelor and Diploma students commencing full degree study.

Value: NZD 10,000 tuition fee scholarship off first year of tuition fee.

University of Otago Global Scholarships

For new international bachelor's degree students from specific countries commencing full degree study. Eligible countries – passport holders of Bangladesh, China, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Macau, Malaysia, Singapore, South Korea, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, Thailand, and Vietnam.

Value: NZD 15,000 tuition fee scholarship off first year of tuition fee.

University of Otago International Academic Excellence Scholarships

For high-achieving international students who secure admission to a full-time bachelor's degree at Otago.

Value: Up to NZD 35,000, (including first year accommodation and tuition in Year 2 and Year 3). This scholarship is awarded based on competitive selection.

Vice-Chancellor's International Postgraduate Scholarships

This is applicable to international students commencing selected postgraduate programmes (master's coursework degrees or postgraduate coursework diplomas) at the University of Otago, either on campus or by distance learning, except for the MBA and Science Communication.

Value: NZD 10,000 tuition fee contribution.

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.

Ninety-six percent 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 sought after by employers and researchers, and are 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 has been voted the best among New Zealand's universities by the New Zealand Association for Graduate Employers (NZAGE). The centre also won the Global University Career Development Award from Global University Central Career Union.

Teaching and Learning

• Otago is recognised as a national leader in educational performance, with its teaching staff repeatedly awarded the Prime Minister's Supreme Award for Tertiary Teaching Excellence in eight of the past 12 years.
• Otago records the strongest performance indicators of any New Zealand university for course and qualification completion, student progression to higher-level study, and long-term student retention, reflecting the quality of its teaching and academic support.

Facilities

• Otago is home to New Zealand's only national centre for dentistry, a world-class teaching and research facility that places the university at the forefront of oral health education.
• Otago's Music, Theatre and Performing Arts Centre is a new multi-purpose complex with a large live studio, control rooms, and dedicated practice spaces supporting professional-standard creative training.
• Otago Business School houses one of the largest academic trading labs in New Zealand, equipped with 12 Bloomberg Professional terminals, giving students access to the same financial data platforms used by leading global firms, banks, and government agencies.