# 198QS World University Rankings
312Undergrad & Postgrad Programmes
17 % International students
About University of Otago
The University of Otago is New Zealand's first university, established in 1869. Over 150 years later, Otago remains a leading institution in New Zealand, with a long standing and international reputation for academic excellence. Otago is New Zealand's top university for educational performance, with a faculty composed of world-class academics and scholars at the cutting edge of their respective fields. Otago prides itself on being a research-led University and is the top ranked in the country for international student learning.
Otago offers an unmatched student experience, with the main campus located in Dunedin, New Zealand’s only true student city, with a population of over 21,000 students living, working, and studying. Otago boasts high levels of student satisfaction, and produces globally employable graduates, with 95% of students entering directly into further study or work.
Otago is proud to be the top ranked University in the country for international student learning, with 25 subject areas in the top 200 globally, as per the QS World University Rankings by subject.
It first received a Five Stars Plus QS Stars University rating in 2016 (and again in 2018 and 2021).
Most undergraduate and postgraduate study takes place on the Dunedin campus, but the University also has Schools of Medicine and Health Sciences in Wellington and Christchurch , which are home to many leading medical researchers.
Otago offers more than 200 undergraduate and postgraduate programmes across four divisions:
It also offers a Summer School , Study Abroad, Exchange and Distance Learning programmes.
About University of Otago
The University of Otago is New Zealand's first university, established in 1869. Over 150 years later, Otago remains a leading institution in New Zealand, with a long standing and international reputation for academic excellence. Otago is New Zealand's top university for educational performance, with a faculty composed of world-class academics and scholars at the cutting edge of their respective fields. Otago prides itself on being a research-led University and is the top ranked in the country for international student learning.
Otago offers an unmatched student experience, with the main campus located in Dunedin, New Zealand’s only true student city, with a population of over 21,000 students living, working, and studying. Otago boasts high levels of student satisfaction, and produces globally employable graduates, with 95% of students entering directly into further study or work.
Otago is proud to be the top ranked University in the country for international student learning, with 25 subject areas in the top 200 globally, as per the QS World University Rankings by subject.
It first received a Five Stars Plus QS Stars University rating in 2016 (and again in 2018 and 2021).
Most undergraduate and postgraduate study takes place on the Dunedin campus, but the University also has Schools of Medicine and Health Sciences in Wellington and Christchurch , which are home to many leading medical researchers.
Otago offers more than 200 undergraduate and postgraduate programmes across four divisions:
It also offers a Summer School , Study Abroad, Exchange and Distance Learning programmes.
Brochures
Available programmes
University information
You are encouraged to apply as early as possible in order to be sure of a place in your chosen course, ensure sufficient time for applying for a visa, and make your accommodation arrangements.
Application key dates for study in 2025 (for international students):
Main Application period: 1 May – 30 October 2024
For some specific programmes:
• 31 May 2024: Applications close for postgraduate Dentistry
• 31 July 2024: Applications close for Master of Teaching and Learning
• 31 August 2024: Applications close for Bachelor of Teaching.
• 15 September 2024: Applications close for Bachelor of Oral Health and Bachelor of Dental Technology.
International student applications Semester 2 (July 2024) deadline: 30 April 2024
International student applications Semester 2 (July 2025) deadline: 30 April 2025
General
Bachelor
Master
data verified by
QS Stars
Sports Facilities
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Swimming Pool
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Fitness Gym
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Indoor Sports Court
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Outdoor Sports Court
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Outdoor Sports Field
On Campus
Student Accommodation
Campus Facilities
Book Store- Cafeteria
- Religious Facilities
- Social Room
- Support Center for Minority Groups
Technology in the Classroom
- Computer Equipped Teaching Spaces
- Connectivity for Hybrid Learning
- Co-working and Meeting Space with Internet Access
- Labs with Specialized Equipment
- Printing Services
- Teaching Space with Modern Audio Visual Equipment
data provided by
QS Stars
The University of Otago stretches from Auckland in the north of the country to Invercargill in the south. While most study takes place at our stunning Dunedin campus, the Health Science-focused campuses in Christchurch and Wellington are home to many of our postgraduate students.
Otago is an intriguing mix of old and new – from our iconic Clocktower Building to world-class teaching and research labs, performance spaces, lecture theatres, sporting facilities, and study areas, including our award-winning Central Library.
Student life
Otago offers students an unrivalled campus experience and a vibrant, social student culture. The majority of Otago’s 21,000 students live, work and play in Dunedin - New Zealand’s only true university city.
Otago students are supported by dozens of dedicated on-campus support services, ensuring that students get the very best out of their time here. There are over 170 student clubs and societies to get involved in; forested hills, beaches, incredible wildlife and a beautiful natural harbour on the doorstep; and lakes, mountains and world-class ski resorts within a few hours’ drive of the city.
Otago prides itself on offering a warm welcome to all. The concept of “manaakitanga” is key in Māori and New Zealand society, loosely referring to the importance of openly and warmly welcoming visitors, of having a mutual respect for one another. Otago offers a rich cultural life, reflecting a diverse international university community and New Zealand's own multicultural population.
Cost of Living
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Tuition fees
Domestic
International
The University of Otago offers a wide range of scholarships for international students for both undergraduate and postgraduate studies. Check out the full list of Otago's exclusive scholarship here.
Scholarships
Key Points
- Provide scholarships dedicated to international students only
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QS Stars
Selecting the right scholarship can be a daunting process. With countless options available, students often find themselves overwhelmed and confused. The decision can be especially stressful for those facing financial constraints or pursuing specific academic or career goals.
To help students navigate this challenging process, we recommend the following articles:
How to get a full scholarship
Looking for a fully-funded scholarship to see you into university? Find out how to boost your chances of getting one.
Scholarships to study abroad
Find scholarships to study abroad with our lists of international scholarships – categorized by country, by subject, and by type of student.
Scholarship Applications: Frequently Asked Questions
Get answers to all your questions about scholarship applications, including tips on how to find scholarships and chances of success.
Employability
Employment Services
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On-Campus Career Fair
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Career Advising Sessions
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Interview Training or CV Support
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Online Career Portal/Advisor Appointments
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QS Stars
95% of our students go into work or to further study in New Zealand and around the world. 112,000 Otago alumni are living in 145 countries, with many occupying influential positions in industry, government, and within their communities.
The university has a reputation for producing well-rounded, practical, adaptable, resilient graduates, who are highly sought after by employers. Otago students don’t just focus on academic pursuits, they learn life skills, creative thinking, problem-solving and team dynamics. Outside of study, they are encouraged to get involved in a wide range of sporting, cultural, and community-based activities during their time here.
Otago’s Social Impact Studio achieves student-driven change through volunteering and leadership. We believe in channelling student creativity, vision, and insight for maximum social impact through our incredible volunteer programmes. Around 4,000 Otago students are registered volunteers, working with over 200 community organisations.
Rankings & Ratings
University of Otago is one of the top Public universities in Dunedin, New Zealand. It is ranked #198 in QS World University Rankings 2027.
QS World University Rankings
- 2015#159
- 2016#=173
- 2017#169
- 2018#151
- 2019#=175
- 2020#176
- 2021#184
- 2022#=194
- 2023#=217
- 2024#206
- 2025#214
- 2026#=197
- 2027#198
QS World University Rankings
- 2015#159
- 2016#=173
- 2017#169
- 2018#151
- 2019#=175
- 2020#176
- 2021#184
- 2022#=194
- 2023#=217
- 2024#206
- 2025#214
- 2026#=197
- 2027#198
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