University of Otago : Rankings, Fees & Courses Details | Top Universities
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University of Otago

Location

Dunedin Campus, Dunedin New Zealand

Ranking

# 206QS World University Rankings

PGicon

117Undergraduate programs

PGicon

167Postgraduate programs

stars

5+QS stars

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.

Available programs

Established in 1869, the University of Otago is New Zealand’s first university and the first choice for more than 20,000 students.

Gathered from all over New Zealand and around the world, students at Otago soon become part of a tradition of innovation and enjoy the benefits of a worldwide reputation for academic excellence. Otago’s position at the forefront of modern scholarship is based on its long and respected history as well as the latest in groundbreaking research and vibrant education.

That’s why Otago is able to attract first-rate academics, and why Otago graduates find their degrees open doors around the world. Lots of employers say that they choose Otago graduates because they show real independence and an ability to hit the ground running. Otago’s degrees are challenging and relevant to the modern world, so you can be confident that you can lay the foundations of a successful career.

But student life is not all work. Otago is also famous for its campus lifestyle, where you can work, play and live in a safe and welcoming environment (all within about a three-kilometre radius from its Dunedin campus). You’ll never regret choosing the quality all round experience that only Otago can offer.

The University of Otago provides excellent opportunities for students considering postgraduate study in Sciences, Health Sciences, Humanities or Business.

Founded in 1869, the University of Otago is New Zealand's oldest university, but it is also a place that prepares students for the demands of the 21st century. Otago is highly committed to using our research strengths to improve the health, prosperity and well-being of people in New Zealand and around the world.

Otago is New Zealand's leading postgraduate university, with unrivalled access to world-class research teams and academic leaders. For every 100 postgraduate students, we have 20 or more research-active staff who are leaders in their disciplines.

As well as our main campus in Dunedin, Australasia's only true university city, we have postgraduate study options in our Wellington and Christchurch Medical and Health Science campuses, and by Distance Learning.

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 205



General

95+
6.5+
3+
550+

Bachelor

80+
6+
74+
1190+

Master

6+
80+
176+
50+
24+
74+
1190+
24+
550+
2.8+

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.

19,175
82%
18%
2,995
64%
36%
1,274
40%
60%

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.

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.


Tuition fee and scholarships

Domestic Students

6,200 NZD
-

International Students

32,620 NZD
-

One of the important factors when considering a master's degree is the cost of study. Luckily, there are many options available to help students fund their master's programme. Download your copy of the Scholarship Guide to find out which scholarships from around the world could be available to you, and how to apply for them.

In this guide you will find:
opportunities

Where to look for scholarship opportunities

how_to

How to apply to scholarships relevant to you

list

A list of available scholarships around the world

checklist

A scholarship application checklist

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download_icon Download Scholarship Guide

Rankings & ratings

University of Otago is one of the top public universities in Dunedin, New Zealand. It is ranked #206 in QS World University Rankings 2024.

QS World University Rankings

  • 2012
    #133
  • 2014
    #155
  • 2015
    #159
  • 2016
    #=173
  • 2017
    #169
  • 2018
    #151
  • 2019
    #=175
  • 2020
    #176
  • 2021
    #184
  • 2022
    #=194
  • 2023
    #=217
  • 2024
    #206
QS Stars is a rating system that helps you select the right university based on your interests. It provides a detailed look at an institution, identifying which universities rate highest in the specific topics that matter to you, like facilities, graduate employability, social responsibility, inclusiveness, and more.

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