The COVID-19 situation is rapidly evolving, and we recommend that all students considering Otago visit the dedicated website for the latest information otago.ac.nz/coronavirus. If you have any questions that are not answered on our COVID-19 page, or questions about your individual circumstances, please contact AskOtago.
Founded in 1869, Otago is New Zealand’s first University.
In the 150 years since, Otago has prided itself on being a research-led University with an international reputation for excellence. It is ranked 194 in the 2021/22 QS World University Rankings and in the top 100 in 15 subject areas.
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:
The COVID-19 situation is rapidly evolving, and we recommend that all students considering Otago visit the dedicated website for the latest information otago.ac.nz/coronavirus. If you have any questions that are not answered on our COVID-19 page, or questions about your individual circumstances, please contact AskOtago.
Founded in 1869, Otago is New Zealand’s first University.
In the 150 years since, Otago has prided itself on being a research-led University with an international reputation for excellence. It is ranked 194 in the 2021/22 QS World University Rankings and in the top 100 in 15 subject areas.
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:
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 deadlines
- 30 April 2021: International student applications close for Semester 2 study.
TOEFL - Masters
Minimum score
95
Maximum score
IELTS - Masters
Minimum score
6
Maximum score
GPA - Masters
Minimum score
3
Maximum score
GMAT - Masters
Minimum score
550
Maximum score
TOEFL - Bachelors
Minimum score
80
Maximum score
IELTS - Bachelors
Minimum score
6
Maximum score
ATAR - Bachelors
Minimum score
74
Maximum score
SAT - Bachelors
Minimum score
1190
Maximum score
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.
Total students
18,723
UG students
81%
PG students
19%
International students
3,585
UG students
62%
PG students
38%
Total faculty staff
1,333
Domestic staff
40%
Int'l staff
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 150 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.
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.
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 of Otago
# =194
QS World University Rankings119
Undergraduate programs184
Postgraduate programs5+
QS starsUniversity of Otago
Follow University
COVID-19 Information:
The COVID-19 situation is rapidly evolving, and we recommend that all students considering Otago visit the dedicated website for the latest information otago.ac.nz/coronavirus. If you have any questions that are not answered on our COVID-19 page, or questions about your individual circumstances, please contact AskOtago.
Founded in 1869, Otago is New Zealand’s first University.
In the 150 years since, Otago has prided itself on being a research-led University with an international reputation for excellence. It is ranked 194 in the 2021/22 QS World University Rankings and in the top 100 in 15 subject areas.
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 and Distance Learning programmes.
COVID-19 Information:
The COVID-19 situation is rapidly evolving, and we recommend that all students considering Otago visit the dedicated website for the latest information otago.ac.nz/coronavirus. If you have any questions that are not answered on our COVID-19 page, or questions about your individual circumstances, please contact AskOtago.
Founded in 1869, Otago is New Zealand’s first University.
In the 150 years since, Otago has prided itself on being a research-led University with an international reputation for excellence. It is ranked 194 in the 2021/22 QS World University Rankings and in the top 100 in 15 subject areas.
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 and Distance Learning 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 deadlines
- 30 April 2021: International student applications close for Semester 2 study.
TOEFL - Masters
Minimum score
95
Maximum score
IELTS - Masters
Minimum score
6
Maximum score
GPA - Masters
Minimum score
3
Maximum score
GMAT - Masters
Minimum score
550
Maximum score
TOEFL - Bachelors
Minimum score
80
Maximum score
IELTS - Bachelors
Minimum score
6
Maximum score
ATAR - Bachelors
Minimum score
74
Maximum score
SAT - Bachelors
Minimum score
1190
Maximum score
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.
Total students
18,723
UG students
81%
PG students
19%
International students
3,585
UG students
62%
PG students
38%
Total faculty staff
1,333
Domestic staff
40%
Int'l staff
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 150 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.
Rankings & ratings
QS World University Rankings
QS WUR Ranking By Subject
Graduate Employability Ranking
QS World University Rankings
Ranking criteria
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.
Apply online to study at the University of Otago.
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.
Campus locations
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