University of Otago

362 Leith Street, Dunedin

Download
  • #214 QS Global World Ranking
  • PublicStatus
  • Very HighResearch Output
  • 18,963Total Students
  • 1,596Faculty
  • 3,519Int'l Students

About

Read more
Read less

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 184 in the 2020/21 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.

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:

Health Sciences

Sciences

Humanities

Otago School of Business

It also offers a Summer School, Study Abroad and Distance Learning programmes.

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.

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.

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.

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.

About

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 184 in the 2020/21 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.

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:

Health Sciences

Sciences

Humanities

Otago School of Business

It also offers a Summer School, Study Abroad and Distance Learning programmes.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Available programs

University highlights

QS World University Ranking

  • 2012
    #133
  • 2014
    #155
  • 2015
    #159
  • 2016
    #=173
  • 2017
    #169
  • 2018
    #151
  • 2019
    #=175
  • 2020
    #176
  • 2021
    #184
  • 2022
    #=194
  • 2023
    #=217
  • 2024
    #206
  • 2025
    #214

Student & Staff

Total students
18,963

17%
83%

International students
3,519

32%
68%

Total faculty staff
1,596

958
638

Total students
18,963

17%
83%

International students
3,519

32%
68%

Total faculty staff
1,596

638
958
2024
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.

Scholarships

Yes
The Scholarships above offer some form of financial aid to prospective students. Please always check the specific requirements and restrictions on scholarship availability.

Campus locations

Dunedin Campus,

362 Leith Street , Dunedin , Otago , New Zealand , 9016

Wellington Campus,

23A Mein Street , Newtown , Wellington , New Zealand , 6021

Christchurch Campus,

2 Riccarton Avenue , Christchurch , Canterbury , New Zealand , 8011

Southland Campus,

100 Nelson Street, Georgetown , Invercargill , New Zealand , 9812

Auckland Campus,

University of Otago House , Auckland , New Zealand , 385

+ 2 More Locations
University of Otago advanced Public Very High 12 yes 3519 L EN