University of Otago
NZ’s only true residential university: 86% of students from outside Dunedin and New Zealand's top University of student academic performance
About the institution
Top global ranking
The University of Otago is ranked in the top 1% of higher education institutions in the world, and has the highest-possible rating of 5 Stars Plus in the QS global university performance ratings. Academic excellence
The University of Otago is New Zealand's top university for educational performance
For 8 of the past 11 years, our teachers have beaten all other universities and polytechnics to win the Prime Minister's Supreme Award for Teaching Excellence.
At Otago, you'll be taught by lecturers and professors who are some of the best in New Zealand, standing shoulder-to-shoulder with the very best in the world.
Number of Undergraduate Students
18000
Size of Instituition
Large Institution 15,000-30,000
Selectivity
Open Admission (almost all admitted)
Campus Style
City Island Campus, City Campus - Unmatched student experience
In addition to being a centre of academic excellence, Otago is New Zealand's only true residential university. This gives you a student lifestyle that is unparalleled in New Zealand.
85% of our students come from outside Dunedin (including 3,000 international students from 100 countries).
3,500 of our first-year students live at one of 14 residential colleges, located on or near campus.
Most of our 21,000 students live within 1 km of the Dunedin campus – creating our iconic student quarter that features academic, cultural, social, and sporting facilities, just a short walk from the Dunedin city centre.
Being a residential university, Otago offers dozens of on-campus support services. These range from our modern student health centre (with subsidised medical and counselling services), to a superb disability support service, specialised IT support, and a careers service to prepare you for the graduate job market.
And at Otago, there are over 140 student clubs and societies to choose from – so you'll find it easy to make new friends and discover new interests.
Education Model
Are there internship opportunities?
Some courses only - They are only in specific courses
Are there study abroad options?
Yes - The University of Otago has exchange agreements with over 100 institutions worldwide in 35 countries
https://www.otago.ac.nz/study/otago-global-student-exchange
Cost of Tuition
Funding
International Student Scholarships
Vice-Chancellor's Scholarships for International Students
For new international Bachelor degree students commencing full-time undergraduate study in 2025 or 2026 (February or July intakes).
Scholarship value: NZD$10,000 for tuition fees
Application: Must actively respond ‘yes’ to the international scholarship question during eVision admission application steps.
Details of Vice-Chancellor's Scholarships for International Students
Note: Students applying for semester 2 (July) 2024 studies are eligible to be considered for this scholarship. There is no additional scholarship application step for the semester 2 2024 intake.
University of Otago International Academic Excellence Scholarships
For high achieving international students who have studied overseas and will be commencing a full-time Bachelor degree at Otago, commencing studies in 2025 or 2026 (February or July intakes).
Scholarship value: NZD~$35,000 (comprising first year accommodation and tuition scholarships in year 2 and year 3).
Application: Invited to apply in eVision, after you have accepted any previous scholarship offer (e.g. Vice Chancellor’s International Scholarship, Global Scholarship). Required to complete additional scholarship application questions and information as requested. This is a competitive selection scholarship.
Details of the University of Otago International Academic Excellence Scholarships
https://www.otago.ac.nz/international/future-students/fees-scholarships/international-scholarships
IB Grade Requirements
IB for Undergraduate Entry 24
UFP Grade Requirements