Otago offers scholarships at all levels of study: pathway, undergraduate, and postgraduate. It also offers a wide range of scholarships for students from specific countries applying for particular areas and levels of study.
© University of Otago Photographer
University of Otago
Introduction
University of Otago
Founded in 1869, the University of Otago is New Zealand's first university. Otago has gained an excellent international reputation for its research and teaching.
Ranked among the world’s top 1% of universities according to QS World University Rankings, Otago students can choose from more than 200 study options at undergraduate and postgraduate level covering areas such as health science, business, science, and humanities.
Why study here?
Otago is renowned for its research, academic excellence, and unmatched student experience.
- Ranked in the top 1% of universities worldwide (QS World Rankings)
- #1 in NZ for educational performance (Tertiary Education Commission)
- 95% of graduates go into work or on to further study (Graduate Opinion Survey)
- Highest-possible university rating of 5 Stars Plus (QS Stars Rating)
- Home to a total of 21,000 students, including international students from over 90 countries.
Life on Campus
The University of Otago main campus is located in the city of Dunedin – New Zealand’s student capital. Students make up one-fifth of Dunedin’s population, creating an energy and atmosphere that you’ll only find at Otago. Dunedin offers a wide range of accessible leisure activities. Ride the waves at some 30 nearby beaches, take on excellent mountain biking tracks, paddleboard, kayak or sail on the harbour, or head to Central Otago for a weekend at New Zealand’s top ski fields. It’s just part of life in Dunedin.
Want to gain an inside look of life at Otago? Follow us on Instagram @universityofotagointernational and capture a glimpse of daily life on campus.
Campus Features
Find your perfect flat or room with the help of the University of Otago Student Accommodation Centre. Otago is famous for its residential college communities. We have 15 diverse colleges catering mostly to first-year students.
Flatting is also an important part of university life, offering both responsibility and independence. Dunedin has a wide range of rental accommodation from historic houses to multi-unit, purpose-built complexes.
The Student Accommodation Centre's accommodation advisers are available to talk to you Monday to Friday 8:30 am – 5:00 pm, or you can talk to a school’s liaison officer.
Otago’s main campus in Dunedin is recognised as one of the most beautiful campuses in the world, situated in the city precinct with cafes, galleries, museums, and shops within walking distance. On the doorstep are forested hills, beaches, a natural harbour, and incredible wildlife, with lakes, mountains, and world-class ski resorts only a few hours’ drive away. Otago also has campuses in Auckland, Christchurch, Wellington, and Invercargill.
Scholarships and Funding
Why study at University of Otago
Otago’s approachable, world-renowned teaching staff are dedicated to fostering creativity and independence and helping students achieve their visions for the future.
Otago graduates are globally in demand, with 95 percent of graduates going on to employment or further academic studies. Otago’s Social Impact Studio provides volunteering and leadership opportunities, while programmes like Audacious support start-ups and entrepreneurs.
Otago boasts some of the best completion rates for a doctorate or master’s qualification in the world, with exceptional supervisory support.
At Otago, old meets new, from iconic historic buildings to modern, award-winning laboratories and teaching spaces, on one of the most beautiful campuses in the world.
Awards & Accreditations
top 1% of universities worldwide
QS World Rankings
#1 in New Zealand for Educational Performance
Tertiary Education Commission
5 stars plus University rating
QS Stars Rating
#1 MBA programme in New Zealand, with equis and accsb Accreditations
Accredited
Campus Life & Facilities
As the only truly residential university in New Zealand, Otago’s student lifestyle is unmatched, and supports a diverse and inclusive student community with a population of 3,000 international students.
- AskOtago – central help service for all questions!
- International Student Support (Pastoral Care) & Visa & Insurance team
- Otago University Students Association (OUSA) and Otago University International Students Association (OISA)
- Social Impact Studio – University Volunteer Centre
- Chaplains/ Muslim staff member/ Mosque/ Halal meals
- Campus Watch
- UniPol (Gym centre – free for students)
- 7 Libraries – largest sits over 2000 students
- Student Learning Development
- Career Development Centre
- Disability Information and Support
- Student Health
- Fellows at the residential colleges
- PASS program
- Academic and Pastoral support from departments
- Residential college tutorial programs
- AskOtago – central help service for all questions!
- International Student Support (Pastoral Care) & Visa & Insurance team
- Otago University Students Association (OUSA) and Otago University International Students Association (OISA)
- Social Impact Studio – University Volunteer Centre
- Chaplains/ Muslim staff member/ Mosque/ Halal meals
- Campus Watch
- UniPol (Gym centre – free for students)
- 7 Libraries – largest sits over 2000 students
- Student Learning Development
- Career Development Centre
- Disability Information and Support
- Student Health
- Fellows at the residential colleges
- PASS program
- Academic and Pastoral support from departments
- Residential college tutorial programs
Locations
Programs
- Bachelor of Applied Science (BAppSc) Majoring in Agricultural Innovation
- Bachelor of Applied Science (BAppSc) Majoring in Applied Geology
- Bachelor of Applied Science (BAppSc) Majoring in Aquaculture and Fisheries
- Bachelor of Applied Science (BAppSc) Majoring in Computational Modelling
- Bachelor of Applied Science (BAppSc) Majoring in Consumer Food Science
- Bachelor of Applied Science (BAppSc) Majoring in Data Science
- Bachelor of Applied Science (BAppSc) Majoring in Energy Management
- Bachelor of Applied Science (BAppSc) Majoring in Environmental Management
- Bachelor of Applied Science (BAppSc) Majoring in Forensic Analytical Science
- Bachelor of Applied Science (BAppSc) Majoring in Geographic Information Systems
- Bachelor of Applied Science (BAppSc) Majoring in Molecular Biotechnology
- Bachelor of Applied Science (BAppSc) Majoring in Physical Education, Activity and Health
- Bachelor of Applied Science (BAppSc) Majoring in Software Engineering
- Bachelor of Applied Science (BAppSc) Majoring in Sport and Exercise Nutrition
- Bachelor of Arts (BA) Majoring in Anthropology
- Bachelor of Arts (BA) Majoring in Asian Studies
- Bachelor of Arts (BA) Majoring in Biblical Studies
- Bachelor of Arts (BA) Majoring in Chinese
- Bachelor of Arts (BA) Majoring in Christian Thought and History
- Bachelor of Arts (BA) Majoring in Classics
- Bachelor of Arts (BA) Majoring in Communication Studies
- Bachelor of Arts (BA) Majoring in Computer Science
- Bachelor of Arts (BA) Majoring in Economics
- Bachelor of Arts (BA) Majoring in Education
- Bachelor of Arts (BA) Majoring in English
Institution also offers:
- BA (41) BACHELORSTUDIES
- Bachelor (42) BACHELORSTUDIES
- Bachelor (19) HEALTHCARESTUDIES
- BSc (24) BACHELORSTUDIES
- Diploma (15) HEALTHCARESTUDIES
- Graduate Diploma (7) ACADEMICCOURSES
- LLB (1) LAWSTUDIES
- LLM (1) LAWSTUDIES
- MA (56) MASTERSTUDIES
- Master (2) ONLINESTUDIES
- Master (17) HEALTHCARESTUDIES
- Master (54) MASTERSTUDIES
- MBA (1) MBASTUDIES
- MSc (35) MASTERSTUDIES
- PhD (1) LAWSTUDIES
- PhD (13) PHDSTUDIES
- Postgraduate Certificate (13) ACADEMICCOURSES
- Postgraduate Certificate (6) ONLINESTUDIES
- Postgraduate Diploma (86) ACADEMICCOURSES
- Postgraduate Diploma (10) ONLINESTUDIES