NCUK University Partner
University of Otago
The University of Otago is New Zealand's first university, with campuses on both the North and South Islands and its main campus in Dunedin. It offers over 200 courses across four faculties, Health Sciences, Science, Commerce (Otago Business School) and Humanities, and its BASc and BACom degrees allow around 400 possible major combinations.
It has around 21,000 students, including about 3,000 international students from over 100 countries, and most students live within 1km of the Dunedin campus. The university describes itself as ranked within the top 1% of universities globally.
95% of graduates go into work or further study, supported by a Career Development Centre offering free services and the OtagoExtra employability programme, which has been voted best among New Zealand universities by NZAGE for two consecutive years.
5-Star+
QS Stars Rating 2024
2nd
in New Zealand, QS World University Rankings 2027
198th
in the world, QS World University Rankings 2027
47th
in the world, QS Sustainability Rankings 2022
95%
of graduates go into work or further study
Vice-Chancellor's Scholarship for International Students
Provides NZ$10,000 towards first-year tuition for eligible students offered a place on an eligible course; no application required.
Student life and societies
There are over 170 student clubs and societies, plus sports clubs such as rugby and rowing.
Careers
The Career Development Centre offers free services and the OtagoExtra employability programme, voted best among New Zealand universities by NZAGE for two consecutive years.
Support, accommodation and facilities
International Student Advisers help with visas and accommodation. Residential options include Cumberland College, with catered single rooms, and Toroa College, which offers both catered and self-catered options.
Facilities include Otago's Central Library, Unipol Recreation, Mellor Laboratories, a Dental School with 80 dental chairs, and the Business School trading lab with 12 Bloomberg terminals.
Sustainability
The university's sustainability efforts are aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
Veritas Pathways students on the International Foundation Year may progress to University of Otago, subject to meeting its academic, English language, attendance and non-academic entry requirements.