University of Otago is New Zealand’s first university, founded in 1869. It is based mainly in Dunedin and has teaching and research sites in Auckland, Christchurch, Invercargill, Wellington, and a developing Queenstown campus. The university offers more than 200 undergraduate and postgraduate programmes across Health Sciences, Sciences, Humanities, and Business.
Otago has a strong international profile, with students from many countries and a wide range of academic areas. Medicine, dentistry, health sciences, biomedical research, business, sciences, psychology, law, education, and humanities are among its major study areas. Its Christchurch and Wellington campuses give students access to medical and health-science teaching and clinical training.
The university is ranked =197 in the QS World University Rankings 2026 and 351–400 in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2026. QS reports 25 Otago subject areas in the global top 200. The main Dunedin campus combines teaching buildings, libraries, laboratories, student accommodation, sports facilities, and student support services. International students can access scholarships, academic support, accommodation services, and help with the enrolment process.
| Intakes |
July,February |
| All Campuses |
Dunedin, Auckland, Christchurch, Invercargill, Wellington, and Queenstown |
| Website |
https://www.otago.ac.nz/ |
| Monthly Living Cost |
2,400–2,500 |
| Funds Requirements for Visa |
20,000 |
| Application Fees |
null |
| Currency |
|
| Is Lang Mendatory |
Yes |
| Part Time Work Details |
<p>Student visa holders may be granted permission to work <strong>up to 25 hours per week</strong> during study and may work full-time during scheduled holidays when their visa conditions allow it. Work rights depend on the individual visa.</p> |
Ranking
- Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2026: 351–400 globally.
- QS World University Rankings by Subject: 25 subject areas ranked in the global top 200.
- QS World University Rankings 2026: =197 globally.
- UK University League Table: Not applicable — the University of Otago is a New Zealand university.
- The Guardian University Rankings: Not applicable — The Guardian's UK university league table covers UK universities.
English Language Requirements
University of Otago accepts several English tests. The standard requirements are:
| Test |
Undergraduate |
Postgraduate |
| IELTS Academic |
Overall 6.0, no band below 5.5 |
Overall 6.5, no band below 6.0 |
| TOEFL iBT |
For tests from 21 Jan 2026: overall 4, writing 4 |
From 21 Jan 2026: overall 4.5, writing 4.5 |
| PTE Academic |
Overall 50, communicative skills 42+ |
Overall 58, communicative skills 50+ |
| Duolingo English Test |
105, no individual subscore below 95 |
120, no individual subscore below 95 |
| Cambridge C1 Advanced |
169, no band below 162 |
176, no band below 169 |
| Cambridge C2 Proficiency |
169, no band below 162 |
176, no band below 169 |
Some programmes have higher English requirements. Social Work, Law, and Dentistry are examples of programmes with higher requirements.
Scholarship Policy
University of Otago provides scholarships for international undergraduate and postgraduate students.
The University of Otago Global Scholarship is available to new international Bachelor’s students from selected countries, including Bangladesh, and is valued at NZD 15,000. Eligible offshore students are automatically assessed during the admission process, so no separate application is required.
The Vice-Chancellor’s Scholarship for International Students is valued at NZD 10,000 and is available to eligible new international undergraduate students. Application dates depend on whether the student is applying from offshore or already living in New Zealand.
For selected taught Master's programmes, the University of Otago Global Master's Scholarship offers NZD 15,000 toward tuition fees for eligible international students starting in 2027 or 2028. Selected programmes include Master of Business, Master of Public Health, Master of Communications, Master of Arts, Master of Politics, Master of International Studies, and selected Master of Science programmes.
Fees & Funding
International tuition fees vary by programme and by the papers selected. Otago publishes its international fees by academic division rather than using one fee for every programme. The 2026 fee schedule covers Health Sciences, Humanities, Sciences, Business, Pathway, and English Language programmes.
As a guide, the University lists international tuition from around NZD 32,620, though actual fees can be higher depending on the programme. For example, the Bachelor of Arts and Science has an estimated international fee of NZD 42,735 for 2027.
Other funding options include:
- University of Otago international scholarships
- Global Scholarships
- Vice-Chancellor’s Scholarships
- Master's scholarships
- Doctoral scholarships
- Government or external scholarships
- Education loans, where available
Application Guidelines
International students can apply online through the University of Otago's application system.
Main steps:
- Select a course or programme.
- Check academic and English requirements.
- Check the application deadline for the chosen programme.
- Create an eVision account.
- Complete the online application.
- Upload the required documents.
- Submit the application.
- Wait for the admission decision.
- Accept the Offer of Place.
- Complete enrolment and visa arrangements.
Common documents can include:
- Valid passport
- Academic certificates
- Academic transcripts
- English-language test result, where required
- Certified translations for documents not in English
- Programme-specific documents
- CV or personal statement where required
- Research proposal and supervisor information for relevant research programmes
For most international students starting in Semester 1, applications run from 1 May to 15 November. For Semester 2, applications can generally be submitted from 1 May to 30 April. Some programmes have separate deadlines.
Apply Online
Yes. University of Otago accepts international applications online through its eVision application system.
Immigration Support Service
University of Otago provides international student support before arrival and during enrolment. Students receive guidance on application steps, Offers of Place, enrolment, orientation, accommodation, and other preparation for study in New Zealand.
For the visa itself, students should follow Immigration New Zealand requirements. A Fee Paying Student Visa requires an approved offer of place, proof of tuition funding, evidence of living funds, acceptable insurance, and other supporting documents. The current living-fund requirement for tertiary students is NZD 20,000 per year or NZD 1,667 per month for shorter study.
The University of Otago was founded in 1869 by an ordinance of the Otago Provincial Council, making it New Zealand’s oldest university. It formally opened in July 1871 with three professors and initially offered subjects in Classics and English, Mathematics and Natural Philosophy, and Mental and Moral Philosophy and Political Economy. Natural Science was added in 1872, followed by Law in 1873 and Medicine in 1875. A School of Mines was established in 1878. The university moved to its present Dunedin site in the late 1870s, where several historic buildings remain part of the campus.
Over time, Otago grew from a small institution into a national university with campuses and teaching centres in several New Zealand cities. It now has more than 20,000 students, including around 2,800 international students from about 100 countries. The university has a strong research record, with recognised work across health sciences, medicine, science, humanities, business, and other fields.
The University of Otago offers students a wide choice of undergraduate and postgraduate programmes, strong teaching, research opportunities, and access to specialist academic facilities. Its four main academic divisions cover Health Sciences, Sciences, Humanities, and Commerce. Students can study subjects ranging from medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, and biomedical sciences to business, computing, law, psychology, environmental science, humanities, and social sciences.
Otago has a large international student community and provides academic, accommodation, health, and student support services. Its main Dunedin campus brings many teaching facilities, libraries, laboratories, sports facilities, and student residences within easy reach. The university's residential colleges provide accommodation, meals, study support, and community activities for students.
Schools, Faculties, and Institutions
Faculties
Institutes
Scholarships, Bursaries, and Funding
The University of Otago offers several scholarships for international students. Key options include:
- University of Otago Global Scholarship: Worth NZD 15,000 for eligible new international Bachelor's students from selected countries, including Bangladesh. No separate scholarship application is required; eligible students are assessed during admission.
- Vice-Chancellor's Scholarship for International Students: Provides NZD 10,000 toward tuition fees for eligible new international undergraduate students. Students are automatically assessed during admission.
- International Academic Excellence Scholarship: Worth about NZD 35,000 over three years. It can cover first-year residential college accommodation and provide tuition support in the following years. It is aimed at high-achieving international undergraduate students and requires a separate application after invitation.
- Global Master's Scholarship: Provides NZD 15,000 toward tuition fees for eligible international students entering selected taught Master's programmes in 2027 or 2028. Eligible students are assessed automatically during admission.
- Other scholarships and prizes: Otago offers a wide range of undergraduate, postgraduate, subject-based, and research scholarships.
Scholarship eligibility, deadlines, and award values vary by programme and student category.
Student Accommodation
The University of Otago offers a large range of residential colleges in Dunedin. Many are within a short walk of the main campus and provide furnished rooms, meals, study support, common areas, and student activities.
Off-Campus Student Accommodations
Students who prefer independent living can choose University Flats (UniFlats) or private rental housing in Dunedin. University Flats mainly provide shared accommodation, with individual bedrooms and shared kitchens, bathrooms, and living areas. The 2026 standard shared UniFlats rate is NZD 281.50 per week, with utilities, Wi-Fi, maintenance, and pastoral care included in the rental arrangement.
Private rental options are available around the Dunedin campus and can include shared houses, flats, studios, and rooms in larger student homes. Shared housing can reduce weekly costs, though students need to budget separately for food and some household expenses. Otago's current estimate for a shared flat gives total accommodation costs of around NZD 17,200 for the year, including rent, groceries, electricity, and internet under its stated assumptions.