University of Otago

Dunedin Campus, Dunedin New Zealand

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# 214QS World University Rankings

102Undergraduate programs

166Postgraduate programs

5+QS stars

About University of Otago

The University of Otago is New Zealand's first university, established in 1869. Over 150 years later, Otago remains a leading institution in New Zealand, with a long standing and international reputation for academic excellence. Otago is New Zealand's top university for educational performance, with a faculty composed of world-class academics and scholars at the cutting edge of their respective fields. Otago prides itself on being a research-led University and is the top ranked in the country for international student learning.

Otago offers an unmatched student experience, with the main campus located in Dunedin, New Zealand’s only true student city, with a population of over 21,000 students living, working, and studying. Otago boasts high levels of student satisfaction, and produces globally employable graduates, with 95% of students entering directly into further study or work.

Otago is proud to be the top ranked University in the country for international student learning, with 25 subject areas in the top 200 globally, as per the QS World University Rankings by subject.

It first received a Five Stars Plus QS Stars University rating in 2016 (and again in 2018 and 2021).

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:

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

About University of Otago

Otago is proud to be the top ranked University in the country for international student learning, with 25 subject areas in the top 200 globally, as per the QS World University Rankings by subject.

It first received a Five Stars Plus QS Stars University rating in 2016 (and again in 2018 and 2021).

Otago offers more than 200 undergraduate and postgraduate programmes across four divisions:

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

Available programs

Established in 1869, the University of Otago is New Zealand’s first university and the first choice for more than 20,000 students.

Gathered from all over New Zealand and around the world, students at Otago soon become part of a tradition of innovation and enjoy the benefits of a worldwide reputation for academic excellence. Otago’s position at the forefront of modern scholarship is based on its long and respected history as well as the latest in groundbreaking research and vibrant education.

That’s why Otago is able to attract first-rate academics, and why Otago graduates find their degrees open doors around the world. Lots of employers say that they choose Otago graduates because they show real independence and an ability to hit the ground running. Otago’s degrees are challenging and relevant to the modern world, so you can be confident that you can lay the foundations of a successful career.

But student life is not all work. Otago is also famous for its campus lifestyle, where you can work, play and live in a safe and welcoming environment (all within about a three-kilometre radius from its Dunedin campus). You’ll never regret choosing the quality all round experience that only Otago can offer.

Arts and Humanities (7)

Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Asian Studies

Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Biblical Studies

Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Chinese

Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Christian Thought and History

Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Classics

Bachelor of Arts (BA) in English

View All

Business and Management (7)

Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Economics

Bachelor of Commerce (BCom) in Accounting

Bachelor of Commerce (BCom) in Economics

Bachelor of Commerce (BCom) in Finance

Bachelor of Commerce (BCom) in International Business

Bachelor of Commerce (BCom) in Management

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Engineering and Technology (7)

Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Computer Science

Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Information Science

Bachelor of Commerce (BCom) in Information Science

Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Computer Science

Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Energy Science and Technology

Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Information Science

Life Sciences and Medicine (7)

Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Psychology

Bachelor of Biomedical Sciences (BBiomedSc)

Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS)

Bachelor of Dental Technology (BDentTech)

Bachelor of Health Sciences (BHealSc)

Bachelor of Medical Laboratory Science (BMLSc)

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Natural Sciences (7)

Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Geography

Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Mathematics

Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Chemistry

Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Ecology

Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Food Science

Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Geography

View All

Others (7)

Bachelor of Applied Science (BAppSc) in Clothing and Textile Sciences

Bachelor of Arts (BA) majoring in Art History and Visual Culture

Bachelor of Science (BSc) majoring in Clothing and Textile Sciences

Social Sciences and Management (7)

Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Anthropology

Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Communication Studies

Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Education

Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Film and Media Studies

Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Gender Studies

Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Global Studies

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The University of Otago provides excellent opportunities for students considering postgraduate study in Sciences, Health Sciences, Humanities or Business.

Founded in 1869, the University of Otago is New Zealand's oldest university, but it is also a place that prepares students for the demands of the 21st century. Otago is highly committed to using our research strengths to improve the health, prosperity and well-being of people in New Zealand and around the world.

Otago is New Zealand's leading postgraduate university, with unrivalled access to world-class research teams and academic leaders. For every 100 postgraduate students, we have 20 or more research-active staff who are leaders in their disciplines.

As well as our main campus in Dunedin, Australasia's only true university city, we have postgraduate study options in our Wellington and Christchurch Medical and Health Science campuses, and by Distance Learning.

Arts and Humanities (7)

Doctor of Musical Arts

Master of Applied Science (MAppSc) in Creative Non-Fiction Writing in Science

Master of Archaeological Practice (MArchP)

Master of Arts (Coursework) (MA(Coursework)) in Buddhist Studies

Master of Arts (Coursework) (MA(Coursework)) in Chinese

Master of Arts (Coursework) (MA(Coursework)) in Classics

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Business and Management (7)

Master of Commerce (MCom) in Accounting

Master of Commerce (MCom) in Economics

Master of Commerce (MCom) in Finance

Master of Commerce (MCom) in International Business

Master of Commerce (MCom) in Management

Master of Commerce (MCom) in Marketing

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Engineering and Technology (7)

Master of Applied Science (MAppSc) in Computer Science

Master of Applied Science (MAppSc) in Geographic Information Systems

Master of Applied Science (MAppSc) in Software Engineering

Master of Business Data Science (MBusDataSc)

Master of Commerce (MCom) in Information Science

Master of Science (MSc) in Computer Science

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Life Sciences and Medicine (7)

Doctor of Clinical Dentistry (DClinDent)

Master of Advanced Nursing Practice (MAdvNP)

Master of Applied Science (MAppSc) in Bioengineering

Master of Applied Science (MAppSc) in Molecular Biotechnology

Master of Applied Science (MAppSc) in Plant Biotechnology

Master of Applied Science (MAppSc) in Quantitative Genetics

View All

Natural Sciences (7)

Master of Applied Science (MAppSc) in Advanced Nutrition Practice

Master of Applied Science (MAppSc) in Applied Geology

Master of Applied Science (MAppSc) in Consumer Food Science

Master of Applied Science (MAppSc) in Environmental Management

Master of Arts (Coursework) (MA(Coursework)) in Geography

Master of Science (MSc) in Chemistry

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Others (7)

Master of Applied Science

Master of Applied Science (MAppSc) in Clothing and Textile Sciences

Master of Applied Science (MAppSc) in Microbiology

Master of Applied Science (MAppSc) in Sport and Exercise Nutrition

Master of Arts (Coursework)

Master of Arts (Coursework) (MA(Coursework)) in Art History and Visual Culture

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Social Sciences and Management (7)

Doctor of Education

Master of Applied Science (MAppSc) in Telecommunications

Master of Arts (Coursework) (MA(Coursework)) in Anthropology

Master of Arts (Coursework) (MA(Coursework)) in Communication Studies

Master of Arts (Coursework) (MA(Coursework)) in Education

Master of Arts (Coursework) (MA(Coursework)) in Film and Media Studies

View All

Arts and Humanities (6)

PhD in Arts

PhD in Languages

PhD in Music

PhD in Surveying

PhD in Theology

Business and Management (6)

PhD in Commerce

Engineering and Technology (6)

PhD in Computer Science

PhD in Information Science

Life Sciences and Medicine (6)

PhD in Dentistry

PhD in Health Sciences

PhD in Medicine

PhD in Pharmacy

PhD in Science

Natural Sciences (6)

PhD in Geography

PhD in Mathematics

Social Sciences and Management (6)

PhD in Law

University information

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 key dates for study in 2025 (for international students):

Main Application period: 1 May – 30 October 2024

For some specific programmes:

• 31 May 2024: Applications close for postgraduate Dentistry

• 31 July 2024: Applications close for Master of Teaching and Learning

• 31 August 2024: Applications close for Bachelor of Teaching.

• 15 September 2024: Applications close for Bachelor of Oral Health and Bachelor of Dental Technology.

International student applications Semester 2 (July 2024) deadline: 30 April 2024
International student applications Semester 2 (July 2025) deadline: 30 April 2025

General

IELTS

TOEFL

80+

Cambridge CAE Advanced

176+

PTE Academic

50+

International Baccalaureate

24+

ATAR

74+

SAT

1190+

ACT

24+

GMAT

550+

GPA

2.8+

Bachelor

TOEFL

80+

IELTS

ATAR

74+

SAT

1190+

Master

TOEFL

95+

IELTS

6.5+

GPA

GMAT

550+

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.

Total students

18,963

UG students

83%

PG students

17%

International students

3,519

UG students

68%

PG students

32%

Total faculty staff

1,596

Domestic staff

40%

Int'l staff

60%

Student life

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 170 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.

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.

Tuition fee and scholarships

Domestic Students

Tuition Fee/year

6,200 NZD

Tuition Fee (Out of State)

International Students

Tuition Fee/year

32,620 NZD

Other Expenses

One of the important factors when considering a master's degree is the cost of study. Luckily, there are many options available to help students fund their master's programme. Download your copy of the Scholarship Guide to find out which scholarships from around the world could be available to you, and how to apply for them.

In this guide you will find:

Where to look for scholarship opportunities

How to apply to scholarships relevant to you

A list of available scholarships around the world

A scholarship application checklist

Download Scholarship Guide

The University of Otago offers a wide range of scholarships for international students for both undergraduate and postgraduate studies. Check out the full list of Otago's exclusive scholarship here.

University of Otago is one of the top public universities in Dunedin, New Zealand. It is ranked #214 in QS World University Rankings 2025.

QS World University Rankings

Chart
Data

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

View all rankings data

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.

Overall

TeachingEmployabilityGlobal EngagementResearchFacilitiesGood GovernanceEnvironmental ImpactDiversity, Equity & InclusionSpecialist Criteria: Life Sciences & Medicine

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