University of Otago Summary
The university is particularly noted for health sciences, medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, physiotherapy, biomedical sciences, psychology, science, law, commerce, humanities and research degrees. It provides undergraduate, postgraduate and doctoral courses in a number of major academic divisions. This appeals to students who want a long-term progression in their studies from bachelor’s level to master’s and PhD research. At Otago, students wanting to pursue professional careers in healthcare, law, business, science, education, public policy, social services or research will find relevant academic pathways.
The University of Otago’s student experience is one of its major strengths. Dunedin is predominantly a student town, and the university has a strong residence and campus-based culture. Many students live close enough to campus to walk which provides a strong academic and social environment. This is good for students who want to be part of a university community, rather than studying in a very spread out urban environment. On campus, students have access to libraries, laboratories, lecture rooms, residential colleges, student support services, sports and clubs, cultural activities and research facilities.
Academically, Otago is good for students who want both structure and independent study. Depending on the program, students may undertake lectures, tutorials, laboratories, clinical placements, fieldwork, research projects, essays, case studies or professional practice components. Science students may work in lab or field based environments. Health science students may follow competitive and structured pathways. Business students can pursue majors in accounting, finance, marketing, economics, management, or analytics, and students in the humanities and social sciences can develop skills in writing, research, policy analysis, communication, and cultural understanding.
University of Otago provides an English-medium education in New Zealand, with a reputation for academic quality and student support that is second to none. Dunedin is not as big as Auckland or Wellington, which can be a good thing for students who want a more concentrated study environment, less city pressure and a more traditional university lifestyle. International students can find advice on admissions, scholarships, accommodation and academic services. The university also provides scholarships for selected international students at the undergraduate and postgraduate levels.
Admission to Otago depends on the program and the level of study selected. Undergraduate applicants must have a recognized school qualification and meet English language requirements. Some programs e.g. medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, physiotherapy and law may have additional rules, competitive selection or progression requirements. Postgraduate applicants need a relevant bachelor’s degree PhD applicants need strong academic preparation, research ability and supervisor fit. Overall the University of Otago is a great choice for students who want a historic New Zealand university with strong programs in health, science, business, law and the humanities, a city environment that focuses on students and serious opportunities for research.
About University of Otago
University of Otago History
The University of Otago was established in 1869.
It is New Zealand’s oldest university.
The university began in Dunedin and became an important center for higher education in the South Island.
It developed early academic strength in arts, science, law and medicine.
Otago became especially known for health sciences and professional education.
The university expanded over time into commerce, humanities, sciences, education and research fields.
Its Dunedin campus became closely connected with New Zealand’s student culture.
The university built a strong reputation for residential college life and campus-based learning.
Otago expanded postgraduate and doctoral research across major academic areas.
Today, the University of Otago is one of New Zealand’s leading public research universities and a major destination for local and international students.
University of Otago Highlights
Established in 1869
New Zealand’s oldest university
Public research university located in Dunedin
Complete address: 362 Leith Street, North Dunedin, Dunedin 9016, New Zealand
Popular for health sciences, medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, science, business, law and humanities
Offers undergraduate, postgraduate and doctoral programs
Medium of instruction is English
Suitable for local and international students
Strong student city and residential campus environment
Known for health sciences and research-based education
Offers scholarships for selected international students
Good option for students who want a traditional New Zealand university experience
University of Otago UG Courses Offered
Bachelor of Arts
Bachelor of Commerce
Bachelor of Science
Bachelor of Health Sciences
Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery
Bachelor of Dental Surgery
Bachelor of Pharmacy
Bachelor of Physiotherapy
Bachelor of Dental Technology
Bachelor of Oral Health
Bachelor of Biomedical Sciences
Bachelor of Laws
Bachelor of Teaching
Bachelor of Education Studies
Bachelor of Social Work
Bachelor of Applied Science
Bachelor of Surveying
Bachelor of Theology
Bachelor of Music
Bachelor of Performing Arts
University of Otago PG Courses Offered
Master of Arts
Master of Commerce
Master of Science
Master of Health Sciences
Master of Public Health
Master of Medical Science
Master of Dental Technology
Master of Pharmacy
Master of Physiotherapy
Master of Business Administration
Master of Business Data Science
Master of Tourism
Master of Laws
Master of Education
Master of Teaching and Learning
Master of Social Work
Master of Applied Science
Master of Surveying
Master of Theology
Postgraduate Diploma and Graduate Diploma pathways
University of Otago PHD Courses Offered
Doctor of Philosophy
Doctor of Clinical Dentistry
Doctor of Medicine-related research pathways
Doctoral research in Health Sciences
Doctoral research in Sciences
Doctoral research in Commerce
Doctoral research in Humanities
Doctoral research in Law
Doctoral research in Education
Doctoral research in Biomedical Sciences
Doctoral research in Public Health
Doctoral research in Psychology
Doctoral research in Applied Sciences
University of Otago Specialisations Offered
UG Course Specializations | PG Course Specializations | PhD Specializations |
Bachelor of Arts
Bachelor of Commerce
Bachelor of Science
Bachelor of Health Sciences
Medicine and Health Professional Programs
Bachelor of Biomedical Sciences
Bachelor of Laws
Bachelor of Applied Science
Bachelor of Surveying
Education, Teaching and Social Work
Music, Performing Arts and Theology
| Master of Arts
Master of Commerce
Master of Science
Master of Health Sciences / Public Health
Master of Medical Science / Biomedical Programs
Master of Pharmacy / Physiotherapy / Dental Programs
MBA / Business Professional Programs
Master of Laws
Master of Education / Teaching and Learning
Master of Social Work
Master of Applied Science / Surveying
| Doctor of Philosophy
Doctoral Research in Health Sciences
Doctoral Research in Sciences
Doctoral Research in Commerce
Doctoral Research in Humanities
Doctoral Research in Law
Doctoral Research in Education and Social Work
|
University of Otago Admission Process
Admission to the University of Otago depends on the selected qualification, applicant background and program requirements.
Undergraduate applicants apply through the official university application system and select their intended program.
Students should check subject requirements carefully because health sciences, medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, physiotherapy, law, science and professional programs may have specific rules.
Applicants must provide academic records, identity documents and English language proof where required.
Competitive professional programs may have additional selection steps, progression requirements or limited places.
Postgraduate applicants apply through the graduate application route and submit degree documents, transcripts, CV and program-specific materials.
Research master’s and doctoral applicants should prepare a research direction and check supervision availability.
Professional master’s applicants may need work experience, references or interviews depending on the course.
International applicants should apply early because visa, accommodation, scholarship and document verification steps may take time.
Students should check scholarship deadlines separately because many awards have independent timelines.
Applicants should always confirm current entry requirements, fees and program details on official Otago pages before applying.
Admission Details
Visit the official University of Otago website.
Choose undergraduate, postgraduate or doctoral study level.
Search for the selected degree or subject area.
Check entry requirements, English language requirements and program-specific conditions.
Complete the online application form.
Upload academic transcripts and supporting documents.
Submit English language test scores if required.
Prepare additional program documents if required.
Track application status through the university system.
Accept the offer within the stated deadline if selected.
Apply for a New Zealand student visa after receiving required admission documents.
Arrange tuition payment, accommodation and enrollment steps before course start.
Check scholarship applications separately from admission.
University of Otago Courses Fees
Bachelor of Arts
Approx Fee: NZD 35,000–42,000/year for international students
Duration: 3 Years
Eligibility: Recognized high school qualification such as Class 12, A-levels, IB or equivalent; English language requirement applies
Intake: Semester-based intake
Admission Mode: University Online Application Portal
Bachelor of Commerce
Approx Fee: NZD 38,000–45,000/year for international students
Duration: 3 Years
Eligibility: Recognized high school qualification with Mathematics or quantitative readiness preferred for selected majors
Intake: Semester-based intake
Admission Mode: University Online Application Portal
Bachelor of Science
Approx Fee: NZD 40,000–50,000/year for international students depending on major
Duration: 3 Years
Eligibility: Recognized high school qualification with relevant Mathematics and Science subjects depending on major
Intake: Semester-based intake
Admission Mode: University Online Application Portal
Bachelor of Health Sciences
Approx Fee: NZD 40,000–52,000/year for international students depending on papers and pathway
Duration: 3 Years
Eligibility: Recognized high school qualification with Science and English readiness; program-specific requirements may apply
Intake: Semester-based intake
Admission Mode: University Online Application Portal
Medicine, Dentistry, Pharmacy and Physiotherapy Programs
Approx Fee: NZD 45,000–110,000/year depending on program and year level; medicine and dentistry are usually higher than standard degrees
Duration: 4–6 Years depending on program
Eligibility: Strong academic record with Science preparation; competitive selection and program-specific admission rules apply
Intake: Program-based intake
Admission Mode: University Online Application Portal
Bachelor of Biomedical Sciences
Approx Fee: NZD 42,000–55,000/year for international students
Duration: 3 Years
Eligibility: Recognized high school qualification with Biology, Chemistry or relevant Science preparation preferred
Intake: Semester-based intake
Admission Mode: University Online Application Portal
Bachelor of Laws
Approx Fee: NZD 38,000–48,000/year for international students
Duration: Usually 4 Years or longer if combined with another degree
Eligibility: Recognized high school qualification with strong academic and English ability
Intake: Semester-based intake
Admission Mode: University Online Application Portal
Bachelor of Applied Science / Surveying
Approx Fee: NZD 40,000–52,000/year for international students depending on subject area
Duration: 3–4 Years depending on program
Eligibility: Recognized high school qualification with Mathematics, Science or technical readiness depending on pathway
Intake: Semester-based or program-based intake
Admission Mode: University Online Application Portal
Education, Teaching, Social Work and Creative Programs
Approx Fee: NZD 35,000–45,000/year for international students depending on program
Duration: 3–4 Years depending on qualification
Eligibility: Recognized high school qualification; interviews, safety checks, portfolio or professional requirements may apply for selected programs
Intake: Program-based intake
Admission Mode: University Online Application Portal
Master of Arts / Humanities and Social Sciences
Approx Fee: NZD 38,000–50,000/year for international students depending on structure
Duration: 1–2 Years
Eligibility: Recognized bachelor’s degree in a relevant or acceptable discipline
Intake: Semester-based or program-based intake
Admission Mode: Graduate Application Portal
Master of Commerce / Business Programs
Approx Fee: NZD 42,000–55,000/year for international students depending on program
Duration: 1–2 Years
Eligibility: Recognized bachelor’s degree; business, economics or quantitative background may be preferred
Intake: Semester-based or program-based intake
Admission Mode: Graduate Application Portal
Master of Science
Approx Fee: NZD 42,000–58,000/year for international students depending on subject area
Duration: 1–2 Years
Eligibility: Recognized bachelor’s degree in Science or related discipline
Intake: Semester-based or research-based intake
Admission Mode: Graduate Application Portal
Master of Health Sciences / Public Health / Medical Science
Approx Fee: NZD 45,000–65,000/year for international students depending on program
Duration: 1–2 Years
Eligibility: Recognized bachelor’s degree in health, science, clinical, social science or related discipline depending on program
Intake: Semester-based or program-based intake
Admission Mode: Graduate Application Portal
MBA / Professional Business Programs
Approx Fee: NZD 50,000–75,000 total/year depending on structure
Duration: 1–2 Years
Eligibility: Recognized bachelor’s degree with professional experience and leadership potential
Intake: Program-based intake
Admission Mode: Graduate Business Application Route
Master of Laws
Approx Fee: NZD 40,000–55,000/year for international students
Duration: 1 Year full-time or longer part-time
Eligibility: Recognized law degree or accepted legal qualification
Intake: Semester-based intake
Admission Mode: Graduate Application Portal
Master of Education / Teaching / Social Work
Approx Fee: NZD 38,000–52,000/year for international students depending on program
Duration: 1–2 Years
Eligibility: Recognized bachelor’s degree; professional or teaching-related requirements may apply for selected programs
Intake: Program-based intake
Admission Mode: Graduate Application Portal
Doctor of Philosophy
Approx Fee: Most international PhD candidates may pay domestic tuition fee rates while residing in New Zealand; exact fees vary by subject and year
Duration: Usually 3–4 Years full-time
Eligibility: Strong bachelor’s honors or master’s degree, research proposal, academic references and supervisor fit
Intake: Research-based intake
Admission Mode: Doctoral Application Portal
Professional Doctorates / Clinical Doctoral Pathways
Approx Fee: Varies by program and fee status
Duration: Usually 3–4+ Years depending on pathway
Eligibility: Relevant postgraduate qualification, professional or clinical background where required, research direction and program-specific selection
Intake: Program-based intake
Admission Mode: Doctoral Application Portal
University of Otago Scholarships
The University of Otago offers scholarships for selected international undergraduate, postgraduate and doctoral students.
The Vice-Chancellor’s Scholarships for International Students may support new international bachelor’s degree students.
Global Scholarships may support eligible international students from nominated countries or specific study areas.
Undergraduate entrance scholarships may support students with academic excellence, leadership or other recognized strengths.
Postgraduate students can explore coursework and research scholarship options depending on program and eligibility.
PhD candidates may be considered for doctoral scholarships based on academic strength and research potential.
Scholarship values, opening dates and closing dates can vary by award.
Students should check each scholarship’s eligibility rules before applying.
Scholarship deadlines may be different from admission deadlines.
Strong scholarship applications should show academic quality, purpose, achievements, leadership and program fit.
University of Otago Cutoff
UG Eligibility
Applicants should have completed a recognized secondary qualification such as Class 12, A-levels, IB Diploma or equivalent.
Indian students usually need strong Class 12 results for competitive undergraduate programs.
English language proficiency is required if previous education does not meet university English requirements.
Health sciences, medicine, dentistry, pharmacy and physiotherapy pathways may have competitive selection rules.
Science applicants should have relevant Mathematics and Science preparation depending on major.
Commerce applicants may benefit from Mathematics, economics or business readiness.
Law applicants need strong academic and English ability.
Creative, teaching or professional programs may require additional checks, interviews or portfolio-style evidence.
PG Eligibility
Applicants need a recognized bachelor’s degree from an accepted institution.
Some master’s programs require a related undergraduate major.
Professional master’s programs may require work experience, CV, references or interviews.
Health and clinical programs may require relevant professional background or registration-related requirements.
Technical and science programs may prefer applicants with Mathematics, Science, Computing or research preparation.
English language proficiency is required for international applicants unless exempted.
Some programs may ask for a statement of purpose, research plan, portfolio or supervisor approval.
PhD Eligibility
Applicants usually need a strong bachelor’s honors degree or master’s degree with research preparation.
A clear research topic or research area is important.
Supervisor availability and research fit are important for doctoral admission.
Academic references, transcripts and research evidence are usually required.
Some doctoral pathways may require professional, clinical or field experience.
English language proficiency may be required for international students.
Scholarship decisions may depend on academic merit, research quality and funding availability.
University of Otago Carrer Outcomes
University of Otago graduates can build careers in New Zealand, Australia, Asia-Pacific and international markets.
Health sciences graduates can move into healthcare, public health, clinical support, pharmacy, dentistry, physiotherapy, medical research and health policy depending on qualification.
Science graduates can work in laboratories, environmental services, data analysis, research, biotechnology, technology, education and public-sector roles.
Commerce graduates can pursue accounting, finance, management, marketing, economics, tourism, entrepreneurship and business analytics roles.
Law graduates can enter legal practice, policy, compliance, commercial law, public service and dispute resolution pathways.
Arts and humanities graduates can work in communication, media, public service, research, policy, education, NGOs and cultural organizations.
Applied science and surveying graduates can enter geospatial work, land development, resource management, environmental planning and technical consulting.
Education and social work graduates can work in schools, community organizations, social services, child and family support and public-sector programs.
Postgraduate graduates can move into specialist roles, leadership, consulting, policy, teaching or research.
PhD graduates can pursue academia, advanced research, health research, policy research, scientific leadership and specialist professional roles.
University of Otago Important Links
Official Website: https://www.otago.ac.nz
International Students: https://www.otago.ac.nz/international
International Fees: https://www.otago.ac.nz/international/fees
International Tuition Fees: https://www.otago.ac.nz/study/fees/international-tuition-fees
Fees and Scholarships: https://www.otago.ac.nz/international/future-students/fees-scholarships
International Scholarships: https://www.otago.ac.nz/international/future-students/fees-scholarships/international-scholarships
Global Scholarships: https://www.otago.ac.nz/courses/scholarships/global-scholarships
Undergraduate Scholarships: https://www.otago.ac.nz/courses/scholarships/undergraduate
Study at Otago: https://www.otago.ac.nz/study
Subjects and Courses: https://www.otago.ac.nz/courses
Applying to Otago: https://www.otago.ac.nz/study/apply
PhD Study Fees: https://ask.otago.ac.nz/knowledgebase/article/KA-10000286/en-us
