Study in New Zealand with University of Otago
University of Otago
University of Otago is a public university based in Dunedin, Otago, New Zealand. It was established in 1869(152 years ago). The University of Otago is the oldest university of New Zealand and it is second only to Auckland University in the A-rated Academic Researchers. The University has topped in the New Zealand Performance based Research Fund evaluation.
University of Otago, History
The University was created by a committee headed by Thomas Burns and was established by an ordinance of the Otago Provincial Council in 1869. The University of Otago is the oldest university in New Zealand and third oldest in Oceania, earlier it was a part of federal University of New Zealand.
University of Otago, Programs, Courses and Schools
University of Otago provides various courses that are:-
Arts and music
- Certificate of Proficiency (COP)
- Bachelor of Arts (BA)
- Bachelor of Music (MusB)
- Postgraduate Diploma in Arts Subjects
- Postgraduate Diploma in Music
Commerce
- Certificate of Entrepreneurship
- Bachelor of Commerce
- Bachelor of Arts and Commerce
- Diploma for Graduates
- Master of Commerce
- Master of Economics
- Doctor of Commerce
Dentistry
- Bachelor of Dental surgery
- Bachelor of Oral Health
Law
- Bachelor of Laws
- Bachelor of Laws with Honors
University of Otago, Achievements and Ranking
- The University of Otago is ranked in the top 1% universities in the world.
- It has awarded 5 star plus - the highest possible rating for teaching and research.
- New Zealand’s first university for educational performance.
- It is ranked 184 in 2021 QS world University ranking
University of Otago, USP
The University of Otago is well known for its residential colleges which are said as ‘Home Away From HOME’. Otago Graduates are well known for their interpersonal and negotiating skills.
University of Otago, Alumni
The notable alumni of Otago University includes-
- Arthur Henry Adams – Journalist and writer
- Barbara Anderson – Novelist
- Rui Maria de Araujo – Prime Minister of Timor-leste
- Murial Bell – Nutritionist and medical researcher
- David Benson-Pope – Politician
- Christine Jensen Burke – Mountain climber
University of Otago, Infrastructure and campus
The University of Otago has 5 main campuses in New Zealand-
Dunedin campus
The university main campus is located in Dunedin that includes-
- Central administration
- Four academic divisions:-
- Business
- Health Science
- Humanities
- Sciences
Auckland Campus
It’s another campus is in Auckland. It provides facilities like -
- Children’s issue
- Course information and Liaison
- Distance education
Christchurch Campus
One of its campuses is situated in Christchurch that offers facilities like –
- Health sciences
- Otago medical school
- Clinical trainings
- School of Physiotherapy
- Clinical education
- Research
- Distance education
Invercargill Campus
The University of Otago, Invercargill offers courses like education and Health sciences students, academic staff and clinical staff.
It has two sites in Invercargill –
- College of Education Invercargill Campus on Nelson Street
- Health Sciences at Southland Hospital
Wellington Campus
It provides the facilities like –
- Health Sciences
- Otago Medical School
- Clinical trainings
- Distance education
University of Otago, Library
University of Otago has ten libraries in which seven are situated in Dunedin on the main university campus and two medical libraries in Wellington and one in Southland. Some of the libraries are:-
Central library
The University of Otago’s Central library is ranked 13th best library in the world. It is part of the information services building and has over 2000 study spaces, 130 computer terminals and laptop connections at 500 desks. It has a special collection consist of 9000 books printed before 1801. Central library has over 800,000 print and electronic materials relating to the arts, humanities, commerce, education, physical education etc.
Robert Stout Law Library
The Robert Stout Library is the law university situated at Richardson building.
Health Sciences Library
It is situated in Sayers building, opposite to Dunedin hospital. It only includes the last 10 years of content, but have a huge no of volumes.
Science Library
Science library is at the north end of the campus with seating of 500 students.
Hocken collections
It is a research library archive, and art gallery of national significance which is administered by University of Otago.
Robertson Library
Wellington Medical and Health Sciences Library
Canterbury Medical Library
Top Landmarks
- Larnach castle
- Otago Museum
- Botanic Garden
- Toitu Otago Settlers Museum
- Dunedin Art Gallery
International Student Info
Courses offered-
University of Otago provides various courses that are:-
Arts and music
- Certificate of Proficiency (COP)
- Bachelor of Arts (BA)
- Bachelor of Music (MusB)
- Postgraduate Diploma in Arts Subjects
- Postgraduate Diploma in Music
Commerce
- Certificate of Entrepreneurship
- Bachelor of Commerce
- Bachelor of Arts and Commerce
- Diploma for Graduates
- Master of Commerce
- Master of Economics
- Doctor of Commerce
Dentistry
- Bachelor of Dental surgery
- Bachelor of Oral Health
Law
- Bachelor of Laws
- Bachelor of Laws with Honors
Student Support
The University of Otago has outstanding students support team that includes –
International Student Adviser
It provides a ‘Home away from home’ for international students. It is a very special group of caring Otago staff member is dedicated to helping you with a wide variety of issues.
It is available on a confidential basis to assist international students with any issues or questions that may arise during their time at Otago such as –
- Cultural adjustment
- Homesickness
- Family support
- General Health and Well being
- Academics issues
- Flatting and Accommodation
Visas and Immigration
The University of Otago provides every information about the visa for the students from outside New Zealand. But in current corona situation the students who are not in New Zealand had to fulfill some eligibility criterion for an exemption to border restrictions. The information about this is provided on the official website of New Zealand government.
Student life
Residential life
The University of Otago has a wide range of rental accommodation. Some of the best residential options are:-
Residential colleges – The University have many residential colleges such as Aquinas College, Arana College, Hayward College, Cumberland College etc. The residential college combines the right living and learning environment for the students.
For Further information contact 0800808098
Email – [email protected]
University flats – Student flats are available near university for students where they can live with their independence.
Private – It includes shared flatting, Studio room, Home stays.
Traditional Life
University hosts O-week (Orientation week) as Fresher’s week organized by Otago University Students Association. It involves competitions such as ‘Fresher of the Year’. Other notable fests are-
- Miss O-week
- Toga Parade
- Chariots of Fire
- Food and Drinks
There are many food options nearby the Otago University that provides a varied range of food, some of them are-
- Frankly sandwiches
- Campus shop
- Union grill
- University food court
- Lab café
- Inline nutrition
Sports and fitness
The University of Otago hosts various competitions in many sports like Table tennis, Football, Basketball, Volleyball. In addition to this the University also hosts many in house events as Puzzle making, Trivia, Scrabble, Portrait paintings etc.
Fee structure of the Otago University
Fee of the University vary from courses to courses for example-the fee for a normal course like in Computer Science, Design, Geography, Information science or Music will be around $7,450 and for the postgraduate it may vary between $38,494 for dentistry to $8,420 for Arts.
Entry Requirements
Entrance requirements – It is essential for taking admission in the university. You must be at least 16 years of age by the first day of classes in your period of study. For overseas students General Certificate of Education Advanced levels is essential to take admissions. The students must have achieved at least 3 A level passes with at least one grade at level C or above. A result in General Studies will not be accepted.
Language Requirements – Students must have understanding of written and spoken English and IELTS score of above 6.0 in the academic module with no individual band below 5.5.
Crime in Dunedin
Crime score is 48 for Dunedin where 100 is the safest, it is safer than 48% of U.S cities. Crime rate (per 1000 residents) is 1.47 in Dunedin. There is 1 in 681 chances of becoming a violent criminal which is 1 in 258 in Florida.
Famous courses
- Bachelor of Arts (BA)
- Bachelor of Music (MusB)
- Postgraduate Diploma in Arts Subjects
- Bachelor of Commerce
- Bachelor of Arts and Commerce
- Diploma for Graduates
- Master of Commerce
- Bachelor of Dental surgery
- Bachelor of Oral Health
When to apply
The due date for applying depends on the degree you are applying for. Mostly the online application begins in August and same for the application for residential college. Mid August is the closing time for many of the applications and scholarships.
Where to apply
Students can directly apply on the official website of the university
https://www.otago.ac.nz/
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College Profile for University of Otago
University of Otago Programs
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University of Otago Application Requirements
IELTS score requirements
A strong proficiency in the English language is essential for admission into universities in New Zealand. To be able to get a successful admission in University of Otago in New Zealand students need to complete IELTS with a minimum score of 6.Click here to book a free diagnostic test with our expert trainers
University of Otago Cost of studies
Fees
Bachelors: NZ$ 30,000
Masters: NZ$ 28,000
Fees may vary for each program. Please visit the program page for specific fees.
University of Otago Deadlines
Bachelors: 30 April
Masters: 30 April
Deadlines may vary for each program. Please visit program page for specific deadlines.
University of Otago Rankings

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