University of Otago

Founded in 1869, the University of Otago is New Zealand's first university. Otago has gained an excellent international reputation for its research and teaching.

Ranked among the world’s top 1% of universities according to QS World University Rankings, Otago students can choose from more than 200 study options at undergraduate and postgraduate level covering areas such as health science, business, science, and humanities.

Why study here?

Otago is renowned for its research, academic excellence, and unmatched student experience.

• Ranked in the top 1% of universities worldwide (QS World Rankings)
• #1 in NZ for educational performance (Tertiary Education Commission)
• 95% of graduates go into work or on to further study (Graduate Opinion Survey)
• Highest-possible university rating of?5 Stars Plus?(QS?Stars Rating)
• Home to a total of 21,000 students, including international students from over 90 countries.

Life on Campus

The University of Otago main campus is located in the city of Dunedin – New Zealand’s student capital. Students make up one-fifth of Dunedin’s population, creating an energy and atmosphere that you’ll only find at Otago. Dunedin offers a wide range of accessible leisure activities. Ride the waves at some 30 nearby beaches, take on excellent mountain biking tracks, paddleboard, kayak or sail on the harbour, or head to Central Otago for a weekend at New Zealand’s top ski fields. It’s just part of life in Dunedin.

Scholarship

Scholarships and Funding

Otago offers scholarships at all levels of study: pathway, undergraduate, and postgraduate. It also offers a wide range of scholarships for students from specific countries applying for particular areas and levels of study.

Gain the financial support you need to achieve academic success

There are in excess of NZ$18 million worth of scholarships available for students wanting to study at the University of Otago – and for Otago students wishing to study at other institutions around the world.

• University Funded Scholarships

  • International Academic Excellence Scholarship

    Supports international students coming from overseas with high achieving academic backgrounds to study at the University of Otago.

  • Global Scholarships

    Supports international students coming from nominated countries and/or those who plan to study specific programmes at the University of Otago.

  • International Partnership Scholarship

    Supports international students coming to study at the University of Otago through one of our articulation partner agreements.