University of Otago

{"text":"The University of Otago, located in New Zealand, was established in 1869. Currently, more than 21,000 students are studying at different levels on its campus. However, International students have a choice of over 200 courses at both the undergraduate and graduate levels.

Thus, the university is well-known for its excellent programs in medicine, dentistry, and agriculture and many other courses.\nIf you want to apply for graduate courses, you can enter with a bachelor's or master's degree. To get into the University of Otago, interested students must show a minimum academic score of 60-70%. However, the cost of studying there varies from 18,873 to 112,753 NZD (9.75 to 58.25 lakhs), depending on the type of course and level of study.

The University of Otago has 17 placement portals for different departments, and graduates often earn up to 284,000 NZD (1.46 crore INR) per year. For more details about the university, you should continue reading the below article or to get the proper guidance you can connect to our PW Acadfly StudyAbroad Team.\nUniversity of Otago Key Highlights\nGraduates from the University of Otago are sought after by well-known companies like Deloitte, Hilton, Bank of New Zealand, Fulton Hogan, ANZ Bank, and more. Checkout the highlights from the below table:- \n\n\n\n\n\nAspect\n\n\nUniversity of Otago\n\n\n\n\nEstablishment\n\n\n1869\n\n\n\n\nType\n\n\nPublic Research University\n\n\n\n\nLocation\n\n\nNew Zealand\n\n\n\n\nAccreditation\n\n\n\n\nAssociation to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) \n\n\nEQUIS\n\n\n\n\n\n\nRanking (QS)\n\n\n206\n\n\n\n\nApplication Fee\n\n\nThe University of Otago does not charge an application fee for international students.\n\n\n\n\nNumber of Students\n\n\n21,000+\n\n\n\n\nInternational Students\n\n\nMore than 4,000\n\n\n\n\nAcceptance Rate\n\n\nAround 58%- 65%\n\n\n\n\nAccepted Exam\n\n\nIELTS, TOEFL, PTE\n\n\n\n\nCampus Placements\n\n\n\n\nFinancial Services\n\n\nCompliance, AML, KYC and Monitoring\n\n\nLegal Department\n\n\nProgram and Project Management and many more.\n\n\n\n\n\n\nScholarships\n\n\n\n\nVice-Chancellor's Scholarships\n\n\nNew Frontiers Scholarships\n\n\nUniversity of Otago Entrance Scholarship\n\n\nOtago International Excellence Scholarships and many more are mentioned below. \n\n\n\n\n\n\nEmployment Rate\n\n\n95%\n\n\n\n\nMale-Female Ratio\n\n\n43:57\n\n\n\n\nStudent-Faculty Ratio\n\n\n19:1\n\n\n\n\nOfficial Website\n\n\nwww.otago.ac.nz \n\n\n\n\n\nUniversity of Otago Ranking\nWhen a university gets a good ranking, it means they're dedicated and making a big impact globally, the University of Otago proudly stands as one of the top universities worldwide.

Always staying in the top 1%, the university gets recognised by important groups like QS and U.S. News and World Report. These rankings show how committed the university is to giving great education and creating an exciting place to learn.

Check out the rankings below to see how the University of Otago is doing in different areas – proof that it's a super impressive place for learning.\n\n\n\n\n\nRanking Type\n\n\n2021\n\n\n2022\n\n\n2023\n\n\n2024\n\n\n\n\nQS World University Rankings\n\n\n184\n\n\n194\n\n\n217\n\n\n206\n\n\n\n\nTHE World University Rankings\n\n\n201-250\n\n\n201-250\n\n\n301-350\n\n\n301-350\n\n\n\n\nARWU (Shanghai Rankings)\n\n\n301-400\n\n\n301-400\n\n\n-\n\n\n-\n\n\n\n\nU.S. News and World Report Best Global Universities\n\n\n226\n\n\n230\n\n\n247\n\n\n-\n\n\n\n\n\nUniversity of Otago Scholarships \nEvery year, the University of Otago gives a lot of money, more than 15 million NZD, to help students from around the world through different scholarships. These scholarships are for both undergraduate and postgraduate students.

They want to make sure everyone, no matter where they're from, has the chance to study. Some of the scholarships are popular and there to support you while you're studying. Check out the different opportunities below to see how the university is making it easier for everyone to get a great education.\n\n\n\n\n\nScholarship Name\n\n\nAmount (NZD)\n\n\n\n\nUniversity of Otago International Master's Research Scholarship\n\n\n15,000 stipend\n\n\n\n\nNew Frontiers Scholarships\n\n\n5,000\n\n\n\n\nOtago International Excellence Scholarships\n\n\n10,000\n\n\n\n\nVice-Chancellor's Scholarships\n\n\n10,000\n\n\n\n\nOtago International Pathway Scholarships\n\n\n4,000\n\n\n\n\nNew Zealand Excellence Awards (NZEA)\n\n\nVaries\n\n\n\n\nUniversity of Otago Entrance Scholarship\n\n\n5,000\n\n\n\n\n\nUniversity of Otago Courses \nThe University of Otago has lots of different classes to pick from.

You can study subjects like Finance, Economics, Business, Medicine, and more. There are over 18,000 students and 4,000 staff members at the university. People from all around the world study there, and the university works with other universities in different countries.

For some of the top courses from the University of Otago, check the below table. Note:-The fee structure mentioned below is subject to change in accordance with the university's policies. The university reserves the right to modify the fees at any time without prior notice\n\n\n\n\n\nCourses\n\n\n1st Year Tuition Fees\n\n\nDuration & Eligibility\n\n\nEligibility\n\n\n\n\nMBBS \n\n\nINR 19 L\n\n\nDuration: 6 years\n\n\nExam Accepted: IELTS: 6 & Above, TOEFL: 80 & Above, PTE: 50 & Above\n\n\n\n\nMBA\/PGDM \n\n\nINR 24 L - 32 L\n\n\nDuration: 12-24 months\n\n\nExam Accepted: IELTS: 6.5 & Above, TOEFL: 90 - 95, PTE: 58 - 64, GMAT: 550 & Above\n\n\n\n\nMS \n\n\nINR 18 L - 22 L\n\n\nDuration: 1 year-2 years\n\n\nExam Accepted: IELTS: 6.5 & Above, TOEFL: 90 - 95, PTE: 50 - 64\n\n\n\n\nB.Sc. \n\n\nINR 13 L - 20 L\n\n\nDuration: 3 years\n\n\nExam Accepted: IELTS: 6 & Above, TOEFL: 80 & Above, PTE: 42 - 58\n\n\n\n\nM.A.\n\n\nINR 20 L - 24 L\n\n\nDuration: 12-18 months\n\n\nExam Accepted: IELTS: 6.5 & Above\n\n\n\n\nB.A. \n\n\nINR 16 L - 19 L\n\n\nDuration: 3 years\n\n\nExam Accepted: IELTS: 6 & Above\n\n\n\n\nMIM \n\n\nINR 24 L - 27 L\n\n\nDuration: 12 months-1 year\n\n\nExam Accepted: IELTS: 6.5 & Above, TOEFL: 90 - 95, PTE: 58 - 64\n\n\n\n\nMSN \n\n\nINR 22 L\n\n\nDuration: 2 years\n\n\nExam Accepted: IELTS: 6.5 & Above\n\n\n\n\nMASc \n\n\nINR 29 L - 30 L\n\n\nDuration: 12 months-1 year\n\n\nExam Accepted: IELTS: 6.5 & Above\n\n\n\n\nB.Pharma \n\n\nINR 19 L\n\n\nDuration: 3 years\n\n\nExam Accepted: IELTS: 6 & Above\n\n\n\n\nB.E. \/ B.Tech \n\n\nINR 17 L - 20 L\n\n\nDuration: 3 years\n\n\nExam Accepted: IELTS: 6 & Above, TOEFL: 80 & Above, PTE: 50 - 58\n\n\n\n\nMDS \n\n\nINR 22 L - 55 L\n\n\nDuration: 1 year-2 years\n\n\nExam Accepted: IELTS: 6.5 & Above\n\n\n\n\nPG Diploma \n\n\nINR 18 L\n\n\nDuration: 1 year\n\n\nExam Accepted: IELTS: 6.5 & Above, TOEFL: 95 & Above, PTE: 64 & Above\n\n\n\n\nBBA \n\n\nINR 17 L - 19 L\n\n\nDuration: 3 years\n\n\nExam Accepted: IELTS: 6 & Above\n\n\n\n\nB.J.M.C. \n\n\nINR 16 L\n\n\nDuration: 3 years\n\n\nExam Accepted: IELTS: 6 & Above\n\n\n\n\nB.Com \n\n\nINR 15 L\n\n\nDuration: 3 years\n\n\nExam Accepted: IELTS: 6 & Above, TOEFL: 80 & Above, PTE: 58 & Above\n\n\n\n\nMPH \n\n\nINR 23 L\n\n\nDuration: 1 year\n\n\nExam Accepted: IELTS: 6.5 & Above, TOEFL: 90 & Above, PTE: 58 & Above\n\n\n\n\nBDS \n\n\nINR 18 L\n\n\nDuration: 5 years\n\n\nExam Accepted: IELTS: 6 & Above\n\n\n\n\n\nUniversity of Otago Campus\n\n\nUniversity of Otago Campuses\n\n\n\n\nThe University of Otago has five campuses across New Zealand: Dunedin, Auckland, Christchurch, Invercargill, and Wellington.\n\n\nThe main campus, where the central administration is located, is in Dunedin.\n\n\nThe Dunedin campus houses four academic divisions: Business, Health Sciences, Humanities, and Sciences.\n\n\n\n\nUniversity of Otago Student Life\n\n\n\n\nVarious social events are organised throughout the year for students.\n\n\nEvents include themed parties, the UniCol Ball, an annual ski trip, and sporting and cultural exchanges with other colleges.\n\n\nStudents can participate in game contests such as basketball, darts, puzzle making, poker, chess, foosball, and table tennis.\n\n\nAdditional activities include 'Open Mic' nights, 'Floor Missions', local restaurant dinners, cafe crawls, movie and pizza nights, scavenger hunts, picnics, paintball, ice skating, beach trips, and more.\n\n\nUniversity of Otago Cost of Attendance\nWhen thinking about going to the University of Otago, it's not just about tuition fees.

You also need to know about the cost of living, like how much you'll spend on housing, food, and other stuff. The university breaks it down to help you plan better. It's like a guide to help you understand the overall cost when you're studying in New Zealand.

Check out the details below to get a clear idea of what to expect when you're part of the University of Otago.\n\n\n\n\n\nCost of Living\n\n\n\n\nElements\n\n\nCost in NZD\n\n\nEquivalent Cost for Indians in INR\n\n\n\n\nAccommodation, Food, Rent, Gas\/electricity, internet\n\n\n18,696\n\n\n9.65 lakhs\n\n\n\n\nPersonal costs\n\n\n3,200\n\n\n1.65 lakhs\n\n\n\n\nEntertainment\n\n\n2,200\n\n\n1.13 lakhs\n\n\n\n\nMedical and travel insurance\n\n\n750\n\n\n38,746\n\n\n\n\nTOTAL\n\n\n24,856\n\n\n12.84 lakhs\n\n\n\n\nTuition Fees\n\n\n\n\nDepartment\n\n\nTuition Fee Range in NZD\n\n\nEquivalent Tuition Fee for Indians (INR)\n\n\n\n\nHealth Sciences\n\n\n23,777 to 112,753\n\n\n12.28 to 58.25 lakhs\n\n\n\n\nHumanities\n\n\n18,873 to 57,516\n\n\n9.75 to 29.71 lakhs\n\n\n\n\nSciences\n\n\n19,829 to 65,066\n\n\n10.24 to 33.61 lakhs\n\n\n\n\nSchool of Business\n\n\n37,303 to 62,601\n\n\n19.27 to 32.34 lakhs\n\n\n\n\n\nUniversity of Otago Major Intakes \n\n\nThe University of Otago's Foundation Year offers intakes in February, June, and October.\n\n\nOtago stands out as the only university ranked in the top four across various criteria.\n\n\nFor international students planning to start their studies in semester 1 (February), the main application period is from May 1 to November 15.\n\n\nSpecific admission deadlines for international students are set for Semester 2, 2024 (April 30, 2024), Summer (November 15 to December 10, 2023), and Winter (April 30, 2024).\n\n\nUniversity of Otago Notable Alumni \n\n\nMason Durie: Mason Durie is a psychiatrist, renowned for his significant research and contributions to M\u0101ori health. In 2020, he received the highest honour in New Zealand's royal honours system, being appointed to the Order of New Zealand.\n\n\nAlison Holst: Alison Holst is a prominent New Zealand food journalist, celebrated as a best-selling food writer and television celebrity chef.\n\n\nMurray Brennan: Murray Brennan, a distinguished New Zealand surgeon and oncologist, served as the Chairman of the surgery department at the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York City, USA, from 1985 to 2006.\n\n\nKamisese Mara: Kamisese Mara held significant political roles, serving as the Chief Minister of Fiji from 1967 to 1970 and as the first prime minister from 1970 to 1992. He also served as the Former President of Fiji.\n\n\nFarah Palmer: Farah Palmer, currently a Professor at Massey University, has a remarkable sporting background, having been the former captain of New Zealand's women's rugby union team, the Black Ferns\n\n","requirements":"","courses":[],"gallery":["https:\/\/d2bps9p1kiy4ka.cloudfront.net\/5b09189f7285894d9130ccd0\/fec9fed5-69b2-433b-bf8c-3b7933500fd6.jpg","https:\/\/d2bps9p1kiy4ka.cloudfront.net\/5b09189f7285894d9130ccd0\/69139d33-0fc0-4487-aaab-c42c6ff6c11b.png"]}

The Business School at the University of Otago is ranked #1 in New Zealand by the QS Rankings 2026 and this business school holds EQUIS, AMBA and AACSB accreditations simultaneously (this is a rare triple accreditation internationally). Otago is also the oldest university in New Zealand and has produced two Nobel Prize winners: Maurice Wilkins (DNA Structure) and Sir John Eccles (Neuroscience).

Is the University of Otago worth it for Indian students? Answered below -

• Popular courses and Fees: The most popular courses at the University of Otago are offered in areas like Medicine, Dentistry, Health Sciences, Business & Law and more. The Otago fees for Indian students range from NZD 32K to NZD 46K (INR 17.92L to 25,7L ) a year.
• Research - The University of Otago has a global reputation for research excellence. The expert areas of research of Otago Uni are Health, Society, Culture, Sustainability, etc. In the QS star rating system, the University of Otago is ranked in the Top 1% of Higher Education institutes in the world and has been awarded 5 QS stars (the highest possible for teaching and research).
• Placements: The University of Otago grads are out of the most favoured New Zealand institutions. The Career Development Centre at Otago helps students with 12-month work placements, Summer internships and volunteer placements.The average salary a graduate from Otago receives is NZD 87.4K (INR 48.9L) (unofficial source).
• Acceptance Rate: An unofficial source cites that the University of Otago acceptance rate stands at around 73%, making it a moderately difficult university to get into. Indian students are required to have a UG degree in a matching subject area with around 75%. A work history may be a plus along with English language proficiency (IELTS 6.0) etc.
• University of Otago vs University of Auckland: In the QS Ranking, the University of Auckland (#68) ranks way better than the University of Otago (#198). The average tuition fee for Auckland is NZD 27.7K (INR 15.5L) which is more affordable than the University of Otago, where the fee starts from NZD 30K (INR 16.8L). Read Shiksha final verdict in the FREE PDF here: University of Otago vs University of Auckland.

Still confused if the University of Otago in New Zealand is the right choice for you? Hear it from our study abroad expert -

The University of Otago's Nobel Laureate alumni and #1 MBA ranking rarely make it into the same conversation. The acceptance rate is high (around 78%), making Otago admissions accessible. It is a great option for Indian students who want to study a Business degree.

University of Otago Fact Sheet

The student-to-faculty ratio at the University of Otago is 15:1 which means that for every 15 students there is one faculty member.

Otago University Related Videos -

The University of Otago offers a range of scholarships for international students at the UG and PG levels of study. These scholarships cover a large portion of a student's cost of studies. Most financial aids offered by the university are given to students based on merit. Mentioned below are some popular University of Otago Scholarships for International students to apply to.

Source: University of Otago Official Website

Conversion used: NZD 1 - INR 54.49

Also read: Scholarships in New Zealand for Indian Students

The University offers a range of over 200 courses across the UG, PG, and PhD levels of higher studies. Finance, Economics, Entrepreneurship, Business, Management, Marketing, Medicine, Pharmacy, Law, and Arts, are just some of the areas in which students can pursue University of Otago Programs.

University of Otago Popular Courses

Listed below are some popular course options for international students to consider at the Otago University.

• MSc in Computer Science
• Bachelor of Health Sciences
• Full-time MBA
• BA in Psychology

University of Otago Online Courses

The Otago University offers several online programs that can be pursued in a very short time and at a student's own pace. Some popular ones include:

• Creative Marketing for Behaviour Change
• Sustainability and the English Language

University of Otago Fees for International Students

The Otago University tuition fees for most courses are between NZD 35,000 and NZD 55,000 or INR 19 Lakhs and INR 30 Lakhs. Students interested in an MBA have to pay the University of Otago MBA fees are NZD 72,612 or INR 39.54 Lakhs for 15 months. Students should also budget for the cost of living in New Zealand.

University of Otago Cost of Attendance

Students can refer the sample budget mentioned below and plan their funds accordingly for studies at Otago University.

Source: University of Otago

1 NZD = INR 54.47

The university has produced many prominent individuals and personalities over the course of its history. This includes New Zealand politicians like Sir Simon Williams, Psychiatrists like Mason Durie, food journalist Alison Holst, among others. Mentioned below is some more on them and others who are part of the University of Otago Notable Alumni network.

Name	Known For	Alumnus
Mason Durie	Psychiatrist Professor of Maori Studies and Research Academic at Massey University Graduated with a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery
Alison Holst	New Zealand Food Journalist Best-selling New Zealand food writer Pursued a Bachelor of Home Science in 1959
Kamisese Mara	Former President of Fiji Studied Medicine at the university
Murray Brennan	New Zealand Surgeon and Oncologist Former Chairman of Surgery at the Memorial Kettering Center in NYC Studied Medicine

The University of Otago graduates are working across some of the best companies in industries like Business Development, Healthcare Services, Education, Operations, and Research, after the latest round of University of Otago Placements. The Career Development Centre provides students with all the support they need related to their careers.

University of Otago Placement Rate

95.6% of the Class of 2024 graduates were able to find jobs, according to the latest annual report published by the university. Mentioned below are the top industries they found jobs in.

ROI After Studies at the Otago University

The university has not officially released the average salary earned by its graduates. However, according to Payscale, the average salary earned by graduates in Dunedin is NZD 71,000 or INR 38.65 Lakhs.

1 NZD = INR 54.44

• University of Otago Deadlines: Nov 15, 2026 (Bachelor of Surveying)
• University of Otago Semester 2 (July Start) Deadlines: Apr 30, 2027 

Students interested in Otago University admissions would need to submit an online application. The University has somewhat competitive admissions, and international students are encouraged to apply a few weeks in advance of the upcoming deadlines. The University of Otago Admission Process is simple and can be completed in a few quick steps.

University of Otago Application Deadlines 2026

Mentioned below are the upcoming deadlines for international students at Otago University.

University of Otago Eligibility Criteria for International Students

The course-specific requirements can vary significantly. However, some conditions are to be satisfied by all students interested in higher studies at Otago University. This includes submtting the list of documents mentioned below.

University of Otago Admission Requirements for International Students Master's

A bachelor's degree from an Indian college or university. Additional requirements include an up-to-date CV, academic records from past study, an indication of the program one is interested in. Students interested in a PhD are encouraged to submit a research proposal.

University of Otago Entry Requirements for International Students UG

Class 12th from AISSC, ISC, or Karnataka, Maharashtra, or West Bengal State Boards, with an overall average of 75%, and a minimum of 60% in English. For all other state boards, an overall average of 80%, with a minimum of 65% in the English subject is required. Students can also submit additional qualifications like the International Baccalaureate.

One of the top universities in the New Zealand, University of Otago ranks at #2 nationally in 2026, as per Shiksha Popularity rankings. For 2026, University of Otago ranking is #260 in the world rankings. Subject rankings of University of Otago are also provided below:

By Other Ranking Bodies

Apart from Shiksha Popularity ranking, QS has also ranked the university globally. It ranks University of Otago at #198 in 2027. University of Otago ranking stood at #290 globally as per US News in 2026 and #351 by THE in 2026, globally.