In short
The University of Otago, established in 1869, is New Zealand's top-ranked research university, offering a QS Five Stars Plus rating. Located in the affordable student city of Dunedin, it provides strong academic programs, particularly in health sciences, and a dynamic student life.
Key facts
- Type
- Public
- Founded
- 1869
- Students
- 25,000
- International students
- 4,000
- Acceptance rate
- 65%
- Tuition (intl)
- €4–14k/yr
- Languages
- EN
- Location
- Dunedin, New Zealand
The University of Otago, New Zealand's oldest university, was established in 1869 and is recognised as the country's leading research institution. Consistently ranked in the top 1% of universities globally, it holds a QS Five Stars Plus rating for both teaching and research. The main campus in Dunedin features a stunning blend of historic and modern architecture set along the Water of Leith. Otago is organised into four divisions — Health Sciences, Sciences, Commerce, and Humanities — and maintains campuses in Christchurch and Wellington for health sciences training. It offers competitive programmes in medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, law, sciences, and business, and is particularly known for producing exceptional health professionals. With 25,000 students and a world-famous student culture in Dunedin, Otago offers an unmatched combination of academic rigour and quality of life. The university provides extensive scholarship support, world-class research facilities, and a supportive environment for both domestic and international students.
Why study here
- New Zealand's oldest and highest-ranked research university — top 200 globally by QS.
- Exceptional programmes in health sciences: Otago's medical and dental schools are among the world's most respected.
- Dunedin is one of the world's great student cities — compact, affordable, culturally diverse, and surrounded by stunning natural scenery.
- Access to world-class research facilities and a track record of contributions in health, science, and humanities.
- Strong scholarship support including Doctoral, Māori, Pacific Islands, and China Scholarship Council awards.
Student life
The University of Otago offers a dynamic student life centred around its main campus in Dunedin, often recognised as one of the world's most beautiful university campuses. The campus features a mix of historic and modern buildings, extensive green spaces, and the Leith river. Facilities include cafés, libraries, high-tech learning spaces like the Bloomberg Markets Lab, and student support services. Recreation is a key part of student life, with the Unipol facility offering weight training, cardio, group fitness classes, and social sports. Dunedin itself is an active city, providing abundant opportunities for outdoor activities such as surfing, kayaking, mountain biking, and exploring the Otago Peninsula's unique wildlife, all within easy reach of the campus. The city also celebrates its Māori, Chinese, and Scottish heritage through various cultural events.
Fees
InternationalTuition fees for international students vary by programme. Typical international fees range from NZD 30,000–50,000 per year (approx. EUR 17,000–29,000) for most degrees; medicine and dentistry are significantly higher. Fees increase annually. Payment in NZD can be made by internet banking or credit card (2% surcharge).
HomeDomestic tuition fees are calculated annually and available in the fees guide. Payments are due by February 25th for the academic year, July 10th for Semester 2 only, and January 9th for Summer School. A late payment fee of NZD $100 applies. The compulsory Student Services Fee and Pūtea Tautoko (Student Relief Fund Fee) are additional costs.
LivingAccommodation fees for 2026 Uniflats range from NZD $281.50–$557.50 per week depending on room type. Most first-year students live in residential colleges near campus. Dunedin is one of New Zealand's most affordable student cities; total living costs are approx. NZD 15,000–20,000 per year (EUR 8,700–11,600).
Scholarship recipients may have tuition fees covered directly by their scholarship. The Student Services Fee and Pūtea Tautoko are compulsory and separate from tuition.
Admissions
Undergraduate EntryNew Zealand University Entrance or equivalent international qualification; competitive entry for health sciences programmes requires high academic achievement.
Postgraduate EntryBachelor's degree with strong academic record; health professional entry programmes have additional selection criteria.
Application TimelineApplications for Health Sciences First Year (HSFY) typically open July–August for the following February intake.
IELTS6.0–7.0 overall (programme-dependent; Medicine 7.0)
TOEFL iBT80–100 (programme-dependent)
PTE Academic50–65 (programme-dependent)
Rankings
QS World University Rankings 2025197
QS Stars Rating5 Stars Plus
Times Higher Education 2024201
Shanghai ARWU 2023301
University scholarships
University of Otago Doctoral ScholarshipNZD 34,128/year plus tuition waiver
University of Otago Māori Doctoral ScholarshipNZD 34,128/year plus tuition waiver
University of Otago Pacific Islands Doctoral ScholarshipNZD 34,128/year plus tuition waiver
University of Otago China Scholarship Council Doctoral ScholarshipFull funding via CSC
Gilbert M. Tothill Scholarship in Psychological MedicineNZD 10,000/year
Accreditation
The University of Otago is a New Zealand public university established by the University of Otago Act 1961, accredited and quality assured by the New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA) and the Academic Quality Agency for New Zealand Universities (AQA).
Programs
a selectionUniversity of Otago · New Zealand
Bachelor of Commerce and Science (BComSc)
The Bachelor of Commerce and Science (BComSc) is a four-year undergraduate degree at the University of Otago that allows you to combine a major in Commerce with a major in Science. This interdisciplinary approach enables you to develop a unique skillset, blending business acumen with scientific knowledge, which can lead to a wider range of career opportunities. This program is designed for students who wish to pursue their interests in both business and scientific fields. It fosters critical thinking, problem-solving, and adaptability – highly valued skills in today's diverse job market. By tailoring your degree with numerous subject combinations, you can align your studies with your specific career aspirations in areas like nature, nutrition, animal studies, or mathematics.
Bachelor's
Level
€22k
Tuition
48 mo
Duration
University of Otago · New Zealand
Bachelor of Engineering with Honours (BEng(Hons)) in Software Engineering
The Bachelor of Engineering with Honours (BEng(Hons)) in Software Engineering is a four-year degree program designed to equip students with the skills to design and build large, interactive software applications. You will learn programming skills directly applicable to real-world software development, preparing you for global career opportunities in the tech industry. The program emphasizes a blend of technical coding with creative problem-solving, encouraging critical thinking and ethical development practices. Students gain practical work experience through internships in their second, third, and final years, ensuring they graduate job-ready. The curriculum also allows for specialization in emerging fields like artificial intelligence and human-computer interaction.
Bachelor's
Level
—
Tuition
48 mo
Duration
University of Otago · New Zealand
Diploma in Arts, Commerce, and Science at the University of Otago
The University of Otago offers three Diplomas: Diploma in Arts (DipArts), Diploma in Commerce (DipCom), and Diploma in Science (DipSc). These are NZQF Level 5 qualifications designed for highly motivated students who narrowly miss direct university entrance requirements. The diplomas provide a focused and supportive learning environment, enabling students to gain university-level credits and prepare for direct entry into the second year of relevant Bachelor's degree programmes at Otago. The programmes incorporate Māori and Pacific perspectives, fostering cultural understanding alongside academic skills.
Diploma
Level
—
Tuition
12 mo
Duration
University of Otago · New Zealand
Human Nutrition
Discover how food, nutrients, and eating patterns influence growth, development, physical performance, and health. In this program, you will explore societal challenges related to nutrition and its impact on all aspects of health, including healthy ageing, obesity, and the social and psychological effects of food. You will gain knowledge and skills to improve individual and population health and wellbeing, guided by experts and practising nutritionists. The program covers the biological foundations of nutrition, lifecycle nutrition, diet's role in chronic disease, and strategies for diverse communities, while also examining cultural and social influences on dietary habits. Practical projects allow you to monitor your body's response to food and develop research skills. Graduates can apply for student membership with the Nutrition Society of New Zealand and may become Registered Associate Nutritionists.
Bachelor's
Level
—
Tuition
36 mo
Duration
University of Otago · New Zealand
Languages and Culture: Asian Studies
The Asian Studies programme at the University of Otago is a recognized area of research excellence. It offers a multidisciplinary approach, drawing on expertise from across the Humanities, Commerce, and Health Sciences divisions. The programme engages in both individual and collaborative projects, focusing on the comprehensive study of Asia through discipline-based and interdisciplinary methods.
Bachelor's
Level
—
Tuition
—
Duration
University of Otago · New Zealand
Māori Studies
Māori Studies at the University of Otago offers a unique opportunity to engage with the Māori language (te reo Māori), customs (tikanga Māori), and the Māori world (te ao Māori). This program explores contemporary issues relevant to Māori communities, including health, education, and the environment, while fostering critical thinking, communication, and cultural fluency. You will join a vibrant learning community within Te Tumu – School of Māori, Pacific, and Indigenous Studies, which is renowned for its research and teaching in Indigenous knowledge. The program is multidisciplinary, allowing you to tailor your studies to your interests and combine Māori Studies with other subjects.
Bachelor's
Level
—
Tuition
36 mo
Duration
Scholarships
for New Zealand
full fundingTe Herenga Waka - Victoria University of Wellington
Craig Buck Andrews PhD Scholarship
Open to domestic and international applicants of all nationalities who are admitted to, or enrolled in, a full-time PhD in the School of Accounting and Commercial Law at Victoria University of Wellington. The doctoral thesis must address financial reporting or financial management in developing countries, with a focus on capacity building in primary industries or industries operating under concession agreements. Preference may be given to applicants from developing nations who intend to return home after completing their studies. Applicants must meet the university's standard doctoral entry requirements.
full
Funding
€57k
Max
Oct 31, 2026
Deadline
full fundingNew Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT) – New Zealand Aid Programme
Manaaki New Zealand Scholarships
For citizens of eligible developing countries (Pacific, Asia, Africa, Latin America, and the Caribbean) who meet age, work-experience, and academic requirements, and who commit to returning home for at least 2 years after study. Applicants apply online and, for some countries, through local processes.
full
Funding
€45k
Max
Feb 28, 2027
Deadline
partial fundingLincoln University, New Zealand
Lincoln University New Zealand International Scholarships
Open to new international students enrolling in undergraduate, foundation/pathway, or 180-credit taught master's programmes at Lincoln University in New Zealand. Award lines have their own rules: the Taught Master's Merit Scholarship requires a B+ average in the final bachelor's year, while undergraduate awards target new school leavers and degree entrants. English language requirements are generally IELTS 6.5 overall with no band below 6.0. Each scholarship line has its own application route and deadline.
partial
Funding
€6k
Max
Jan 31, 2027
Deadline
full funding
Wellcome Trust
Wellcome Trust Fellowships and Grants (for international researchers)
For researchers at different career stages working on health-related science. Wellcome funds a family of fellowships and grants — early-career, career-development, and discovery awards, plus team and translational funding — each with its own eligibility, value, and call deadline. There is no single scholarship application; you apply to the specific scheme that fits your stage and project.
full
Funding
€3000k
Max
Rolling
Deadline
full funding
Wellcome Trust
Wellcome International Training Fellowships
For early-career researchers based in low- and middle-income countries (outside the high-income world) who want protected time and support for research training in health, often including a PhD or postdoctoral research. Wellcome's scheme names and exact criteria change over time, so applicants should check the current relevant Wellcome funding scheme.
full
Funding
€150k
Max
Rolling
Deadline
full funding
European Commission - European Research Executive Agency (REA)
Marie Sklodowska-Curie Actions Postdoctoral Fellowships
Open to researchers of any nationality who hold a PhD (or will have defended their doctoral thesis by the call deadline) and have at most 8 years of full-time-equivalent research experience after the PhD. Applicants apply jointly with a host organisation - a university, research institution, business, SME, or other body based in an EU Member State or a country associated to Horizon Europe. European Postdoctoral Fellowships are open to all nationalities for a project inside the EU or an associated country; Global Postdoctoral Fellowships are reserved for EU nationals or long-term residents who carry out a phase in a third country before returning to Europe. Researchers who have been displaced by conflict and those restarting a research career after a break are explicitly encouraged to apply.
full
Funding
€100k
Max
Sep 10, 2026
Deadline
Frequently asked questions
What are the tuition fees for international students at the University of Otago?
+
International tuition fees at the University of Otago vary by program, typically ranging from NZD 30,000–50,000 per year for most degrees. Medicine and dentistry programs are significantly more expensive. Fees are subject to annual increases.
What are the estimated living costs for students in Dunedin?
+
Dunedin is considered one of New Zealand's most affordable student cities. Total annual living costs are approximately NZD 15,000–20,000. Accommodation fees for Uniflats in 2026 range from NZD $281.50–$557.50 per week depending on the room type.
What are the English language requirements for international students?
+
International students typically need an IELTS score of 6.0–7.0 overall, a TOEFL iBT score of 80–100, or a PTE Academic score of 50–65. Specific score requirements depend on the program of study, with Medicine requiring a higher IELTS score of 7.0.
When do applications open for the University of Otago, especially for health sciences programs?
+
Applications for postgraduate and health sciences professional programs usually open in July for the following year. The application timeline for the Health Sciences First Year (HSFY) typically opens in July–August for the February intake.
What makes the University of Otago a good choice for international students?
+
The University of Otago is New Zealand's oldest and highest-ranked research university, recognized globally. It offers exceptional health science programs, a vibrant student life in Dunedin, and strong scholarship support.
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