Top global ranking
The University of Otago is ranked in the top 1% of higher education institutions in the world, and has the highest-possible rating of 5 Stars Plus in the QS global university performance ratings.1
Outstanding graduate employability
Employers love Otago graduates. 96% of our graduates go directly into work or further study.2
Otago graduates are recognised for their interpersonal and negotiating skills, conceptual and analytical skills, and independent judgement.
Academic excellence
The University of Otago is New Zealand's top university for educational performance.3
For 8 of the past 11 years, our teachers have beaten all other universities and polytechnics to win the Prime Minister's Supreme Award for Teaching Excellence.4
At Otago, you'll be taught by lecturers and professors who are some of the best in New Zealand, standing shoulder-to-shoulder with the very best in the world.
Amazing facilities
The University of Otago's Central Library (one of nine libraries at Otago) has been considered one of the best in the world. The lnformation Services Building, which incorporates the Central Library, has won a number of architectural awards.5
Our Dunedin campus is recognised as one of the world's most-beautiful campuses.6
We also have genuinely world-class teaching and research labs, performance spaces, lecture theatres, study areas, and sporting facilities.
Extremely high student satisfaction
Student surveys show 98% satisfaction with administration and support; 98% with campus safety; 99% with libraries; 98% with residential colleges; and 97% with sport and recreation facilities.
Sustainability and positive social impact
Otago is the first university in New Zealand to achieve Fair Trade status.7
Our Social Impact Studio achieves student-driven change through volunteering and leadership. We believe in channelling student creativity, vision, and insight for maximum social impact through our incredible volunteer programmes. Around 4,000 Otago students are registered volunteers, working with over 200 community organisations.
Unmatched student experience
In addition to being a centre of academic excellence, Otago is New Zealand's only true residential university. This gives you a student lifestyle that is unparalleled in New Zealand.
85% of our students come from outside Dunedin (including 3,000 international students from 100 countries).
3,500 of our first-year students live at one of 14 residential colleges, located on or near campus.
Most of our 21,000 students live within 1 km of the Dunedin campus – creating our iconic student quarter that features academic, cultural, social, and sporting facilities, just a short walk from the Dunedin city centre.
Being a residential university, Otago offers dozens of on-campus support services. These range from our modern student health centre (with subsidised medical and counselling services), to a superb disability support service, specialised IT support, and a careers service to prepare you for the graduate job market.
And at Otago, there are over 140 student clubs and societies to choose from – so you'll find it easy to make new friends and discover new interests.
Learn more about studying at the University of Otago
The future students website has more information:
About Dunedin
Learn more about the vibrant city of Dunedin
Accommodation
Explore our range of student accommodation options
Entry requirements
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Fees and scholarships
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Key dates for applications
Check dates for applications, scholarships, and residential colleges
Subjects
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References: 1.QS World University Rankings and QS Stars Rating. 2. Graduate Opinion Survey. 3. Tertiary Education Commission Educational Performance Indicators. 4. 2022, 2021,2018, 2016, 2015, 2014, 2013, 2012. 5. pfeiffer. 6.Times Higher Eduation. 7. Fairtrade New Zealand.