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University of Otago, Dunedin

Otago, New Zealand | Estd in 1869 | Government University

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About University of Otago

The University of Otago is a public research university that was established in 1869. The Otago main institution was located in Dunedin, Otago, New Zealand. The infrastructure of the campus is 111 acres (45 hectares). The University of Otago reported that there are 21,000 students enrolled to pursue the desired course.

The acceptance rate of the University of Otago ranges approximately from 58%, which indicates that it's a little complicated or slightly difficult for students to get admission to the institution. Out of 100 applicants, 58 had possibilities for admission intake. Students with previous good academic achievement can be eligible for admission.

At the University of Otago, an eligible GPA of 3.0 or higher will be considered a competitive entry. The minimum score for the SAT is 1210, or an ACT score of around 27 at the University of Otago. Additionally, international students should have proof of their English proficiency scorecard, such as TOEFL iBTIELTSDuolingo, etc.

Based on the latest record of the University of Otago, there are 1,948 international students (including NZ citizens overseas) from more than 100 countries. In total, 733 were undergraduate students and 747 were postgraduates. The majority of international students are from China, the USA, Malaysia, India, and Sri Lanka. 68 of those students are from India.

The application deadline for second-semester international students at the University of Otago is April 30, 2024. International applicants are not required to pay an application fee to the University of Otago.

The specialized courses at the University of Otago include agricultural innovation, bioethics, botany, dentistry, energy science and technology, entrepreneurship, neuroscience, and pharmaceutical science. In the QS World University Ranking for 2024, this university ranks in the 206th position.

The University of Otago has campuses in five main centres, which are situated in Dunedin, Christchurch, Wellington, Invercargill, and Auckland throughout New Zealand and Australia.

Also Read: Top Universities in New Zealand

University of Otago Highlights

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Year of Establishment1869
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Institute TypeUniversity
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OwnershipPublic/Government
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Number Of Students21068
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Faculty Count1631
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Fee Range₹17.46 L - ₹23.91 L/yr
Bachelors vs Masters
Gender Ratio
Male: 39%Female: 61%
Male: 39%Female: 61%
Student Demographic
  • International:   1480
  • Indian:   68

University of Otago Courses

For both domestic and international students, the University of Otago in New Zealand provides more than 200 degree programmes for undergraduates and postgraduates. The specialised courses at the University of Otago include agricultural innovation, bioethics, botany, dentistry, energy science and technology, entrepreneurship, neuroscience, and pharmaceutical science.

The institution offers qualifications in areas of study such as arts and music, commerce, dentistry, education, health sciences, a higher doctorate, higher education qualifications, legal qualifications, medical qualifications, pharmacy qualifications, physical education qualifications, physiotherapy qualifications, science qualifications, surveying qualifications, and theology qualifications.

The University of Otago provides a medical degree at its campus which is also known as MB ChB. The programme’s duration is 6 years. The first year focuses on Health Sciences, the second and third year is on Early Learning in Medicine (ELM), and the rest course period is devoted to Advanced Learning in Medicine (ALM).

Also Read: Popular Courses in New Zealand

Education Level
Select
Stream
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Mode
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LevelUG
MajorGeneral
Duration72 Months
Fees20.19 L/yr
Exams AcceptedIELTS
LevelUG
MajorChemistry
Duration36 Months
Fees21.05 L/yr
LevelUG
MajorFisheries
Duration36 Months
Fees21.29 L/yr
LevelUG
MajorSports
Duration36 Months
Fees21.32 L/yr
LevelUG
MajorFinance
Duration36 Months
Fees19.74 L/yr
LevelUG
MajorEconomics
Duration36 Months
Fees19.74 L/yr

University of Otago Fees

CoursesDurationInternational StudentLocal Student
B.Sc.(17 courses)3 years₹17.46 L - ₹21.34 L/yr₹3.99 L/yr
M.Sc.(13 courses)2 years₹23.91 L/yr₹4.43 L/yr
B.Com(9 courses)3 years₹19.74 L - ₹20.50 L/yr₹3.19 L/yr
M.Com(8 courses)1 year₹19.01 L - ₹21.92 L/yr₹3.66 L/yr
M.B.B.S.(1 courses)6 years₹20.19 L/yr₹8.86 L/yr

University of Otago Cost Of Living

The tuition fee for one semester of Study Abroad at the University of Otago is NZD 13,200. The Cost of Living calculation may vary according to applicants' budgets. Here the common expense information are given below by the University of Otago;

Estimated Living Cost for international students at University of Otago (per semester)

Essentials 

Expenses 

Rent (accommodation including electricity, bed linen, and Uni Flats support and community events)

NZD 5,784

Food 

NZD 2,100

Personal Expenses

NZD 2,640

Textbooks, equipment

NZD 350

Insurance 

NZD 375

Total Living Costs

NZD 11,249


International Tuition Fee (based on previous year)

Semester fee

NZD 13,200

Full year (two semester)

NZD 26,400

Summer school

NZD 3,300 per course

(maximum of two courses permitted)


Is it expensive to study at the University of Otago? 

The University of Otago is one of the most affordable universities compared to other competitive universities in New Zealand. The semester fee per year for international students at Otago University is NZD 13,200 and for two semesters the fee ranges around NZD 26,400. Also, the University of Otago offers various scholarships and awards for both domestic and international students.

University of Otago Admission and Application

The acceptance rate of the University of Otago is approximately 58%, which means out of 100 applicants 58 students can get the opportunity to pursue their desired programs in the university. The institution advises the student to apply before the application deadline because of the high demand. There is no application for international students at Otago.

How to apply for UG and PG admission at University of Otago?

  • The first step in the application process is to visit the official website of the University of Otago.

  • Click on the option of ‘Study Abroad’ and read all the required details for a clear understanding. Choose the desired course.

  • Now, scroll down to give access to apply now, and create an account for incoming study abroad students to complete the process of application. Now, review all the information you provided and submit it through the portal.

Documents Required for UG and PG Admission at University of Otago

  • Evidence of academic transcripts and graduation certificates.

  • Scores representing English language proficiency such as TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic, IELTS.

  • A key/guide to the grading system must also be included.

  • Visa requirements.

  • Two letters of recommendation.

Note: The University of Otago will contact you directly if additional information is required.

Application Deadlines for UG and PG Admission at University of Otago

Application Closing Dates at University of Otago 2024

Semester 

Closing Dates

First Semester

December 1

Second Semester

April 30

Summer School

October 31

University of Otago Scholarship

A variety of scholarships are available from the University of Otago that help students pay for their education. Some scholarships honour sports and educational achievement, while others encourage social participation and are awarded based on financial need.

Degree 

Scholarships 

Undergraduate scholarships 

  • University of Otago Entrance Scholarships

  • Vice-Chancellor's Scholarships for International Students

Postgraduate scholarships 

  • University of Otago Coursework Master's Scholarship

  • University of Otago International Master's Research Scholarship

  • Vice-Chancellor's International Postgraduate Scholarships

Doctoral scholarships

University of Otago Doctoral Scholarships

External scholarships 

University of Otago Pathway │ Te Huarahi Scholarship

Pathway Scholarship

New Zealand Excellence Awards (India) 


Also Read: Scholarships for Indian Students at New Zealand

University of Otago Eligibility

The eligibility requirements for the University of Otago may change depending on the course requirements; thus, new applicants must research the degree courses and confirm their eligibility. However, the requirements for international candidates to be eligible for different degree courses are listed below.

  • Current enrollment at an accredited academic institution such as ISC, HSC for Indian students.

  • Candidates must have finished at least one semester of full-time study at a university with authorization.

  • A cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 or higher.

English Language Proficiency Requirements at University of Otago

For an applicant to fulfil the academic criteria of the University of Otago, applicants who are not native English speakers must provide documentation of their English language skills. Standardized examinations like the TOEFL iBT, IELTS Academic and others can be used by applicants to demonstrate their English skills. Two years before the application date, the examinations must be completed.

  • IELTS score of 6.0 in the academic module (no individual band below 5.5)

  • Internet-based TOEFL score of 80 (minimum writing score of 20)

Note: The University of Otago may accept Indian students accredited institution scorecards for English language proficiency. Only the eligible percentage 70% or higher can be accepted by the university.

University of Otago International Office Details

The University of Otago's most recent records show that 1,948 foreign students—including New Zealanders studying abroad—come from more than 100 nations. 747 students were postgraduates and 733 undergraduates overall. Chinese, American, Malaysian, Indian, and Sri Lankan students make up a large percentage of foreign enrollment. Among those pupils, 68 are from India. Additionally, international students should have proof of their English proficiency scorecard, such as TOEFL iBT, IELTS, Duolingo, etc.

Is it hard to get admission in the University of Otago?

The University of Otago has an acceptance rate that hangs around 58%, suggesting that it might be a bit challenging for candidates to get accepted into the school. Of the 100 candidates, 58 were eligible for admission. Students may be admitted if they exhibit previous educational achievements. International students can contact the University of Canterbury at the given details.

Address: 362 Leith Street, Dunedin North, Dunedin 9016, New Zealand

Phone: +64 3 479 7000

Email: international@otago.ac.nz

Website: http://www.otago.ac.nz/international

FAQ's

In 1869, the University of Otago was founded as a public research institution. Otago, New Zealand's Dunedin, was the site of the main Otago institution. The campus has 45 hectares, or 111 acres, of infrastructure. The school offers students a dynamic, rich education and a supportive atmosphere to help them achieve their professional objectives. There are 21,000 students registered to pursue the desired course, according to the University of Otago.

The University of Otago and Auckland are the two leading universities with the best teaching in New Zealand. But compared to Otago University, the University of Auckland is a better option for international students because the Auckland institution provides a more affordable fee and also ranks higher globally than the University of Otago.

The University of Otago provides full scholarships based on the student's previous academic performance. Some scholarships honour sports and educational achievement, while others encourage social participation and are awarded based on financial need. This scholarship includes all areas of study for both undergraduates, postgraduates, and full-time doctoral students.

The University of Otago is placed 206th in the QS World University Rankings for the 2024 edition. The university's reputation was enhanced in comparison to the QS World University Rankings of 2023, where it was listed in 217th place. The university takes pride in maintaining its overall rating of second place among New Zealand's universities in the 2024 QS World University Rankings.