Quick Summary
Public in Dunedin, New Zealand — University of Otago, est. 1869. Ranked #214 globally by QS World University Rankings 2026, it enrolls 21325 students including 15% from outside New Zealand. Known for strengths in Anatomy and Physiology, Dentistry, Sports-related Subjects, it maintains an acceptance rate of 70%.
01
Institutional Profile
Who they are
New Zealand's oldest university with a world-class reputation for health sciences and a vibrant, unique residential campus culture.
Subject Strengths
Anatomy and PhysiologyDentistrySports-related SubjectsArchaeologyTheologyNursingDevelopment Studies
Founded1869
TypePublic
Total Students21325
Intl Students15%
Faculty Ratio17.5
CampusUrban / Residential
Campus Size25 hectares
Affiliated HospitalsDunedin Hospital, Christchurch Hospital, Wellington Hospital
AccreditationAACSB, EQUIS, NZVCC
02
Global Standing
Three independent ranking systems
QS World 2026
#214
Quacquarelli Symonds
Times Higher Ed
#301-350
THE World University
ARWU Shanghai
#301-400
Academic Ranking
03
Academics & Research
What you can study
Undergraduate, Postgraduate, Doctoral, Professional Doctorates, Diplomas, Certificates
Programs
Available
PhD Programs
Available
Online Programs
Brain Health Research Centre, Edgar Diabetes and Obesity Research, Centre for Sustainability, Christchurch Heart Institute
Research Centers
Very High
Research Output
AACSB, EQUIS, NZVCC
Accreditation
04
Admissions Brief
What it takes to get in
Entry Requirements
Acceptance Rate70%
IELTS6
TOEFL80
Min GPA3
GRENot Available
GMATNot Available
SATNot Available
ACTNot Available
Key Dates
FALLApplication Deadline · July 1
SPRINGApplication Deadline · October 31
MAR-APRDecisions Released
Required Documents
TranscriptsSOPEnglish ScoresLORsPassport
Insider Tip
Apply early for residential colleges. Medicine and Dentistry have highly competitive restricted entry pathways after the first year of Health Sciences.
05
Cost Ledger
Amounts in New Zealand Dollar
UG Tuition
NZ$36,000/yr
per year · NZD
Living Cost
NZ$22,000/yr
per year · NZD
PG Tuition
NZ$41,000/yr
per year · NZD
Total Estimated Annual Cost
NZ$58,000/yr
tuition + living + essentials · NZD
Scholarships AvailableAvailable
Avg Scholarship$6,100
Financial AidAvailable
Work-StudyAvailable
06
Featured & Popular Programs
A sample from Undergraduate, Postgraduate, Doctoral, Professional Doctorates, Diplomas, Certificates programs total
| Program | Level | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Medicine | BACHELOR | 3-4 YRS |
| Dentistry | MASTER | 1-2 YRS |
| Health Sciences | PHD | 3-5 YRS |
| Marine Science | MBA | 12-24 MO |
| Psychology | BACHELOR | 3-4 YRS |
| MBA | MASTER | 1-2 YRS |
07
Career Outcomes
Where graduates land
$55,000
Average Salary After Graduation
95%
Employment Rate
Internship PlacementHigh
Industry Connections
Strong links with NZ Ministry of HealthFonterraMainfreightand global biotech firms.
Notable Alumni
Bill English, David Skegg, Shailesh Gandhi, Mazlan Othman
08
Campus & Student Life
Life beyond lectures
Housing
On-campus available
Sports Facilities
Unipol Recreation Services, Forsyth Barr Stadium access
Student Clubs
Over 170 student clubs and societies
Library Resources
University of Otago Library (including Hocken Collections)
Exchange Programs
Available
Summer Programs
Available