What Makes 3,000+ International Students Choose The University of Otago Every Year?

University of Otago Rankings

• 197th: QS World University Rankings
• 2nd in New Zealand QS World University Rankings
• 351–400: Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings
• 296th: US News Best Global Universities 2025–2026
• Top 1% of universities worldwide
• Dentistry ranked 25th globally (Shanghai Rankings)
• Five Stars Plus QS Stars University Rating for teaching, employability & student experience

The University of Otago offers 200+ undergraduate and postgraduate courses across 4 academic divisions. Making it a truly unique choice for students looking to Study in New Zealand.

Division of Health Sciences:

• Bachelor of Medicine & Surgery (MBChB) 6 years
• Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS)
• Bachelor of Pharmacy
• Bachelor of Physiotherapy
• Master of Public Health (MPH)
• PhD in Health Sciences

Division of Sciences:

• Bachelor of Science (BSc) majors include Psychology, Marine Science, Genetics, Biochemistry, Zoology, and more
• Bachelor of Applied Science
• Master of Science (MSc)
• Master of Applied Science
• PhD in Sciences

Division of Humanities:

• Bachelor of Arts (BA)
• Bachelor of Arts and Science (BASc)
• The Bachelor of Laws (LLB) is one of New Zealand’s most respected law schools
• Master of Arts (MA)
• Master of Laws (LLM)
• PhD in Humanities

Otago Business School (Division of Commerce):

• Bachelor of Commerce (BCom) majors in Accounting, Finance, Marketing, Economics, International Business, Tourism, and more
• Bachelor of Arts and Commerce (BACom)
• Master of Business Administration (MBA)
• Master of Finance
• Master of Entrepreneurship
• PhD in Commerce

Flexible Degrees & Combined Study

The Bachelor of Arts and Science (BASc), Bachelor of Arts and Commerce (BACom), or Bachelor of Commerce and Science (BComSc) allows for 400 possible major combinations. Otago also offers Summer School, Distance Learning, and Study Abroad & Exchange programs for added flexibility.

Academic Requirements

• Undergraduate: Secondary school qualification equivalent to NZ NCEA Level 3 with strong results.
• Postgraduate: Relevant bachelor’s degree with a minimum B+ average
• PhD / Research: Bachelor’s (Honours) or Master’s degree + research proposal
• MBA: Bachelor’s degree + relevant work experience + GMAT/GRE scores

NOTE: Health Sciences programs, including Medicine and Dentistry, are highly competitive and have additional entry requirements. Check your specific course page.

English Language Requirements

IELTS:

• Undergraduate: 0 (no band below 5.5)
• Postgraduate: 5 (no band below 6.0)

TOEFL iBT:

• Undergraduate: 80+
• Postgraduate: 90+

PTE Academic:

• Undergraduate: 50+
• Postgraduate: 58+

NOTE: All test results must be no more than two years old. Some programs require higher scores; always check your course page.

Documents Required

• Academic transcripts and certificates
• Valid passport copy
• English language test scores
• Personal statement (program-dependent)
• CV / Resume (postgraduate applicants)
• Letters of recommendation (select programs)
• Research proposal (PhD only)
• Portfolio (creative programs only)

Intakes & Deadlines

Semester 1

• Starts: February
• Apply By: November

Semester 1

• Starts: July
• Apply By: April

NOTE: International students are not required to pay a University of Otago application fee. Apply as early as possible; competitive programs like Medicine, Dentistry, and Dental Technology close earlier. And always be updated on the official website of the university.

How to Apply

Step 1: Find your course on the University of Otago’s official website
Step 2: Check entry requirements specific to your course and country
Step 3: Prepare your documents, transcripts, passport, English scores, and any extras
Step 4: Apply online through the university’s admissions portal eVision
Step 5: Accept your offer and pay your first semester fees
Step 6: Apply for your Student Visa using your offer letter
Step 7: Arrange accommodation and arrive in Dunedin for orientation

Tuition Fees

The University of Otago tuition fees depend on the course and are charged per paper.

To give you an idea, undergraduate fees can be anywhere between NZD $26,000-$45,000 per annum (₹13-22.5 lakhs) based on the faculty. The postgraduate fees would be around NZD $28,000-$40,000 per annum (₹14-20 lakhs). The fees for PhD and research students are much less at NZD $6,000-$10,000 per annum (₹3-5 lakhs), the same as that for domestic students. Medicine courses have higher tuition fees of more than NZD $90,000 per annum (₹45 lakhs+).

NOTE: It is advised to visit the University of Otago website to find out the fees for the course of your choice.

Living Costs

The cost of living in Dunedin can be approx between NZD $18,000 and $24,000 per annum (approximately ₹9-12 lakh), which includes housing, food, transportation, and other miscellaneous expenses. Dunedin is known to be one of the least expensive places to study in New Zealand.

Scholarships for International Students

Vice-Chancellor’s Scholarship

• NZD $10,000 (₹5 lakh)
• New international UG students auto-assessed

Global Scholarship

• NZD $15,000 (₹7.5 lakh)
• New international UG students from specific countries are auto-assessed

International Academic Excellence Scholarship

• NZD ~$35,000 (₹17.5 lakh)
• High-achieving UG students’ competitive selection

International Master’s Research Scholarship

• NZD $18,204/year + tuition waiver (₹9 lakh+)
• International Master’s by Research students

Doctoral Scholarship

• NZD $33,624/year + tuition waiver for 36 months (₹16.8 lakh+)
• PhD students, domestic & international

Postgraduate Coursework Scholarship

• Partial tuition contribution
• International PG coursework students

The Vice-Chancellor’s and Global Scholarships require no separate application; you are automatically assessed during the admission process.

To study at the University of Otago, you need a New Zealand Fee Paying Student Visa. Always apply through the official Immigration New Zealand portal immigration.govt.nz

Documents Required

• Offer of Place from the University of Otago
• Valid passport (minimum 3 months validity beyond your stay)
• Proof of financial capacity
• Proof of tuition fee payment or a scholarship letter
• Medical and travel insurance
• Health and character requirements (medical exam + police clearance if required)
• English language test scores (if applicable)

Key Requirements

• Visa Application Fee: NZD $850 (₹42,500 approx.)
• Minimum Proof of Funds: NZD $20,000/year (₹10 lakh) for living costs
• Medical Insurance: Mandatory for the entire duration of stay
• Work Rights (Semester): 25 hours per week
• Work Rights (Scheduled Breaks): Unlimited hours
• PhD / Master’s by Research: Unlimited hours year-round

How to Apply

Step 1: Receive your Offer of Place from the University of Otago
Step 2: Pay your first semester tuition fees to confirm enrolment
Step 3: Gather all required documents, including insurance and proof of funds
Step 4: Submit your application online through Immigration New Zealand’s Immigration Online system
Step 5: Pay the NZD $850 visa fee
Step 6: Await decision, apply at least 3 months before your intended travel date
Step 7: Receive a visa grant and fly to Dunedin!

The central university campus in Dunedin itself is renowned as one of the world’s most attractive campuses due to its historic architecture, beautiful open spaces, and the flowing Leith River through its centre. The vast majority of Otago’s 21,000 students live within 1km of campus.

Regarding housing, first-year students tend to reside in one of 15 fully catered residential colleges located on and around the campus. Other options include off-campus shared flats and homestays. Accommodation fees are set at NZD $12,000-$20,000 annually. Early applications are advised because of the quick filling of places. There are over 170 clubs and societies, and a plethora of events organised by the Otago University Students’ Association (OUSA).

All necessary services for international students are offered, such as tutoring programs, healthcare assistance, counselling programs, and specialised International Student Advisers. Dunedin is New Zealand’s only real university city. It is very safe and affordable with a totally student-centred environment. Numerous beaches, natural attractions, mountains, ski resorts, and vibrant café life right there!

95% of Otago University graduates find employment or proceed further into higher studies within six months of graduation. The starting salary for graduates ranges between NZD $60,000-$75,000 (₹30-37.5 lakh). Within five years, it increases sharply, particularly in the fields of health sciences, law, and business.

The Career Development Centre at Otago links up the students with industrial experts through internships, career seminars, and interactions with corporate recruiters. The students of Business are provided with paid internships through the Otago Business School Internship Scheme, while Health Science students obtain hands-on training through hospital internships during their studies.

Some of the top recruiters of Otago University graduates include Deloitte, PwC, Fisher & Paykel Healthcare, Spark NZ, and various Government departments of New Zealand and Australia. The Otago Alumni Community has a global spread spanning over 140+ nations around the world.

It may seem daunting to begin planning your studies abroad, but that’s where our professional counsellors come in to assist you throughout the entire process, all the way from selecting the perfect course at the University of Otago to completing the application procedure.

My Study Offers is a global education platform for students providing comprehensive support from the very start, ensuring that you receive the right advice, enrol in the right program at the right university. All of this comes without any costs – at My Study Offers, you get everything free of charge!

1. What are the entry requirements?

UG: strong secondary school results. PG: bachelor’s degree with a B+ average. An English proficiency test is required for both.

2. How much does it cost to study?

UG fees: NZD $26,000–$45,000/year. Living costs: NZD $18,000–$24,000/year. PhD fees: NZD $6,000–$10,000/year.

3. Are there scholarships available?

Yes, ranging from NZD $10,000 to $35,000 for UG students. PhD students receive a full tuition waiver plus NZD $33,624 annual stipend.

4. Can international students work while studying?

Yes, 25 hours/week during the semester, unlimited during breaks. PhD and Master’s by research students can work unlimited hours year-round.

5. What is the Student Visa fee?

NZD $850 (₹42,500 approx.) non-refundable.

6. What accommodation options are available?

15 catered residential colleges, off-campus flats, and homestays. Costs: NZD $12,000–$20,000/year.

7. When are the application deadlines?

Semester 1: November. Semester 2:  April. Competitive programs close earlier.