

University of Otago : Fees, Rankings, Courses, Reviews
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University of Otago Ranking 2026
University of Otago secured its place in the year 2025 among the top universities in the world with #214 ranking according to the QS. This ranking has seen a declined trend when compared to its past year rank of #206 in 2024.
On the other hand, Shiksha Polpularity Ranking ranked the university at #2 position and THE (Times Higher Education) ranked it at #301 in 2024 at University Ranking.
The University of Otago courses have also secured ranks #5, #3, #1 for its MIM, MS, MBA/PGDM courses, respectively.
#254
#2
Commonly asked questions On Rankings
The University of Otago is ranked in the top 1% of universities in the world, and has the highest-possible rating of 5 Stars Plus in the QS global university performance ratings. The university is ranked #247 in Best Global Universities by US News, #206 in QS World University Rankings 2024, #301-350th in World University Rankings 2024 by Times Higher Education, and #351 in the Center for World University Rankings.
The comparative QS world rankings of University of Otago and University of Waikato are given as follows:
Year | University of Otago | University of Waikato |
---|---|---|
2020 | 176 | 266 |
2021 | 184 | 375 |
2022 | 194 | 373 |
2023 | 217 | 331 |
2024 | 206 | 250 |
University of Otago Programs
The University of Otago offers a broad spectrum of graduate-level, Ph.D., and postgraduate-level courses in several fields of education like Finance, Economics, Entrepreneurship, Business, Management, Marketing, Medicine, Pharmacy, Law, Arts, Social sciences, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics, Zoology, Botany, and Computer science. The university houses more than 19,000 students and over 4,000 staff members.
Also read: Study in New Zealand: Colleges, Eligibility & Scholarships

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University of Otago Admissions 2026
The University of Otago offers admissions during the Semester 1 and 2 for international students.
The admission deadlines for international applicants are given as follows:
Intake | Deadline/Date |
---|---|
Semester 1, 2026 | Nov 15, 2025 |
Semester 2, 2026 | Apr, 2026 (Tentative) |
University of Otago Acceptance Rate
According to various sources, University of Otago has an overall acceptance rate of around 65% making it somewhat selective for international student admissions.
University of Otago Application Fee
University of Otago does not charge any application fees for international student applicants.
University of Otago Eligibility
The eligibility requirements for international students are given as follows:
- Overall average of a minimum of 75% In CBSE or CISCE
- Proof of English Language Proficiency
- Academic Mark sheets and Transcripts
- Copy of Passport
Also read: IELTS score for New Zealand Universities
- Application fees :No Fees
- Type of deadline :Depends on course
Commonly asked questions On Admissions
Yes, an average Indian student from tier 2 or tier 3 cities can join the University of Otago. The University of Otago has a diverse international student community, and the university welcomes students from all over the world. To be admitted to the University of Otago, international students must have a recognised university entrance qualification and they also must have English language skills to be admitted to the University of Otago. The university accepts a range of English language tests, including IELTS, TOEFL, and Cambridge English. To be considered for the Otago Global Student Exchange Programme, international students must have and maintain a minimum B average grade (cumulative GPA of 5).
Regarded as one of the best institutions for obtaining an MBA degree, the University of Otago is among the leading universities in New Zealand. In terms of accounting, finance, economics, and a number of other subjects, it is ranked among the top 200 universities. Therefore, being accepted to this university would not be simple. To enroll in the graduate and undergraduate programmes, you must meet all eligibility requirements and have a strong command of the English language. Only applicants who meet the necessary proficiency requirements and test results will be granted admission to one of the courses after a thorough evaluation.
To apply for a New Zealand visa:
Applicants should be aware that applying online is the recommended way to submit their New Zealand visa application.
Gather your documentation, scan it, and prepare all of your primary and supporting papers in PDF format. Ensure you have scanned and attached a photo of yourself. Applicants are advised to check the official website for the embassy's needed picture criteria.
Depending on the applicant's history, the New Zealand High Commission typically requires 63 calendar days to process a visa. Thus, in order to start their courses, students must apply for their visas at least three months in advance. Finish your online application – You must first register online and complete the form.
Otago UniversityUniversity of Otago Scholarships 2026 for Indian Students
The University of Otago offers a range of scholarships for international students at the UG and PG levels. Some of the international scholarships are given as follows:
- Vice Chancellor Scholarships for International Students
- University of Otago Entrance Scholarships
-
Vice-Chancellor's International Postgraduate Scholarships
-
University of Otago International Master's Research Scholarship
-
University of Otago Coursework Master's Scholarship
-
New Zealand Excellence Awards (India) 2025
Scholarship Name | Target Level | Value / Benefit | Eligibility / Highlights |
---|---|---|---|
New Otago Scholarships (2025 India outreach) | Undergraduate | Ranges from NZD 15,000 (INR 7.77 L) (undergrad) to NZD 45,000 (INR 23.33 L), including first-year residential college fee | Aimed at top academic achievers as part of the new India-targeted scholarship rollout |
Undergraduate Entrance Scholarships (Ongoing) | Undergraduate | NZD 10,000 (INR 5.18 L) to - NZD 45,000 (INR 23.33 L) | For domestic and onshore international students, applies to multiple scholarships (V-C, Leaders of Tomorrow, etc.) |
Global Scholarship (?t?kou Whakaihu Waka) | Undergraduate (certain regions) | NZD 15,000 (INR 7.77 L) credit towards tuition (one-year); semester 2 starters get splitted payments | For students from select countries including India; paid as tuition credit; cannot be deferred |
Scholarship Name / Initiative | Level | Award Value | Includes |
University of Otago Undergraduate Scholarship | Undergraduate | NZD 15,000 – NZD 45,000 (~?7.8 – 23.4 L) | Tuition + first-year accommodation |
Otago Experience Student Outreach | Application Support | N/A | Admission and scholarship guidance |
Source: University of Otago Official Website
Conversion used: NZD 1 - INR 51.85
Commonly asked questions On Scholarships
Indian students can avail scholarships at the University of Otago by following the steps below:
Check the University of Otago's scholarship database: The University of Otago offers a range of scholarships to undergraduate and postgraduate international students each year. Indian students can check the university's scholarship database to find scholarships that they are eligible for.
Apply for entrance scholarships: International students who have completed Years 12 and 13 in a New Zealand school, or a University of Otago Pathway | Te Huarahi programme (or an equivalent foundation course at another New Zealand tertiary institution), are eligible for many of the same entrance scholarships available to domestic students. Indian students can apply for entrance scholarships by completing the scholarship application process outlined on the university's website
Apply for international scholarships: International students are also eligible for a dedicated international scholarship – the Vice-Chancellor's Scholarship for International Students. Indian students can apply for this scholarship by completing the scholarship application process outlined on the university's website.
The University of Otago is among the top choices of international students for pursuing higher education in New Zealand. Otago University offers a large variety of scholarship for its Indian students. The University of Otago scholarships attracts students from all over the world. Some top scholarships offered by Otago University are listed below:
Scholarship Name | Target Level | Value / Benefit | Eligibility / Highlights |
---|---|---|---|
New Otago Scholarships (2025 India outreach) | Undergraduate | Ranges from NZD 15,000 (INR 7.77 L) (undergrad) to NZD 45,000 (INR 23.33 L), including first-year residential college fee | Aimed at top academic achievers as part of the new India-targeted scholarship rollout |
Undergraduate Entrance Scholarships (Ongoing) | Undergraduate | NZD 10,000 (INR 5.18 L) to - NZD 45,000 (INR 23.33 L) | For domestic and onshore international students, applies to multiple scholarships (V-C, Leaders of Tomorrow, etc.) |
Global Scholarship (? t? kou Whakaihu Waka) | Undergraduate (certain regions) | NZD 15,000 (INR 7.77 L) credit towards tuition (one-year); semester 2 starters get splitted payments | For students from select countries including India; paid as tuition credit; cannot be deferred |
Otago UniversityStudents Ratings & Reviews
- Friendly
- Easy going
- Multi-dimensional
- Fun loving
- 33% students never faced discrimination in this university
University of Otago Placements
The University of Otago is highly regarded for offering high placement rate in the New Zealand. Otago University placement rate attracts international students the most. The University of Otago placement rate stands at 95%, and the graduates are employed within 6 months of graduation. This figure states that out of every 100 students, around 95 students secured employment. Otago graduates are constantly in high demand worldwide.
Alumni Statistics: Sectors Placed
The alumni placement highlights at University of Otago are given as follows:
- Some of the top alumni organizations at University of Otago include ANZ, Deloitte, Fonterra, EY, KPMG New Zealand, Westpac New Zealand, Health New Zealand, etc.
- A few of the top alumni industries at University of Otago include Business Development, Community and Social Services, Operations, Sales, Education, Information Technology, Research, etc.
- The top alumni course preferences at University of Otago are Marketing, Psychology, Economics, Accounting and Social Services, Business Administration and Management, Finance, etc.
ROI After Education from Otago University
According to unofficial scources, the average salary of University of Otago graduates is NZD 87,400 (INR 44.79 LPA), per year.
Top Employers
Some of the top employers at University of Otago are listed below:
- University of Otago
- Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora
- University of Auckland
- ANZ
- Deloitte
- Fonterra
- University of Canterbury
- Victoria University of Wellington
- ASB Bank
- EY
- Westpac New Zealand
- Air New Zealand
- University of Melbourne
- New Zealand Rugby
- Microsoft
Also read: Part-Time Jobs in New Zealand for International Students
Commonly asked questions On Placements
The University of Otago placement rate stands at 95%, and the graduates were employed within six months of graduation. University of Otago employment rate attracts students from all over the globe. the average salary of University of Otago graduates is NZD 87,400 (INR 44.79 LPA), per year. Also, Otago University graduates are consistently in high demand worldwide. Otago University graduates are highly skilled in Strategy, Marketing, Business Strategy, Marketing Strategy, Business Development, and more. University of Otago graduates are working in leading sectors such as Sales, Media and Communication, Marketing, Human Resources, Finance, Entrepreneurship, etc. Furthermore, University of Otago graduates are working in esteemed organizations such as:
- ANZ
- Deloitte
- Fonterra
- University of Canterbury
- Victoria University of Wellington
- ASB Bank
- EY
The University of Otago is highly renowned for offering the high placement rate in New Zealand. The university placement rate attracts international students the most. The University of Otago placement rate stands at 95%, and the graduates are employed within 6 months of graduation. This figure states that out of every 100 students, around 95 students secured employment. According to the student reviews on Shiksha, the University of Otago graduates can earn from NZD 80,000 – NZD 87,000 (INR 40.98 LPA – INR 44.57 LPA), per year. The University of Otago graduates are always in high demand all over the world. The university graduates work for top sectors such as Business Development, Healthcare Services, Operations, Education, Research, etc. According to University of Otago reviews posted by students on Shiksha, the university has been rated 4.0 stars for the quality of its faculty. The students rated the University of Otago for placement is as follows:
Parameters | Rating (out of 5) |
---|---|
Internships | 5.0 |
Part Time Work | 5.0 |
Post Study Jobs | 5.0 |
Conversion used above NZD 1 - INR 51.66
The University of Otago is among the top universities for higher education in USA. The University of Otago placement rate is 95%, and the students secured employment within 6 months of graduation. This figure shows that out of 100 students, 95 students secured employment. Otago University graduates work for top companies such as EY, Westpac New Zealand, Air New Zealand, University of Melbourne, New Zealand Rugby, Microsoft, etc.. Moreover, Otago University graduates work for top sectors such Operations, Education, Research, Sales, Finance, Information Technology, etc. Otago University placement rate varies from one programme to another. The average salary of Otago University graduates is NZD 87,400 (INR 44.79 LPA), annually. Furthermore, the University of Otago graduates are highly skilled in the following:
- Leadership
- Customer Service
- Research Skills
- Management
- Communication
- Project Management
- Microsoft Office
- Public Speaking
- Strategic Planning
- Team Leadership
- Strategy
- Marketing
- Business Strategy
- Marketing Strategy
- Business Development
Otago UniversityStudying in New Zealand
Key Facts About New Zealand
Insights on education, demographics & weather.University of Otago FAQs
University of Otago has four campuses across New Zealand. Situated in Dunedin, the main campus houses central administration, Otago Business School and the departments of sciences, humanities and health sciences. The Christchurch campus is home to Christchurch School of Medicine and Health Sciences. The campus is also the center of distance learning, postgraduate education, research, and clinical education. The Wellington campus has the Wellington School of Medicine and Health Sciences, and the Wellington City Office, which is responsible for admissions, summer school, alumni management, business networking, and research. The Auckland campus is responsible for children's issue, distance education, liaison, and course information. The Southland campus is located in Invercargill and provides numerous teacher education programs.
The University of Otago has a total of five campuses and 14 residential colleges. The campuses are listed below:
- Dunedin
- Auckland
- Christchurch
- Invercargill
- Wellington
The 14 residential colleges are divided across 4 departments, viz. Business, health sciences, humanities, and sciences. The residential colleges of the University Of Otago are listed below:
- Aquinas College
- Arana College
- Caroline Freeman College
- Carrington College
- Cumberland College
- Hayward College
- Knox College
- St. Margaret’s College
- Salmond College
- Selwyn College
- Studholme College
- Te Rangi Hiroa College
- Toroa College
- University College
It provides numerous accommodation facilities to the international students who study at its various campuses. The university's accommodation is ideal for the newcomers until they get acquainted with the region's lifestyle and environment. The university is located near the campus and other important parts of the city, making it easy for the residing students to access everything.
Otago University
Student Forum
Answered a month ago
International students are required to meet certain admission requirements to study an MBA at the University of Otago. This is a two-year program, and below are its eligibility requirements:
- International applicants must have an undergraduate degree with an acceptable level of management experience
L
Contributor-Level 8
Answered a month ago
Like all the Otago University MS programs, the MS in Toxicology also includes coursework and research preparation, while the second year focuses on thesis research. This programme is for studying the harmful effects of drugs, industrial chemicals, etc. The coursework includes papers such as Master's
D
Contributor-Level 8
Answered a month ago
The Otago MBA is ranked the best in New Zealand, and it is internationally accredited by EQUIS and AACSB, which are two of the most reputed accreditations in the world, and very universities have both of these. Below are the key features of the Otago MBA:
- It is a two-phase full-time programme starti
P
Contributor-Level 8
Answered a month ago
An MS from the University of Otago lasts from 1 to 2 years. The first year typically involves coursework and research preparation, and from the second year, the focus shifts to thesis research or project work. To be a part of MS admissions at this university, international students are required to m
M
Contributor-Level 8
Answered 3 months ago
The University of Otago is highly regarded for offering the highest placement rates across the nation. University of Otago placement rate stands at is 95%, and the graduates were employed within 6 months of graduation. This figure states that out of 100 students, around 95 students secured employmen
I
Contributor-Level 10
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Otago UniversityCampuses
Otago UniversityContact Information
362 Leith Street, North Dunedin, Dunedin 9016, New Zealand
Dunedin ( Other - New Zealand)
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