Indian Students Drive 45% Rise at University of Otago; New Zealand Rolls Out Scholarships Worth NZD 45,000

Indian students now form 11% of New Zealand’s international enrolments; Otago to host outreach events in Delhi, Bangalore, and Mumbai this September

Indian students are emerging as a key driver of international education growth in New Zealand, now accounting for 11% of the country’s foreign enrolments. The University of Otago, which recorded a 45% surge in Indian enrolments in 2024, has announced a suite of new scholarships worth up to NZD 45,000 to further support this growing demand.

In collaboration with market-entry specialist OneStep Global, Otago will host its inaugural Otago Experience Student Outreach initiative this September across Delhi, Bangalore, and Mumbai. The events will allow students and parents to meet Otago faculty, alumni, and representatives, explore academic programmes across Health Sciences, Business, Humanities, and Sciences, and gain insights into career pathways and life in New Zealand.

The new scholarships range from NZD 15,000 for undergraduate students to packages valued at NZD 45,000, including first-year residential college accommodation for top academic achievers. “This is a first-of-its-kind event, and it’s incredibly exciting,” said Hon Grant Robertson, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Otago and former Deputy Prime Minister of New Zealand. “We are proud of our long-standing partnerships in India, and this roadshow reflects the strength of that connection.”

Otago graduates enjoy strong employability, with 95% securing jobs within six months of graduation and earning an average salary of NZD 87,400. Alumni work with leading employers such as ANZ, Deloitte, Fonterra, and ASB Bank, with many moving into leadership roles across sectors.

Located in Dunedin, New Zealand’s only true university city, Otago is consistently ranked among the world’s most beautiful campuses and is recognised as the country’s leading postgraduate research university. “Indian students are increasingly seeking destinations that combine academic excellence with long-term career outcomes, and Otago fits that demand perfectly,” said Aritra Ghosal, Founder & Director, OneStep Global.