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Otago University Admissions 2025: Application Deadline, Requirements & Costs

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#254 in World

#2 in New Zealand

  • Institute Icon111 acre campus
  • Estd. 1869
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Dark Clock Icon Last updated on 18 Sep '25

Otago University Admissions
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The applications for the University of Otago admissions 2025 are mentioned below:

  • Semester 1: Nov 15, 2025
  • Semester 2: Apr 30, 2026

The decision notifications for both semesters can take 4 to 6 weeks after application submission. 

University of Otago Admissions 2025

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Commonly asked questions
Q:   What are the admission requirements at the University of Otago?
A: 

Internataional students are required to meet certain admission requirements by the University of Otago. 

These admission requirements for the University of Otago courses are mentioned below:

Undergraduate (UG) Admissions:

  • International students must have completed 12 years of schooling with a minimal overall average of 75 to 80%, with an English score requirement of 65%
  • English language proficiency is needed for international students can take tests like IELTS, TOEFL, or PTE Academic, with specified minimum scores.
  • For some of the University of Otago Bachelor's courses, a minimum SAT or ACT score is required.

For postgraduate admissions, below mentioned are the requirements for international students are as follows: 

  • A minimum GPA of 3.0 or higher
  • Bachelor's degree from a recognized institution
  • International students are required to demonstrate their English language proficiency via tests such as IELTS/TOEFL, or PTE Academic 
  • To study in New Zealand, some courses and programs may also require professional work experience. 
Q:   Is the University of Otago a good university?
A: 

The University of Otago is very well-known for its strong academic reputation as its ranked in top 1% universities in the world, excellent teaching quality, global employability and a string sense of community. Based on the Shiksha rankings, this university is ranked at #2 among the best universities in New Zealand.

The University of Otago campus has received reviews on Shiksha, based on which, this university receives an overall rating of 4.5 out of 5.0. In parameters like internships, part-time jobs, post-study jobs, permanent immigration, safety, and Indian food, this university has received a perfect 5.0 rating.

Q:   What is the acceptance rate at the University of Otago?
A: 

It can be considered a little hard as the University of Otago acceptance rate stays around 60 to 70%, meaning that out of every 100 applications, only 60 to 70 students are rolled out an offer letter by the university. In thr previous year, this acceptance rate stood around 99% which could be considered really good. 

This decline in acceptance rate suggests that the university id becoming less welcoming over the time. 

University of Otago Eligibility and Fees 2025

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Commonly asked questions
Q:   What GPA is needed to take admission at the University of Otago?
A: 

The acceptance rate at the University of Otago stands at 60 to 70% meaning out of every 100 applicants, only 60 to 70 are rolled out an offer letter. It makes this university a little difficult to get admission at. Below are the admission requirements and the GPA required for students at both levels: 

Undergraduate (UG) Admissions:

·         International students must have completed 12 years of schooling with a minimal overall average of 75 to 80%, with an English score requirement of 65%

·         English language proficiency is needed for which international students can take tests like IELTS, TOEFL, or PTE Academic, with specified minimum scores.

·         For some of the University of Otago Bachelor's courses, a minimum SAT or Act score is required.

Postgraduate (UG) Admissions:

·         A relevant bachelor's degree is required with a 4.0 GPA or higher

·         English language proficiency is needed for which international students can take tests like IELTS, TOEFL, or PTE Academic, with specified minimum scores.

·         Some programs may require work experience or professional registration in New Zealand

·         For programs like PhD, a research proposal may be required.

University of Otago Admission Process 2025

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Commonly asked questions
On Admissions
Q:   Are there any admission deadlines at the University of Otago?
A: 

Yes, there are admission deadlines at the University of Otago as there are two main intakes in a year at this university. 

International students can apply before these intakes which are one in February (Semester 1) and the other one in July (Semester 2). For programs like PhD (Thesis) level, the application deadlines can be year-around. In general, the University of Otago admission period for international students starts from May 1 to November 15 for semester 1 and May 1 to April 20 for Otago semester 2.

Q:   Is expensive to take admission at the University of Otago?
A: 

Tuition fee is an imporatant factor while considering a university. The University Otago can be considered a little expensive as the total cost is made up of components like tuition, hostel, health insurance, and miscellaneous expenses.

The first year tuition fee for UG courses can range anywhere between INR 13.09 L and 21.28 L, for PG courses, it ranges from INR 17.17 L to 55.99 L for a year. By adding up all the other costs, the tuition fee for international student can be significantly higher, for example, for Otago MBA, a student has to pay a total of INR 39.17 L for the first year.

University of Otago MS Admissions 2025

34 courses 1 year - 2 years
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18L - 25.4L

iconEligibility Criteria

  • Accepting Exams: IELTS, PTE, Duolingo, TOEFL
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Commonly asked questions
On MS Admissions
Q:   What are the admission requirements for MS programs at the University of Otago?
A: 

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 meet the mentioned requirements: 

  • A relevant bachelor's degree with a minimum GPA of 3.0
  • Proof of English language proficiency
  • Official academic transcripts, CV/Resume, statement of purpose
  • For some programs, a research proposal might be required
  • A valid passport and other identification documents needed
Q:   What does the MS in Toxicology programme at University of Otago involve and what are the admission requirements for international students?
A: 

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 Thesis Preparation, Current Research Literature in Toxicology, and three approved 400-level papers. Before starting the thesis, students must secure the approval of the research topic and supervisors.

Mentioned below are the admission requirements for international students: 

  • A bachelor's degree with strong performance 
  • Detailed research proposal submission 
  • An updated CV
  • Proof of English language proficiency
  • Official transcripts and identity documents

University of Otago Application Process 2025

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Commonly asked questions
On Application Process
Q:   What is the admission process at the University of Otago?
A: 

International students can apply for the University of Otago admission process via the official website of this university. 

The international students must  gather LORs, SOP, Official transcripts of academic credentials, English test scores, SAT, ACT, GMAT or GRE score, Bank support letter in case of a loan before you apply to the University.

Below are the steps to complete the University of Otago application process:

Step 1: Accept the admission by visiting the website: evision.otago.ac.nz/, after which the university staff will be ready with your enrollment process.

Step 2: Choose your degree programme by taking help and advice from the 'Student Development' group.

Step 3: The students should choose the papers you will study for completing the degree programme on Evision students can also change them later if required.

Step 4: Now, students can pay tuition fees. Students who have a scholarship need to pay only the balance fees obtained after deducting their scholarship from the original fees.

Step 5: After payment of fees, the students should apply for a student VISA by attaching their admission offer letter. Upon getting a VISA, insurance (both travelling and medical) should be obtained as it is mandatory for all international students.

Step 6: On getting the insurance cover, the students can register for the international enrolment and orientation seminar, which is again compulsory for all the students. The students will have to carry their student VISA and passport while attending this seminar.

Q:   What are the documents required to apply to the University of Otago?
A: 

The students are required to submit the documents to make a successful application at the University of Otago. The documents like statement of purpose, letters of recommendation, official transcripts of academic documents, standardized test score results etc. 

Please note that the is no application fee at the University of Otago. After attaining all the mentioned documents, the students can make an application at the Evision portal.

Q:   Do international students require a visa for the University of Otago?
A: 

Yes, international students are required to obtain a visa at the University of Otago as this university is situated in New Zealand. The VISA application fee for New Zealand, is NZD 375 (INR 18,951) which is non-refundable in case of a rejection. 

Below are the documents required that are required to be submitted with the visa fee for the German Consulate or the embassy: 

·         Passport

·         Official documents transcripts

·         Offer letter from the University of Otago (UC)

·         Fee receipt

·         Proof of funds (NZD 20 K per year)

·         Visa application fee

·         Medical fitness proof

·         English Language Proficiency Proofs

·         Travel and medical insurance

·         Evidence of travel plans

·         Financial documents (Bank statements or another documents that might prove the financial background)

·         Support letter issued by the bank in case of a loan

University of Otago Enrollment Statistics 2025

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Otago University
Students Ratings & Reviews

4.1/5
Verified Icon2 Verified ReviewsInfo Icon
Student Views (Based on Reviews)
  • 33% students never faced discrimination in this university
Vibe of Campus
Friendly
Easy going
Multi-dimensional
Fun loving
Internships3
Part time work4.5
Post study jobs3.5
Quality of faculty4.5
Student Life4.5
Value for money3.5
Public transportation4
Safety5
Indian Food4
Permanent Immigration4.5
A
AnonymousVerified Icon
Bachelor of Commerce majoring in Finance - Batch of 2025
4.5
An eye-opening experience with great faculty.
Tips: It's really difficult adjusting to the new environment but once you are used to it, you will really enjoy it. The most important thing is to not get lazy or sack off. Really difficult to get scholarships for international students. There are just more scholarships for domestic students.
Likes (Internships): There are many opportunities to get internships with many local and international companies, especially companies like Big 4. The university also provides many support services regarding the application process and creating your CV. The application process might be a bit tedious sometimes.
Dislikes (Value for money): The tuition fee is really expensive. In my opinion, it's not justified compared to the rates they charge domestic students. But then again, there are many support services available for international students that are not available for domestic students.
Total Monthly ExpenseNZD 1600
Prepping time for classes30 hours/Week
Expected Annual SalaryNZD
Reviewed on 11 Oct 2024Read more
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A
AnonymousVerified Icon
MSc in Microbiology - Batch of 2026
4.1
University of Otago has a great college Life with a balanced equation.
Tips: Before joining college, it's important to research academic expectations, campus culture, financial planning, and personal adjustment. Transitioning to college can be challenging, especially if it involves a cultural shift. Scholarships can be based on merit, athletics, or need. The college often provides emergency hotlines, well-lit pathways, and escort services. The locals are friendly, have diverse cultural offerings, and convenient transportation but there might be heavy traffic congestion or pollution. Overall, I am quite satisfied with my experiences.
Dislikes (Student Life): College life offers a unique blend of academics and social experiences. Students can balance lectures, assignments, and part-time jobs with friendships, clubs, and campus events. The freedom to explore interests, make decisions, and build connections makes college a memorable chapter in life.
Total Monthly ExpenseNZD 4325
Prepping time for classes18 hours/Week
Expected Annual SalaryNZD
Reviewed on 11 Dec 2024Read more
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A
Alok Parekh Verified Icon
Master of International Business (MIntBus) - Batch of 2025
3.7
Internships are not always relevant to your field of studies.
Tips: There was a huge cultural shift that I experienced after coming here, mostly evolving around the soft skills. I was awarded a scholarship of NZD 10,000, for which I didn't have to apply. One gets under the list as they fill out the application form. Later, two students, not sure about the number of students in other courses, were selected for the scholarship. Overall, I am pretty satisfied with the university and course, but not very happy with the country, as finding a full-time job, especially related to your field of study, could be challenging if you are an immigrant.
Likes (Student Life): A typical day at college involved a 2-hour lecture. Besides that, the library offers a wide selection of books covering various academic and non-academic genres. The university's student association organises numerous cultural events, such as Holi, Diwali, and Christmas, providing opportunities to connect with students from diverse backgrounds.
Dislikes (Internships): There is complete support from the concerned people on campus to find internships. They guide you in every step, right from creating a New Zealand-friendly CV to appearing for an interview. However, available internships are not always relevant to your field of studies and may clash with your academics.
Total Monthly ExpenseNZD 1500
Prepping time for classes30 hours/Week
Expected Annual SalaryNZD 70000
Reviewed on 18 Jul 2025Read more
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University of Otago Admission FAQs

Q:   How many colleges and campuses does University of Otago have?
A: 

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.

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Loveleen Sharma

Study Abroad Expert

Loveleen is a seasoned content writer with 4+ years of experience, currently writing for Shiksha. When he is not writing and helping students, he can be found at the movies, reading fiction, and learning a new language.

Otago University

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Otago University
Location

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University CityDunedin, Other - New Zealand, New Zealand
Size of cityMedium
Population of City1,28,800

Otago University
Contact Information

Address

362 Leith Street, North Dunedin, Dunedin 9016, New Zealand
Dunedin ( Other - New Zealand)

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