The University of Otago, established in 1869, is not only New Zealand’s first and oldest university, but one of its most renowned, with a global reputation for excellence in research, teaching and student experience. As the top ranked institution for educational performance in New Zealand, Otago boasts world-class education, state-of-the-art facilities, and an unrivalled student experience in Oceania’s only true student city.
Why Otago?
- Top 1% of universites globally, ranked 206th in the world (2023 QS Rankings)
- #1 in New Zealand for educational performance, with high student satisfaction and world-class teaching from leading academics
- #1 in New Zealand for International Student Learning
- Ranked 22nd in sustainability in the world inaugural 2023 QS Sustainability rankings.
- 5th most beautiful campus in the world (Times Higher Education, The Student Voice 2022)
- 170+ student clubs and societies
- Outstanding graduate outcomes – 95% of our graduates go directly into work or further study
Academic excellence and world-class facilities
- Home to world-class facilities, with impressive historic and state-of-the-art, purpose-built buildings, laboratories, libraries, lecture theatres and resources
- Home to New Zealand’s only dental school and the Clinical Services Building, the most technologically advanced facility in Australasia for teaching, patient care and research
- Otago Business School is ranked #1 for research in New Zealand, and is within the top 1% of business schools in the world
- The Otago MBA is ranked #1 in New Zealand
- Over 140+ undergraduate programmes with bachelors’ degrees tailor-made to suit your interests
- Otago holds an unmatched record in the New Zealand National Teaching Excellence Awards
Sustainability is part of Otago’s core ethos
- First New Zealand University to achieve Fair Trade Status
- Ranked 22nd in Sustainability in the world global inaurgal 2023 QS Sustainability Rankings
- Purpose-built halls of residence with Greenstar certification
- Award-winning initiatives from Te Oraka to the Sustainability Neighbourhood
Accomodation
Live within Otago’s vibrant student community in one of our fourteen residential colleges, each with its own unique character and traditions. Build lifelong friendships and immerse yourself in a supportive and engaging community in the 4th safest country in the world (Global Peace Index 2023).
- Best option for first year undergraduate students
- Otago is famous in New Zealand for its outstanding residential college experience
- Welcoming, safe and fully catered (all meals included)
- All offer academic support, pastoral care and an inclusive social programme
Life on campus
The main campus is in the city of Dunedin – New Zealand’s student captial and is the first choice of over 20,000 students from 90+ countries, who live, work and study in the city, creating a unique energy and atmosphere found only at Otago!
- Adventure on your doorstep: No other city in New Zealand has the same range, quality and accesssibility of leisure activities
- Ranging recreational activities – in all four seasons!
- Spend your weekends skiing at New Zealand’s top ski fields in Central Otago or visit Dunedin’s stunning peninsula- home to rare creatures such as the Yellow-eyed penguin
- Find the University of Otago on YouTube to watch our 360° Campus video! Apply now to have a once in a lifetime experience at Otago – New Zealand’s first University.
