University of Otago
University of Otago overview
The Otago Provincial Council founded the University of Otago in 1869, making it one of New Zealand's oldest universities. It was set up to teach arts, medicine, law, and music, and it opened to students in 1871.
Over time the university widened its scope with new disciplines and programs. It played a significant role in medical education during World War I. In 1921 it was the site of New Zealand's first radio broadcast.
The university reached beyond Dunedin by opening Health Sciences campuses in Christchurch and Wellington, plus a knowledge and teaching center in Auckland. Its governance has also changed through reforms that ensure representation from a diverse range of stakeholders.
Otago has consistently excelled in research and teaching, and it has produced many significant figures throughout its history. It was the first university in Australasia to admit women to law studies. Ethel Benjamin was the first woman to do so, graduating with a law degree in 1897.
The university remains a leading institution in New Zealand, known for its strong academic reputation and vibrant student life.
About University of Otago
The Otago Provincial Council founded the University of Otago in 1869, making it one of New Zealand's oldest universities. It was set up to teach arts, medicine, law, and music, and it opened to students in 1871.
Over time the university widened its scope with new disciplines and programs. It played a significant role in medical education during World War I. In 1921 it was the site of New Zealand's first radio broadcast.
The university reached beyond Dunedin by opening Health Sciences campuses in Christchurch and Wellington, plus a knowledge and teaching center in Auckland. Its governance has also changed through reforms that ensure representation from a diverse range of stakeholders.
Otago has consistently excelled in research and teaching, and it has produced many significant figures throughout its history. It was the first university in Australasia to admit women to law studies. Ethel Benjamin was the first woman to do so, graduating with a law degree in 1897.
The university remains a leading institution in New Zealand, known for its strong academic reputation and vibrant student life.
University of Otago faculties and programs
History
Human Nutrition
Geographic Information Systems
Energy Management
Biomedical Science
Health Science
Ecology
Economics
Education
Energy Science and Technology
University of Otago scholarships and financial aid
The University of Otago offers a variety of scholarship and funding opportunities to international students. Keep in mind that these programs have limited capacity and funding. Awards are granted based on financial need, and admission standards are high. If you are interested in applying, you can explore the available options at the link below.
University of Otago Exam Requirements
Submitting at least one of the exams below with the required score is a prerequisite for application. The score threshold may vary by program.
How to get into University of Otago
The University of Otago offers preparatory programs under the name "Foundation Studies". If you are about to begin university studies, they prepare you for higher education and help you develop language proficiency.
To apply to undergraduate programs at the University of Otago, you must meet the following admission requirements:
- 4-Year High School Diploma
- High GPA
- International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma
or - 3 GCE A-Level Certificates
or - Completion of the Foundation Studies program offered by the University of Otago
or - Admission to and completion of the first year of a 4-year undergraduate program at a university in Turkey that the University of Otago recognizes
- The University of Otago may ask to see your YKS exam results, in line with the university's admission procedures.
- English Proficiency Certificate
- An English Proficiency Certificate earned through exams such as IELTS, TOEFL, Cambridge C1 Advanced, or Cambridge C2
To apply to graduate programs at the University of Otago, you must meet the following admission requirements:
- Bachelor's Degree Diploma
- High GPA
- English Proficiency Certificate
- An English Proficiency Certificate earned through exams such as IELTS, TOEFL, Cambridge C1 Advanced, or Cambridge C2
- A GRE/GMAT score may be required, depending on the program's admission requirements.
- Up-to-date CV
- Statement of Purpose
- Letter of Recommendation
Take a closer look at University of Otago
The university has 4 academic divisions. They are the Division of Humanities, the Division of Health Sciences, the Division of Sciences, and the Division of Commerce (Otago Business School). The Otago School of Medicine, founded in 1875, is also one of only two medical schools in New Zealand.
The main campus is in the city of Dunedin, and it holds all 4 academic divisions and the administration building. Satellite campuses are in Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, and Invercargill.
The Christchurch and Wellington campuses house the faculties of Medicine and Health Sciences. They offer clinical training programs in medicine and physiotherapy, as well as graduate programs. Online programs suitable for distance learning are also available.
The Invercargill campus is home to the University of Otago College of Education. The university's Department of Marine Science is on the Otago Peninsula and works with the university-owned Portobello Marine Science Laboratory.
The main campus has 14 residential colleges. Residence halls are typically for first-year students, but most upper-class and even graduate students also tend to live in the residential colleges.
The residential colleges provide meals as well as accommodation. Social and health services are offered to students too.
For over 100 years, the Otago University Students' Association, known as OUSA, has worked to maximize the university experience for students. You can join more than 160 student clubs.
The OUSA building also offers housing support and spaces where you can study or gather, and it serves breakfast and lunch.
Various gyms and sports fields, a sauna, and numerous libraries are open for student use. A variety of events are organized each year, so students can enjoy themselves while learning.
The highlights include O-Week, an orientation week for first-year students at the start of the year. Also on the list are Toga Parade, a costume party with a Greek theme, and the clock tower race. A wide range of arts, film, and music events are held each year as well.
The University of Otago has a large alumni network of people who have achieved outstanding success across a wide range of fields. Notable alumni of the university include:
- Arthur Henry Adams
- Barbara Anderson
- Rui Maria de Araújo
- Annette Baier
- Muriel Bell
- David Benson-Pope
- W. D. Borrie
- Christine Jensen Burke
- Dame Silvia Cartwright
- Brian Christie
- Nathan Cohen
- John Coverdale
- John Crump
- Thomas Davis
- Bill English
- Solomon Faine
- Jon Gadsby
- John Gallas
University of Otago awards and achievements
- 12 Rhodes Bursiyeri among alumni
University of Otago Frequently Asked Questions
University of Otago Location
Dunedin, Otago, New Zealand
University of Otago Contact
University of Otago
Take a Closer Look
How to Get Into University of Otago
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