University of Otago
University of Otago
The University of Otago is ranked 2nd in New Zealand (QS World University Rankings 2025).
The University of Otago offers an exceptional opportunity to experience the best of New Zealand while studying at the country’s first university. Ranked among the top 1% of universities worldwide, Otago is celebrated for its excellence in research and teaching across a broad range of disciplines.
Offering over 200 programmes across four academic faculties—Health Sciences, Science, Commerce/Otago Business School, and Humanities—the university provides a wide range of flexible study options. Students can personalise their education through elective courses, with degrees like the Bachelor of Arts and Science (BASc) or Bachelor of Arts and Commerce (BACom) offering up to 400 possible major combinations.
The University of Otago holds a QS Five Stars Plus rating for employability, internationalisation, teaching, and research, and is the leading New Zealand university for student performance and retention. Otago students become part of a globally connected academic community, working alongside peers, researchers, and professionals to tackle challenges of international importance.
With campuses in both the North and South Islands, Otago’s main campus in Dunedin is widely recognised as one of the most beautiful in the world. Surrounded by forested hills, beaches, unique wildlife, and a picturesque natural harbour, it offers an inspiring setting for both study and student life.
By completing the NCUK International Foundation Year (IFY) or International Year One (IYOne) at UFC, students can progress seamlessly to the University of Otago and gain access to world-class education and career opportunities.
Life at the University of Otago
The University of Otago offers an outstanding student experience, combining internationally recognised teaching, cutting-edge facilities, world-class research, and a vibrant calendar of extra-curricular activities. Students become part of a diverse and inclusive community that encourages both academic excellence and personal development.
With most of Otago’s 21,000 students living within one kilometre of the Dunedin campus, they enjoy an iconic student quarter filled with academic, cultural, social, and sporting opportunities—all just a short walk from the city centre. Otago’s student lifestyle is truly unique, supported by a dynamic international community of over 3,000 students from more than 100 countries.
Ninety-five percent of University of Otago graduates move on to employment or further study, reflecting the university’s strong focus on career readiness and student success.
The University of Otago Career Development Centre provides a comprehensive range of free services to support students in their career journey. These include career fairs, one-on-one consultations, mentoring, seminars, workshops, and a variety of tools and programmes designed to help students become work-ready. The Centre’s employability award programme, OtagoExtra, further enhances students’ skills for life beyond university. For two consecutive years, it has been recognised as the top career centre among New Zealand universities by the New Zealand Association for Graduate Employers (NZAGE).
Otago also encourages social engagement and leadership through its Social Impact Studio, which partners with over 200 community organisations. It offers volunteering and leadership programmes that foster meaningful community contributions and student-led initiatives. The Student Leadership Award, an advanced leadership programme, is designed to develop and strengthen students’ leadership potential.
Dunedin is a vibrant student city, known for its dynamic cultural scene, breathtaking natural surroundings, and strong sense of safety. The University of Otago sits at the heart of the city, playing a key role in its energy and life, while offering a welcoming, supportive community and a thriving academic environment for an enriching student experience.
Students are a vital part of Dunedin’s social and economic life, with cafés, bars, clubs, and shops all catering to the student population. Student discounts are widely available, and the compact layout of the city means you can walk almost everywhere you need to go.
Dunedin offers a wide variety of activities for students, from engaging in the city’s rich arts and cultural events, to exploring outdoor adventures in nearby natural landscapes. You’ll find excellent opportunities to participate in sports and recreation, enjoy diverse dining and shopping options, and tap into a growing start-up culture. With the University of Otago located in the centre of it all, students benefit from convenient access to everything that makes Dunedin an exciting and well-rounded place to study and live.
The University of Otago offers an exceptional student experience, underpinned by a strong commitment to pastoral care and comprehensive support networks. Its extensive range of student services includes academic support and health and wellbeing resources, ensuring a well-rounded and fulfilling study abroad experience.
International students benefit from the guidance of the university’s International Student Advisers (ISAs), who offer personalised support on everything from visa applications to accommodation. This dedicated team of caring and approachable staff helps create a welcoming environment, providing a true ‘home away from home’ for students from around the world.
The University of Otago, nestled amidst New Zealand’s breathtaking natural landscapes, warmly welcomes international students into a vibrant and inclusive community. Its Residential College system offers a supportive and collegial environment, while University-managed flats provide an opportunity for students to develop independence and responsibility, all within a framework of continued support.
Cumberland College offers fully catered single rooms within a nurturing community setting, ideal for students seeking structure and connection. For those preferring a more intimate atmosphere, Toroa College provides a smaller, family-like environment with both catered and self-catered options. Studying at Otago means not only receiving a world-class education but also immersing yourself in the rich culture and natural beauty of New Zealand.
At the University of Otago, tradition and innovation go hand in hand. Its campus, recognised as one of the most beautiful in the world, features a blend of iconic historic buildings and state-of-the-art, award-winning laboratories and teaching spaces.
With a rich academic heritage and a diverse student community, Otago offers a wide range of world-class facilities. The Central Library is considered one of the best in the world, while Unipol Recreation Services provides a broad selection of sports and fitness amenities, supporting students’ physical wellbeing.
The Mellor Laboratories are housed in a 6,500 square metre building featuring two “super-labs,” each accommodating 112 students. These labs are equipped with iPads at every station, a computer-aided learning space, and 232 lockers fitted with USB charging ports, power sockets, and LED lighting to enhance the student experience.
The Otago Dental School, New Zealand’s only national centre for dentistry, boasts a hospital-level teaching and research facility. It includes advanced research and teaching laboratories, academic offices, flexible learning spaces, and a simulation suite with 80 dental chairs—each fitted with a mannequin torso, removable jaw, dental equipment, and video screens for real-time teaching demonstrations.
Otago’s Music, Theatre and Performing Arts Centre is a modern, multi-purpose facility with a spacious live studio, control rooms, percussion rooms, social areas, and practice booths designed to support a wide range of creative pursuits.
The Otago Business School features one of the largest academic trading labs in New Zealand, equipped with 12 Bloomberg Professional terminals. This gives students hands-on access to the same tools used by top global investment firms, banks, and government agencies, preparing them for real-world financial careers.
Otago Unipol Recreation offers a wide range of fitness, sports, and recreational services designed for students and staff. The facility includes a fully equipped gym, swimming pool, sports courts, and more, providing opportunities for a variety of activities. Group fitness classes, personal training, and wellness programmes further support a holistic approach to health and wellbeing, helping to create a vibrant and connected campus community. Equipment rentals are also available at discounted rates.
With a proud academic tradition, the University of Otago also boasts a strong sporting culture, with teams such as the Otago University Rugby Football Club and the Otago University Rowing Club playing a key role in student life.
Students at Otago can also explore over 170 clubs and societies, making it easy to meet new people, get involved, and discover new passions during their time at university.
The University of Otago places a strong emphasis on sustainability across its operations, aligning its initiatives with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Key focus areas include energy efficiency, sustainable procurement, and student engagement in environmental and social change.
The university’s Social Impact Studio empowers students to drive meaningful change through volunteering and leadership programmes. By harnessing student creativity, vision, and insight, these initiatives create lasting social impact within the community.
Otago’s commitment to sustainability is further demonstrated through its unique Sustainability Neighbourhood—university-owned flats where students grow food, compost, recycle, practise energy efficiency, and participate in ongoing research aimed at building a sustainable student lifestyle. Reflecting these efforts, Otago was ranked 47th in the world in the 2022 QS Sustainability Rankings.
RANKING
Ranked 2nd in New Zealand (QS World University Rankings 2025)
Awarded a five stars plus rating (QS Stars Rating System 2024)
Search Programmes at the University of Otago
Discover a wide range of undergraduate degrees at the University of Otago, an NCUK partner university. Use the NCUK University Course Finder to explore programmes by subject area and find the perfect course for your academic and career goals.
How to Apply
We have an experienced team of admissions staff waiting to talk you through your options at University Foundation College and beyond, helping you to make decisions today which will positively influence your education and career.
We will provide you with personal counselling and support as you make the transition from high school to University Foundation College and then to your university degree programme.