University of Otago 2024: Rankings, Admission, Fees, and Acceptance Rate

If New Zealand is on your study abroad list, you must have come across the University of Otago. But why is it so popular? It is New Zealand's oldest and one of the most reputable universities established in 1869. 

Located in Dunedin, a vibrant student town with over 21,000 students, Otago is globally renowned for its top-notch educators and research-oriented curriculum. With many subjects ranked in the top 200 by QS World Subject Rankings 2024, you will find excellent learning opportunities and strong employment prospects after graduation. 

Read on to explore Otago University's 2024 rankings, admission processes, fees, and scholarships.

University of Otago: Key Highlights

Founded	1869
Location	New Zealand
Campus Size	45 hectares
Total No. of International Students	1,480 (year 2022)
Number of Undergraduate Programs	140
Number of Graduate Programs	200

University of Otago: Latest Rankings 

Different ranking categories for the University of Otago are as follows:

Ranking Category	Rank
QS World University Rankings 2025	214
QS Sustainability Ranking	48
World University Rankings 2024	301 to 350
Impact Rankings 2024	101 to 200
US News Rankings	285

University of Otago: Admissions

Famous for its reputation and rich history, Otago provides an extensive choice of undergraduate and postgraduate degrees to promote learners' aspirations. You can find the best study programs at the University of Otago for 2024 per your interest area. You can choose to pursue education in study areas like Medical & Health Sciences, Philosophy, Theology, Performing Arts, Physics, Chemistry, Geology, Management, Economics, and many more.

University of Otago Application Deadline 2024

The University of Otago's intake of international students started in May and will end in November 2024 for the classes of Semester 1. 

• Application for international students at the University of Otago:
  • Semester 1 (February):
    • Application period: 1 May to 15 November
  • Semester 2 (July):
    • Application period: 1 May to 30 April of the following year
  • Specific programs with separate application dates:
    • Teaching
    • Oral health
    • Dental technology
    • Postgraduate dentistry
  • PhD and thesis-only applications:
    • No strict deadlines
    • Can be initiated at any time with a supervisor's participation

Important Dates for University of Otago Admissions 

Dates	Events
1 May 2023	Intake of applicants starts for Sem 1 and Sem 2 in 2024
1 April 2024	Application starts for accommodation in UniFlats and Residential colleges.
30 April 2024	Last date of application for international students in semester 2, 2024
1 May 2024	Applications open for 2025 studies
1 June 2024	Last date to apply for accommodation in UniFlats and Residential colleges.
29 June 2024	Starting of UniFlats contract in  semester 2 (start to move in your flat from this date)
1 July 2024	Scholarships open for domestic & onshore students
7 July 2024	Last date to come to campus (international students)
8 to 12 July 2024	Seminars and orientation of international students after enrollment.
15 July 2024	Beginning of lectures for Semester 2
1 August 2024	Applications open for residential colleges (2025 session)
1 August 2024	Applications open for UniFlats accommodation (2025 session)
15 August 2024	Deadline for onshore scholarships (2025 session)
30 September 2024	Deadline for onshore residential college applications (2025 session)
15 November 2024	Deadline for offshore degree applications (2025 session)
1 December 2024	Deadline for Study Abroad applications (2025 session)
1 December 2024	Deadline for offshore accommodation applications (2025 session)
10 December 2024	Deadline for onshore degree applications (2025 session)

University of Otago Acceptance Rate

The University of Otago, renowned for its high academic standards and vibrant student life, maintains a competitive acceptance rate. In 2023, the acceptance rate for international students at the University of Otago was 58% (according to secondary sources). 

University of Otago: Intake & Eligibility

Eligibility Criteria

Undergraduate Admission: Requirements for Entrance

• The required percentage is 75% in the CBSE or CISCE board of India.
• You should get 70% marks in English.

The total percentage of marks is calculated with the four subjects with the highest marks (excluding the subject of the local language or any subject that is not related to academics) 

English Proficiency 

• IELTS (Academic): The total score must be 6.0 and the individual scores should not be less than 5.5.
• TOEFL iBT: Total score of 80 is required and the writing score must be 20. 
• C1 Advanced and C2 Proficiency: The total score should be 169 and the individual scores must not be less than 162.
• Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic: Total required score is 50 and not less than 42 in communicative skills.
• English New Zealand's Accredited Pathway Assessment: level 2 of the Assessment and the skills must not be less than level 1.
• LanguageCert – International ESOL: Have to pass the C1 Expert (LRWS) 
• NZCEL: Requires 4 Academic clearance.
• APIEL: Minimum of grade 3 is required.

Postgraduate Admission Entrance Requirements

• The requirements can change with the program.
• The common requirement includes graduation in the same subject.
• There are some courses that require work experience or registration in any profession in New Zealand.
• You can take postgraduate certificates or diplomas any time after completing a bachelor's degree.
• Holders of postgraduate diplomas or honors degrees may be eligible for master's study (for thesis).

English Proficiency 

• IELTS (Academic): The total score must be 6.05 and the individual scores should not be less than 6.0.
• TOEFL iBT: Total score of 90 is required and the writing score must be 21. 
• C1 Advanced and C2 Proficiency: The total score should be 176 and the individual scores must not be less than 169.
• Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic: Total required score is 58 and not less than 50 in communicative skills.
• English New Zealand's Accredited Pathway Assessment: level 3 of Assessment and the skills must not be less than level 2.
• LanguageCert – International ESOL: Have to pass the C1 Expert (LRWS) and C2 Mastery (LRWS) 
• NZCEL: requires 5 Academic clearances.
• APIEL: A minimum of grade 4 is required.

Additional Information: Tertiary study in English medium from recognized institutions in India may be accepted as evidence of English proficiency if the degree has been taught in English and the awarding institution is on a specific list recognized by the University of Otago.

Student Life at University of Otago 

Student life at the University of Otago is vibrant, with UniCol hosting themed parties, an annual ski trip, and the UniCol Ball. Students enjoy competitions, open mic nights, and various floor missions, ensuring a dynamic and engaging experience throughout the year.

Social and Cultural Activities

UniCol (University College) staff organizes various events yearly for the students. This includes Scholarship Parties, UniCol Ski Trip, UniCol Ball and International Nights between the colleges. Different sports events like table tennis tournaments, foosball tournaments, and chess tournaments are conducted regularly to keep the fun element and competitiveness active. The winners of these events are included in the wall of fame in the Common Room.

Social and cultural activities include:

• Barbeque socials.
• University College Choir concerts are entertaining and excellent.
• The famous “Open Mic” events.

Floor Missions and Gatherings

“Floor Missions” are widely practiced in UniCol, where residential assistants plan various activities for the floor members, such as group house meals, ice breaking, movies, etc. In light of this, solemn and themed events create chances for the community to rally.

Campus and Community Engagement

UniCol is adjacent to UniPol gym and the student union and near the cafes and shops of the Dunedin student district. The students can exercise in the Fitness Room, play musical instruments, read, and indulge in other interesting activities. 

Fee Structure at University of Otago

The fee structure at the University of Otago is as follows:

Subject: Health Sciences	Average Tuition Fee (in NZ$ per year) across UG & PG courses
Bioethics	42,623
Biomedical studies	41,193 to 45,225
Dentistry	41,193 to 117,263
Clinical Dentistry	77,417 to 78,175
Community Dentistry	47,555
Dental Technology	45,986 to 48,983
Oral Health	46,239 to 73,474
Health Sciences	24,728 to 49,458
Medical Laboratory Science	41,193 to 49,548
Medical Technology	24,728 to 49,458
Medicine	24,728 to 105,285
Musculoskeletal Medicine	24,728 to 49,458
Occupational and Aviation Medicine	24,728
Primary and Rural Health (General Practice)	24,728
Public Health	24,728 to 49,458
Pharmacy	24,728 to 48,481
Physiotherapy	41,193 to 49,458
Doctor of Philosophy	11,023 to 11,248

Subject: Humanities	Fee Range or Avg Fee (NZ$ per year)
Bachelor of Arts	35,621 to 41,952
Bachelor of Arts and Science	39,955
Bachelor of Arts and Commerce	38,279
Diploma for Graduates	35,621 to 41,952
Postgraduate Diploma in Arts	39,256 to 44,720
Master of Arts (Thesis)	38,795 to 44,720
Master of Arts (Course work)	48,078 to 54,732
Master of Archaeological Practice	58,374
Master of Indigenous Studies	35,103
Master of International Development and Planning	59,817
Master of International Studies	44,725
Master of Peace and Conflict Studies	44,725
Master of Planning	48,210
Master of Politics	44,725
Education and Training	19,628 to 58,884
Higher Education	19,628 to 54,732
Language and Cultures	35,621
Law	39,592 to 43,779
Music and Performing Arts	36,394 to 44,559
Social Work	35,621 to 40,892
Theology	19,628 to 39,256
PhD	7,443 to 8691

Subject: Science	Fee Range or Avg Fee (NZ$ per year)
Bachelor of Science	35,621 to 44,289
Bachelor of Commerce and Science	42,613
Diploma for Graduates	37,066 to 44,289
Information Technology	43,556
Postgraduate Diploma in Science	38,795 to 45,225
MSc (Thesis Only)	38,795 to 48,785
Applied Science	20,622 to 67,669
Science Communication	10,857 to 24,562
Sport Development and Management	41,998 to 63,437
Surveying	39,738 to 44,720
Wildlife Management	44,720
PhD	7,443 to 11,023

Subject: Business School	Fee Range or Avg Fee (NZ$ per year)
Bachelor of Commerce	38,943 to 41,832
Bachelor of Entrepreneurship	40,272
Diploma for Graduates	40,272 to 42,613
Postgraduate Diploma in Commerce	38,795 to 44,720
Master of Accounting and Finance, commerce, economics, finance, entrepreneurship, international business, marketing, sustainable business, tourism)	58,194
Master in Business Data Science	65,105
Master of Commerce	38,795 to 44,720
Digital Health	24,728 to 49,458
Business Administration	38,796 to 69,154
PhD	7,177 to 8,691

Scholarships at University of Otago 

Some popular scholarships at the University of Otago are as follows:

Name of the Scholarship	Amount (in NZ$)	Eligibility
Global Scholarships	15,000	International students enrolled in particular programs or hailing from designated nations. Passed high school or any equivalent program. Full-time undergraduate education Attending classes on campus from their first year of study until they graduate.
Vice-Chancellor’s Scholarship for International Students	10,000	One has to be an International student.  Passed high school or any equivalent program. Full-time undergraduate education Attending classes on campus from their first year of study until they graduate.
International Academic Excellence Scholarship	35,000	High achieving international students.  Completed secondary (high) school or equivalent.  Full-time degree-level, undergraduate study.  Studying on campus from first year through to degree attainment.
Vice-Chancellor’s International Postgraduate Scholarships	10,000	International students commencing selected postgraduate programs.  Full-time study (on campus or distance learning). Not a citizen, permanent resident, or resident visa holder of New Zealand or Australia (unless residing outside New Zealand at the time of study).  Met entry requirements for an eligible program. Normally achieved a grade average equivalent to at least a New Zealand B+. Subject to paying international tuition fees.  Intending to commence full-time study in the program.
University of Otago International Master's Research Scholarship	18,204 per year plus no tuition fee for 1 year	First Master's qualification. International student.  Thesis-based Master's study.  Selection based on academic merit and research potential.
New Zealand Excellence Awards (NZEA)	Total: 320,000	Indian citizenship.  At least 18 years old at the time of application.  Residing in India at the time of application.  Hold an unconditional offer for one of the NCAA-eligible courses.  Meet Immigration New Zealand's requirements for a student visa.  Not a citizen or permanent resident of New Zealand or Australia.

Career Placements After Studying at University of Otago

With the Ministry of Business, Innovation, and Employment (MBIE) forecasting an annual GDP growth of about 2.5% from 2023 to 2028, New Zealand supports an expanding economy. This growth estimates creation of 40,000 new jobs each year, many of whose positions will need to be filled by skilled workers from overseas due to the aging domestic population.

• Job Opportunities for Graduates

Graduates from the University of Otago have excellent global job prospects. The job market shows strong demand across several sectors, with significant opportunities in Accommodation and Food Services, Business Services, Construction, and Retail Trade. For less skilled roles, there are growing opportunities for drivers, construction and mining laborers, and delivery drivers.

• Regional Job Markets

Major job hubs in New Zealand include Auckland, Canterbury (Christchurch), and Wellington, but there are also opportunities in regions like Waikato, Bay of Plenty, Otago, and Manawatu-Wanganui.

• How to Get a Job in New Zealand

Students can explore job opportunities via New Zealand’s online job portals or through references. But they must first register with the ‘Immigration New Zealand’ for job permissions and related visa information. 

Conclusion

The University of Otago continues to uphold its reputation with impressive rankings and a commitment to academic excellence in 2024. Even though admissions can be competitive, with specific program requirements for admissions, Otago remains a top choice for international students seeking a well-rounded and prestigious university experience in New Zealand.