University of Otago
The University of Otago is a public university based in Dunedin, Otago, New Zealand. It scores highly for average research quality, and in 2006 was second in New Zealand only to the University of Auckland in the number of A-rated academic researchers. The university accepted its first students in July 1871, making it the oldest university in New Zealand. Between 1874 and 1961 the University of Otago was a part of the federal University of New Zealand and issued degrees in its name. However, Otago is known for its vibrant student life, particularly its flatting, which is often in old houses.
University of Otago Admissions Requirements
HSC / Intermediate students are not eligible for direct entry, One year of successful study at a recognized institution or the university. or successful completion of a University of Otago Foundation Year program or equivalent.
India entrance requirements
A minimum average of 75% in the All-India Senior School Examination (CBSE) or Indian School Certificate Examination (CISCE) with a minimum of 70% in English.
International Baccalaureate: IB Diploma with a minimum of 24 points.
A Level: A minimum of CCC or more
Masters: Entrance requirements for postgraduate study vary by program with most requiring a minimum bachelor-level qualification in the same field, and some having additional requirements such as relevant work experience and/or professional registration in New Zealand.Â
University of Otago Language Requirements
IELTS: IELTS score of 6.0 in the academic module (with no individual band below 5.5).
IELTS Online is also accepted.
A score of 6.5 in the academic module (with no individual band below 6.0).
IELTS Online is also accepted.
TOEFL: Score of 80 (writing 20)Â
A score of 90 with a minimum writing score of 21Â
PTE: Overall score of 50 with no communicative skills score below 42.
Overall score of 58 with no communicative skills score below 50.
University Courses
- Accounting and finance
- Medicine
- Dentistry
- Psychology
- Mba
- Engineering
- Computer Science
- Law
- Nursing
- Health Science
- Dentistry fees
- Food science
- Theology
Otago Tuitions Fees
University of Otago tuitions fees for international students in (NZD)
Bachelor’s Programs
- Arts Degree: 31,366 – 35,182
- Business Degree: 35,461
- Engineering Degree:
- Bachelor of Applied Science in Software Engineering: 37,726
- Education
- Bachelor of Arts in Education: 31,366
- Bachelor of Applied Science in Physical Education, Activity & Health: 38,999
- Health Sciences: 36,411 – 36,711
- Bachelor of Applied Science in Physical Education, Activity & Health: 38,999
- Bachelor of Laws: 34,862
- Medicine:
- Bachelor of Medicine & Bachelor of Surgery: 36,272
- Bachelor of Physiotherapy: 36,272
- Bachelor of Science in Psychology: 36,540
- Science Degree: 35,182 – 38,311
- Bachelor of Applied Science in Data Science: 38,311
Bachelor of Applied Science in Environmental Management: 38,311
Bachelor of Health Sciences in Public Health: 36,411
Masters Programs
- Arts Degree: 34,566 – 44,537
- Business Degree: 51,242
- Master of Commerce in International Business: 34,161
- Master of Applied Science in Software Engineering: 59,066
- Master of Business in Data Science: 57,327
- Engineering Degree:
- Master of Science in Bioengineering: 42,957
- Master of Applied Science in Bioengineering: 60,978
- Education: 34,566 – 51,849
- Master of Arts (Coursework) in Education: 48,193
- Health Sciences: 43,549
- Master of Science in Sport, Exercise & Health: 42,957
- Master of LAW: 38,548
- Master of Bioethics & Health Law: 37,531
- Science Degree: 34,577 – 59,066
- Master of Applied Science in Quantitative Genetics: 56,808
- Master of Arts (Thesis) in Information Science: 39,377
- Master of Commerce in Information Science: 39,377
- Science
- Master of Science in Environmental Science: 42,957
- Master of Science in Environmental Management: 42,957
- Master of Applied Science in Environmental Management: 59,066
- Master of Business in Data Science: 58,327
- MBA: 60,892
- Master of Nursing Science: 34,127
- Master of Science in Psychology: 42,957
- Master of Physiotherapy: 43,127
- MPH: 43,549
University of Otago Scholarships
Vice-Chancellor’s Scholarship for Excellence
Scholarship value: NZD$10,000 for tuition fees
applies to the first year of study only.
Number offered: Varies
Application dates: Opening date: 1 May 2021 for 2022 and 2023.
Closing dates:*
For 2022 study – 10 December 2021 for semester 1, and 30 April 2022 for semester 2.
For the 2023 study – 10 December 2022 for semester 1, and 30 April 2023 for semester 2.
Selection process
Vice-Chancellor’s Scholarships for International Students are awarded to students who meet eligibility criteria. Students will be notified of the scholarship in their Offer of Place, which will be followed by a formal scholarship offer.
Otago International Excellence Scholarships
Value: NZ$10,000 for tuition fees for full-time study
Number offered: Varies
Application dates: Opening date: 1 May 2021 for 2022 and 2023.
Closing dates:*
For 2022 study – 10 December 2021 for semester 1, and 30 April 2022 for semester 2.
For the 2023 study – 10 December 2022 for semester 1, and 30 April 2023 for semester 2.
Eligible programs
Business, Humanities, and Science
Students must be applying to study a program in one of the following eligible program categories:
Masters (coursework) degreesÂ
Excluding the Master of Business Administration (MBA)
Masters (Research) degrees
Postgraduate diplomas
Excluding the Postgraduate Diploma in Digital Health (PGDipHeal)
Honors degrees
Selection process
Students will be assessed for a scholarship on the application for their program and recipients will be advised of their scholarship in the Offer of Place.
The selection of scholarship recipients is at the discretion of the University of Otago.
University of Otago Coursework Master’s Scholarship
Value: NZ$10,000 for tuition fees for full-time study
Number offered: Varies
Closing dates: Application is initiated by Departmental nomination; applications are currently open for 2021/2022
Grades requirements: As a general rule, most successful scholarship applicants will have the most relevant grades and/or a grade average in the US equivalent A range.
Means 80% – 89% or 3.5+ CGPA out of 4.0