University of Otago : Programs , Fees, Admission, Placement

About the University of Otago

Established on 5 July 1871, the University of Otago in Dunedin, New Zealand, is the oldest in New Zealand. The main campus is located in Dunedin and is often cited as one of the most beautiful campuses in the world. The university also has health science campuses in Christchurch, Wellington, Auckland, and Invercargill. Otago offers many courses through its four main divisions: Health Sciences, Sciences, Commerce, and Humanities. It is especially famous for the Medicine 6-year course and the Dentistry 5-year course. Other streams that one can pursue at this institution are science subjects like pharmacology, business degrees like BCom and MBA, and arts. Otago was also one of the first universities to support women's education. 

University of Otago Popular Programs, Duration & Fees

Otago University provides several popular programs for international students. Medicine (MB ChB) is a 6-year course with tuition fees ranging from 41,000 to 77,000 NZD per annum, whereas Dentistry (BDS), a 5-year course with fees ranging from 39,600 to 72,000 NZD per annum. Business students can pursue a 3-year degree in BCom, with fees around 38,000 NZD per annum. Science students can opt for pharmacology or other programs available under BSc, with tuition fees ranging from 35,000 to 43,000 NZD per annum. Otago University offers an MBA, dentistry, a science master's, and more.

University of Otago Rankings and Global Reputation

The University of Otago was placed #2 in the QS World University Rankings 2026 and ranks #197 globally. It ranks among the best 200 universities worldwide. This is an advancement from the previous rankings of the previous year. It also has a 4-star status. Otago also ranks at 301 globally according to other rankings. It also ranks among the best 400 universities globally. 

University of Otago Placements and Career Opportunities 

The employment outcomes of the University of Otago are highly impressive. Approximately 95% of students obtain employment within six months of completing their program, which rises to 98% in the case of health science students. About 70% of students acquire work experience in the midst of their studies, organized by the Career Development Centre. Initial mean salaries range from NZD 60,000 to 70,000, going as high as NZD 87,000 in the sectors of business, information technology, and IT. 

Eligibility Criteria

Undergraduate Eligibility

• Class 12 (CBSE/ICSE or equivalent): 75–85% or GPA 4.0/9.0

• IELTS 6.0–6.5 (no band <5.5) / TOEFL iBT 80–90 / PTE 50–58.

• English-medium secondary education (3+ years) or A Levels.

• Portfolio/audition for Health Sciences (via UCAT) or Fine Arts; interviews for some programs.

• Apply via the eVision portal (NZD 50–100) with transcripts, a personal statement, and references.
  
  

PG Eligibility

• Bachelor’s degree (B average / GPA 4.0–5.0/9.0; 60–70%+).

• IELTS 6.5 (no band <6.0) / TOEFL iBT 90 / PTE 58 / Duolingo 115+.

• CV, SOP, 2 references; research proposal for PhD.

• 1–3 years work experience for MBA (GMAT/GRE optional)