University of Otago

The University of Otago fosters a diverse, inclusive community with over 20,000 students from more than 100 countries. The university is divided into four main divisions: Health Sciences, Sciences, Humanities, and the Otago Business School, offering a wide array of programs across 140+ subjects at the undergraduate level and 200+ at the postgraduate.

The University of  Otago is New Zealand's second-highest ranked university according to QS and Times Higher Education. The university excels in research and teaching excellence, particularly in health sciences and dentistry. These fields are popular among Indian students seeking globally recognised qualifications. Its commitment to sustainability, innovation, and student well-being makes it an ideal choice for your study abroad journey in the next intake starting February 2026.

Popular For

Situated in Dunedin, known as the "Edinburgh of the South" for its Scottish heritage and lively arts scene, the University of Otago attracts students with its safe, affordable lifestyle and proximity to stunning natural landscapes like beaches and mountains. Established during the Otago Gold Rush era, it has grown into a research powerhouse while maintaining small class sizes for personalised learning—perfect for Indian students transitioning to Kiwi education.

Key Areas of Popularity

• Health Sciences and Dentistry: World-renowned programmes in Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmacy; Otago's dental school is NZ's oldest and most prestigious, with high employability rates for graduates.
• Business and Commerce: The Otago Business School offers cutting-edge courses in Finance, Marketing, and MBA programmes tailored for international careers.
• Sciences and Technology: Strong in Computer Science, Environmental Science, and Wildlife Management; ideal for Indian STEM enthusiasts with hands-on labs and research opportunities.
• Humanities and Social Sciences: Excels in Psychology, Education, and Law; programmes emphasise critical thinking and global perspectives.
• Sports and Outdoor Studies: Unique offerings in Physical Education and Adventure Tourism, leveraging NZ's adventure capital status.

Indian students particularly favour Otago for its robust support networks, including the International Office and Indian student societies, easing cultural adjustment while providing pathways to post-study work visas.

Notable Achievements

Award/Recognition	Details
QS World University Rankings 2026	#197 globally; #2 in New Zealand; top for international student experience.
Times Higher Education (THE) 2025	351–400 band globally; strong in research impact and teaching quality.
US News Best Global Universities 2025	#296 globally; #2 in NZ, excelling in clinical medicine and biology.
Subject Rankings (QS 2025)	25 subjects in top 200 globally, including Sports related subjects (#11), Anatomy & Physiology (#35).
Sustainable Development	Leader in eco-friendly campus initiatives.

Otago's graduates enjoy 95% employment within six months, with many securing roles in Australia, the UK, or back in India. The university's alumni include Nobel laureates and prominent leaders, underscoring its global prestige.