Career and Employment Opportunities

The University of Otago, New Zealand's oldest and most research-intensive university, equips students with practical skills for global careers, boasting a 95% graduate employment rate within six months. Located in the dynamic student city of Dunedin, Otago's Career Development Centre (CDC) provides comprehensive support, including personalized career advising, CV and interview workshops, and job market insights tailored for international students from India. With dedicated resources for international tauira, the CDC helps navigate post-study work visas and Kiwi job hunting. Annual career fairs connect you to top employers in health sciences, tech, and business, while modules integrate real-world experience into your degree—ideal for the February 2026 intake.

Otago's emphasis on employability shines through alumni success stories, from medical researchers to tech innovators, and Dunedin's proximity to industries like biotech and tourism offers unmatched access. Join CareerHub for exclusive listings, mock interviews, and networking events to kickstart your career Down Under.

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Internships and Placements

Otago offers diverse internship and placement programs to build hands-on experience, with a dedicated Placement Team coordinating over 200 partnerships worldwide. While some business internships have visa restrictions for internationals, many research and summer roles are accessible, aligning with New Zealand's updated student work rights (up to 25 hours/week during term). International students can explore paid opportunities via CDC webinars and Prosple listings, focusing on fields like sciences and tourism.

Program Type	Duration	Key Features
Otago Business School Internship	6-12 months	Paid placements in NZ firms; academic credit via BSNS 301; mentorship and real-world projects (domestic students prioritized, but alternatives for internationals).
Summer Research Internships	8-10 weeks	Paid stipends; hands-on lab work in sciences/health; open to internationals; leads to publications and networking.
Tourism and Hospitality Placements	4-6 months	Exchange-integrated options; industry collaborations in Dunedin; skill-building in global tourism, with fee waivers for partners.
Year-in-Industry (Sciences/Engineering)	9-12 months	Credit-bearing; partnerships with tech/biotech firms; visa-friendly for eligible internationals; focuses on innovation.

With 50+ annual openings in Otago region, these programs enhance your resume for post-study work in NZ, Australia, or India.

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Research and Innovation Opportunities

As New Zealand's top research university, Otago provides cutting-edge opportunities for undergrad and postgrad students to contribute to world-leading projects in health, sciences, and sustainability. The Postgraduate Research Opportunities database lists PhD, Master's, and honours vacancies across campuses, with scholarships covering tuition and living costs—perfect for Indian STEM aspirants.

• Undergraduate Summer Scholarships: Paid 10-week projects in labs like the Centre for Sustainability; open to internationals; fosters publications and conference presentations.
• Postgraduate PhD/Master's Programs: Funded positions in biomedical sciences, public health, and wildlife; 200+ annual spots with stipends up to NZ$30,000.
• Research Internships: Short-term roles at institutes like the Sir John Walsh Research Institute; mentorship from global experts.
• Conferences and Innovation Hubs: Travel grants for presenting at events; access to facilities like the Otago Innovation Precinct.

Otago's research ecosystem, with 85% world-leading output, positions you for impactful careers.

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Entrepreneurship and Startup Support

Otago's Otago Business School and innovation hubs empower aspiring entrepreneurs with dedicated degrees and programs, turning ideas into ventures in Dunedin's thriving startup scene. The Bachelor of Entrepreneurship (BEntr) offers flexible majors, while the Audacious Startup Programme provides seed funding and coaching.

1. Idea Development Workshops: Free sessions on pitching and business models; open to all students.
2. Funding Access: Connections to NZ grants like Callaghan Innovation; up to NZ$10,000 for prototypes.
3. Incubation Space: Co-working at the Innovation Precinct; mentorship from alumni founders.
4. Startup Challenges: Annual competitions with prizes; Student Startup Club for networking.

Success stories include ventures in health tech, with pathways to accelerators in Auckland or Silicon Valley.

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International and Exchange Opportunities

Otago's Otago Global Student Exchange Programme connects you to 100+ partner universities in 30+ countries, allowing a semester or year abroad while paying domestic fees—ideal for broadening horizons before returning to India or extending your NZ stay.

• Outgoing Exchanges: Credit transfer to your Otago degree; destinations include USA, Europe, Asia (e.g., India partners).
• International Internships: Summer placements in Canada, Japan, or Australia; visa support provided.
• Global Projects: Collaborative research with partners like University of California; fee waivers available.
• Study Abroad Options: Flexible one/two-semester programs; NZ$13,500/semester for non-exchange students.

With dedicated International Office support, these opportunities enhance cultural fluency and employability.