Overview of Placement Opportunities at University of Otago

The University of Otago, New Zealand's oldest university founded in 1869 and located in the scenic student city of Dunedin, prioritizes employability through its research-led teaching and strong industry ties. With a 95% graduate employment rate within six months, Otago equips students—especially international ones from India—with practical skills in high-demand fields like health sciences, business, IT, and environmental studies. The Career Development Centre (CDC) offers tailored support, including internships, career workshops, and job fairs, to bridge academia and the workforce. For Indian students targeting the February 2026 intake, Otago's programs align with New Zealand's post-study work visas, enabling up to three years of work experience post-graduation. Top recruiters include Deloitte, PwC, Southern District Health Board, Fisher & Paykel Healthcare, and Spark NZ, drawn to Otago's reputation for innovative, globally minded graduates.

Key Employability Statistics

Otago's graduates are highly sought after, with robust outcomes across sectors. Below is a snapshot of recent data:

Metric	Percentage	Details
Graduates in employment or further study (6 months post-graduation)	95%	Includes full-time roles, part-time work, and postgraduate studies; highest in health sciences (98%).
Average starting salary for graduates	NZ$60,000 - 65,000	Higher in business and tech (up to NZ$70,000); equivalent to approx. INR 30L annually.
Students securing placements/internships during studies	70%	Via CDC programs; 100% in select fields like business and sciences.
International graduate employment rate	85%	Many secure NZ roles or return to India/Australia with global firms; strong visa pathways.

These figures, based on 2024-2025 graduate surveys, highlight Otago's edge in producing employable talent for competitive markets.

Placement Programs and Internships

Otago integrates real-world experience into degrees through diverse, paid opportunities. International students can access most programs under updated work rights (up to 25 hours/week during term).

• Otago Business School Internship Programme: 6-12 month paid placements in NZ firms (avg. NZ$25,000 earnings); credit via BSNS 301; open to internationals with GPA 3.0+.
• Summer Research Internships: 8-12 weeks in labs (health, sciences); stipends up to NZ$6,000; leads to publications; ideal for STEM students.
• Health Sciences Placements: Clinical and community roles in Dunedin hospitals; integrated into Medicine/Dentistry programs; visa support available.
• International Exchanges and Internships: Semester abroad with work components via 100+ partners (USA, Europe, Asia); fee waivers for select programs.
• Micro-Internships and Volunteering: Short-term gigs via CDC; build networks in tourism, tech; flexible for part-time schedules.

Eligibility typically requires good academic standing; the CDC's Placement Team assists with applications and CV tailoring for Indian students.

Career Support Services

From day one, the CDC provides comprehensive, international-focused support to navigate Kiwi job markets and global opportunities.

• Personalized Advising: One-on-one sessions for CVs, cover letters, LinkedIn optimization, and interview prep; tailored for non-EU students.
• Workshops and Training: Sessions on networking, job search strategies, English communication; sector-specific for health, business, IT.
• Job Fairs and Expos: Annual Careers Expo with 100+ employers (e.g., Deloitte, health boards); virtual options for global access.
• Mentoring Programs: Pairings with alumni in India/NZ; focus on cultural adaptation and visa advice.
• Online Resources: CareerHub job board, GoinGlobal for international listings, skill assessments via LinkedIn Learning.

Services extend to post-graduation, including alumni networks for lifelong career boosts.

Industry Partnerships and Success Stories

Otago's collaborations with industry giants enhance placements, from biotech firms to government agencies. Key partners include the Southern District Health Board for health roles, Deloitte for business consulting, and the Otago Innovation Precinct for startups.

Success stories inspire: An Indian-origin health sciences graduate secured a research role at Fisher & Paykel Healthcare post-internship, earning NZ$65,000 and extending her post-study visa. Another business alum from the 2024 cohort landed at PwC Auckland after a CDC-facilitated internship, crediting Otago's networks for her transition to a global finance career. These tales underscore Otago's role in launching Indian students toward high-impact roles in NZ, Australia, or back home.