About the University of Otago
Basic info and contact details for the University of Otago
University of Otago: New Zealand’s First University
Established in 1869 as New Zealand’s very first university, the University of Otago has built a strong global reputation for top-tier research and teaching.
According to national data, we lead the country in key performance areas—students successfully finishing their courses and degrees, moving on to advanced studies, and staying engaged in their education.
Otago graduates are in high demand, earning excellent feedback from employers. Many go on to hold influential roles in business, government, and communities worldwide.
Our faculty is world-class. We have the highest percentage of internationally trained staff in New Zealand and rank fifth globally—70% of our academics were born overseas or are Kiwis who earned their PhDs abroad.
We also hold more national teaching awards and produce more highly cited research per capita than any other university in the country.
Campus Life
Dunedin is the only real university city in New Zealand and Australia, with over 21,000 young people living and studying in this stunning coastal location. Our campus, right in the heart of town, was named one of the world’s 15 most beautiful by the Huffington Post.
Otago offers an unbeatable campus experience and a lively cultural scene. Nearly all students live within walking distance of the university and key facilities. Most undergrads stay at one of our 15 residential colleges or in charming flats/apartments, with access to support services designed to help them make the most of their time here.
We have cutting-edge teaching facilities, top-notch libraries, and a modern gym to keep students active. Plus, Dunedin is New Zealand’s first ‘Gigatown,’ giving students the fastest internet in the Southern Hemisphere.
Academic Programmes
Otago provides 200+ undergraduate and postgraduate programmes, with strong teaching and research in Business, Health Science, Humanities, and Science.
Many of our programmes are unique in New Zealand. We’re home to the country’s only dental and surveying schools, the only standalone botany programme, the world’s largest science communication programme, and Australasia’s most successful genetics programme. Our law school is among the best in NZ, and our medical school is the oldest and largest.
Our annual Foreign Policy School draws top national and international speakers. For over 20 years, New Zealand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has used it to train new diplomats.
Postgraduate Study
We highly encourage postgraduate study at Otago. As NZ’s top research institution, we attract brilliant students from across the country and the world, with the highest proportion of PhD students in NZ.
Most undergrad and postgraduate study happens at our main Dunedin campus, while many Health Sciences postgrad courses are taught in Wellington and Christchurch.
Ranking
- World University Rankings 2025: 351-400th
- Arts and Humanities 2025: 201-250th
- Business and Economics 2025: 251-300th
- Medical and Health 2025: 201-250th
- Computer Science 2025: 401-500th
- Education Studies 2025: 251-300th
- Law 2025: 176-200th
- Life Sciences 2025: 251-300th
- Physical Sciences 2025: 501-600th
- Psychology 2025: 126-150th
- Social Sciences 2025: 201-250th
World University Rankings 2025 Breakdown:
- Teaching: 31.4
- Research Environment: 34.7
- Research Quality: 73.9
- Industry: 65.8
- International Outlook: 80.1
Impact Rankings
- Overall 2024: 94th
- No Poverty 2024: 101-200th
- Zero Hunger 2024: 301-400th
- Good Health & Wellbeing 2024: 19th
- Quality Education 2024: 601-800th
- Gender Equality 2024: 101-200th
- Clean Water & Sanitation 2024: 201-300th
- Affordable & Clean Energy 2024: 201-300th
- Decent Work & Economic Growth 2024: 201-300th
- Industry, Innovation & Infrastructure 2024: 301-400th
- Reduced Inequalities 2024: 101-200th
- Sustainable Cities & Communities 2024: 55th
- Responsible Consumption & Production 2024: 101-200th
- Climate Action 2024: 14th
- Life Below Water 2024: 201-300th
- Life on Land 2024: 201-300th
- Peace, Justice & Strong Institutions 2024: 201-300th
- Partnership for the Goals 2024: 101-200th
Discover Similar Universities
Check out these institutions for more study, research, and career opportunities:
- University of Canterbury (Christchurch, NZ) – Founded in 1873
- Auckland University of Technology (NZ) – Established in 2000
Key Student Stats
- Gender Ratio: 61% Female, 39% Male
- International Students: 15%
- Students per Staff: 20.1
- Total Students: 18,927
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Subjects Taught at Otago
- Arts & Humanities: Archaeology, History, Languages, etc.
- Business & Economics: Accounting, Management, Economics
- Computer Science
- Education
- Law
- Life Sciences: Agriculture, Biology, Sport Science
- Medical & Health: Medicine, Dentistry, Health Sciences
- Physical Sciences: Chemistry, Geology, Physics
- Psychology
- Social Sciences: Media, Geography, Politics, Sociology