History
The University was established by the University of Otago Ordinance of the Provincial Council in 1869, the University of Otago Amendment Act 1961 and the Education Act of 1989.It is governed by a Council, which appoints the Vice-Chancellor.
Education
At the University of Otago, you will have the option to study Science, Health Sciences, Humanities and Commerce.
Research
Research and Enterprise supports and assists researchers in the identification of funding opportunities, partnering with business, grant applications, and the establishment of research contracts.
University of Otago Key Statistics & Highlights
- #198 Ranking
- 21 Courses
- 912 Academic Staff
- 18,690 Students
- 3,925 Students (int'l)
- 11,027 Students (female)
- Public Institution Type
Student services
Students and staff at the University of Otago are well supported by a range of academic, electronic, recreational and welfare services:
- Blackboard
- Campus Cop
- Chaplains
- Childcare
- Corporate Records
- Disability Information & Support
- English as a Second Language
- Information Technology Services (ITS)
- International Student Support
- Justices of the Peace
- Maori Student Support Services
- Mediation
- NewSkills
- Pacific Island Student Support Services
- Physiotherapy Clinics
- Proctor and Campus Watch
- Property Services
- Recreation Services
- Scarfie.com
- Scholarships
- Schools' Liaison Office
- Staff Families Association
- Student Learning Centre
- Unipol Recreation Centre
- Uniprint
- The Uniprint Shop
- University Course Advice Service
- University Union
- Web Services
Housing services
There are several accommodation options for international students studying at the different campuses of the University of Otago. When considering which would suit you best, it is important to consider whether you prefer an independent lifestyle or enjoy living in a community, like to cook for yourself or prefer to have your meals provided, and your budget.
Library services
The University of Otago Library provides high quality information resources and services, recognising the diversity and needs of all stakeholders. We strive to be responsive and innovative in our service delivery and to be a vital contributor to the academia of the University. There are a number of service points across campus where you will find welcoming comfortable facilities suitable for individual and group learning. Assistance with sourcing and evaluating library resources and developing your search skills is readily available from our friendly, knowledgeable staff.
ICT services
Student IT can help you with any computing questions you may have while studying at the University of Otago. We provide a friendly, helpful service tailored to students.
Here are just a few areas where we can provide IT help and advice:
- Wireless
- Printing
- Anti-virus
- Student Desktop
- Training
- …or even a quick check-up if your laptop is running slow!
Medical services
We are a team of professionals providing high quality health care to students of the University of Otago. Student Health is centrally located on campus in a purpose built facility. We have approximately 50 staff, comprising nurses, general practitioners, counsellors, psychiatrists and administrative staff.
Campus life
The University of Otago has campuses in 5 main centres throughout New Zealand.
- Campus maps
- Dunedin
- Southland
- Christchurch
- Wellington
- Auckland
- Sustainability at Otago
Student clubs
The Otago University Students' Association - OUSA is run by students for students. OUSA was founded on 20 May 1890 in order to run student rooms, organise activities over Capping, approach the University with student concerns, and arrange socials. OUSA exists to ensure Otago students have the ultimate student experience. OUSA provides students with representation, welfare, advocacy, recreation, fun events and media and supports OUSA supports student voices when and where it counts.
Accreditation
The University of Otago is one of New Zealand's eight accredited public universities. Otagos School of Business has both AACSB and EQUIS accreditation for all subject areas.
University of Otago Overview
University of Otago Rankings
Study Portals Meta Ranking
Top 3.7% New Zealand
Top 4.3% Worldwide
Studyportals ranking look at the scores of the most used ranking systems and present you with one number of how well this University performs.
QS World University Rankings
198
By TopUniversities
Dropped 1 places compared to 2026
QS World University Rankings is one of the top international rankings measuring the popularity and performance of universities all over the world. They measure university reputation based on the impressions of higher education experts, companies who hire graduates, and teaching quality. QS also considers the ratio of international teachers and students present at universities, as well as the times research papers were mentioned by researchers. After calculating and comparing these criteria, QS ranks the universities accordingly.
3 year trend QS World University Rankings
| 2025 | 2026 | 2027 |
|---|---|---|
| 214 | 197 | 198 |
We don’t have enough recent ranking data to show a 3-year trend for this university.
Best Global Universities Rankings
290
By U.S. News & World Report
Climbed 6 places compared to 2026
Best Global Universities Rankings by U.S. News & World Report presents all the top universities from the U.S. and 60 other countries around the world. They measure the rate of students going to their second year of studies, as well as the rate of students who graduate. It also asks university representatives on the performance of universities, and evaluates university resources, teacher salaries, graduation rates, student academic achievements and satisfaction. After calculating and comparing these criteria, U.S. News ranks the top international universities accordingly.
3 year trend Best Global Universities Rankings
| 2025 | 2026 | 2027 |
|---|---|---|
| 285 | 296 | 290 |
We don’t have enough recent ranking data to show a 3-year trend for this university.
World University Rankings
No 2027 Ranking
By Times Higher Education
This university doesn’t have a ranking for 2027 yet. Rankings are updated yearly, so check back later for the latest info.
World University Rankings is a vital resource that provides the definitive list of the world's best universities. They look at how often they're producing new ideas, what their reputation is around the world, and how much they're contributing to science and academic fields. After calculating and comparing these criteria, THE ranks the universities accordingly.
3 year trend World University Rankings
| 2025 | 2026 | 2027 |
|---|---|---|
| 351 | 351 | - |
We don’t have enough recent ranking data to show a 3-year trend for this university.
Academic Ranking of World Universities
No 2026 Ranking
By Shanghai Jiao Tong University
This university doesn’t have a ranking for 2026 yet. Rankings are updated yearly, so check back later for the latest info.
ARWU World University rankings is the first world university ranking. It ranks the world's top 1000 colleges and universities based on objective indicator. They look at the number of award-winning (Fields Medals and Nobel Prize) scientists who are located there, how much of their research is cited and referenced around the world, and how much they've contributed to different academic fields. After calculating and comparing these criteria, ARWU ranks the universities accordingly.
3 year trend Academic Ranking of World Universities
| 2024 | 2025 | 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| 401 | 401 | - |
We don’t have enough recent ranking data to show a 3-year trend for this university.
University of Otago Campus Locations
#1 Main Campus
New Zealand Country
Dunedin City
University of Otago Student Reviews & Awards
4
Based on 100 reviews
- 5 Star 13 Reviews
- 4 Star 80 Reviews
- 3 Star 5 Reviews
- 2 Star 1 Review
- 1 Star 1 Review
How Students Rated This University
- Overall Satisfaction 4.1
- Student Teacher Interaction 4.2
- Student Diversity 4.1
- Quality of Student Life 4.3
- Career Development 4.1
Creative or Short simple of the activities
My experience was good overall. I really liked how clear and helpful the learning materials were, and the programme was easy to follow. The support and guidance made studying less stressful. One thing that could be improved is having more practical examples. Overall, my study experience was positive and enjoyable, and I learned a lot.
Great uni, parking pain
Such a great university, I really enjoyed my time here. The departments and staff are excellent. However, parking is a major issue, and I know many students, including myself, who had difficulties with the special considerations process.
Impressive teaching staff
This is a very impressive University. The teaching staff is very knowledgeable and friendly. The Wellington campus of the University is quite limited in terms of space, amenities resources. There is a very nice work atmosphere and nice environment.
Studied here? Share your experience
Global Student Satisfaction Awards 2025
The Global Student Satisfaction Awards empower students across the globe to determine the best universities of 2025. Universities with a score above 4.0 (out of 5) in any of the 7 award categories, receive Badges of Excellence. Congratulations!
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Overall SatisfactionHow would you rate your overall study experience?
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Student Teacher InteractionHow helpful were your teachers?
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Student DiversityHow diverse was the atmosphere at your university?
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Quality of Student LifeHow was your everyday life?
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Career DevelopmentDid the university provide support for your career development?
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