Why Study in Otago University?

A University City

As a student at New Zealand's oldest and most prestigious university you will become part of a unique educational experience. Otago's attractive campus is a mixture of historic and modern buildings located in the centre of Dunedin. The campus is a short walk from the city's central shopping and services.

Otago students rate its campus lifestyle as one of its strongest attractions. The students live as a community immediately around the campus area in student College of Residence or self-catering flats. University students and staff constitute one-sixth of the population of Dunedin.

An International University

Otago was ranked as 79th best university in the world by the Times Higher Education Supplement 2006. It is one of only two universities in New Zealand to be ranked in the top 200. Otago was also ranked the top equal New Zealand University in the 2006 Shanghai Jiaotong University World University Rankings.

A National University

Otago is a national university in the sense that the majority of its students come from outside the city. In 2005 approximately 75% of enrolled students came from outside of Dunedin, and approximately 65% from outside of the Otago/Southland region. This provides for a friendly and social campus where it is easy to make friends and share experiences.

In addition to Otago's main campus in Dunedin, the University has branches of its medical school in Christchurch and Wellington, and teaches executive education and some distance delivered courses in Auckland.

A Research-Led University

Otago's research profile is based on its pre-eminence in biological and health sciences, but also involves leading-edge developments in field's across the full spectrum of academic interest. Otago has specific research strengths in the medical, biomedical, biological and natural sciences; the liberal arts and law. The University has developed Research Themes and Areas of Research Strength to encourage multidisciplinary research across academic fields. The University has also invested in a Centre for Innovation, bringing academic and applied researchers together to pursue commercial development of research outcomes.

The Information Services Building

The latest addition to the University's facilities is the Information Services Building (ISB). This complex houses the Central Library and extensive computer laboratories. The ISB features greatly expanded reader spaces, multimedia and online searching, and facility for students to use their own laptops for web browsing or email. For further information please visit http://www.otago.ac.nz/library

Pathways to Study

For students who need further academic preparation before commencing undergraduate study the University offers an eight month Foundation Year programme. After completion of the foundation Year to the required standard, students are guaranteed a place in the first year course for which they have prepared.

For students who need specific English language preparation the University's Language Centre offers English for academic purposes, and is a registered test centre for IELTS and TOEFL.

Support for Students

Otago is committed to providing a conducive learning environment for students. The International Office provides special services to International Students prior to and after enrolment, and the Student Learning Centre provides help with essay writing and study skills. Our residential colleges are especially useful in helping school-leavers make the transition to university life because they offer support and guidance and are a great way to make new friends and share new experiences.

The University also offers two papers, LING 121 English for Academic Purposes and LING 122 Advanced Academic English, which are intended to help students for whom English is a second language and which can also be credited to many degree programmes.

Experience Otago

Naturally, there's more to the University than just Dunedin. The spectacular scenery and awesome recreation opportunities are just a few hours' drive away. The South Island is home to some of the best ski and boarding resorts, adventure tourism and hiking opportunities.

Joining the Otago Alumni Community

An Otago degree is recognised as providing a stepping-stone to professional careers in New Zealand and overseas. An Otago graduate is widely regarded for his/her wide skills base and ability to relate to people across cultural boundaries. Otago graduates are located around the world, and alumni associations have been formed in Sydney, Melbourne, Toronto, London and Kuala Lumpur.