University of Otago
| City | Country |
| Wellington | New Zealand |
| Invercargill | New Zealand |
| Dunedin | New Zealand |
| Christchurch | New Zealand |
| Auckland | New Zealand |
The University of Otago was founded in 1869, making it the oldest university in New Zealand and one of the oldest in Oceania. Between 1874 and 1961, it was part of the University of New Zealand but is again a university on its own right now. Its main campus is in Dunedin, but it also has campuses in Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, and Invercargill.
It has more than 21,000 students, including more than 3,000 students from 100 countries worldwide. The University of Otago is ranked in the top 1% of universities in the world, at number 184 in the QS World University Rankings 2023. It has also been rated 5-Stars Plus by QS Stars for its facilities, teaching, graduate employability, internationalisation, and inclusiveness.
What is the University of Otago acceptance rate?
The University of Otago acceptance rate is 58%.
Overview
The University of Otago has been called one of the world’s most beautiful campuses by UK newspapers The Daily Telegraph and The Huffington Post. Meanwhile, its Central Library is ranked the 13th best library in the world by BuzzFeed.
Campus Life
The University of Otago enjoys exceptionally high student satisfaction levels. Surveys showed 98% satisfaction with administration and support and 98% with campus safety. They also showed 99% satisfaction with libraries, 98% with residential colleges, and 97% with sports and recreation facilities. According to Tertiary Education Commission Educational Performance Indicators, Otago is New Zealand’s top university for educational performance. For six of the past nine years, its teachers have beaten all other universities and polytechnics to win the Prime Minister’s Supreme Award for Teaching Excellence.
Accommodation
The University of Otago has 15 residential colleges on or near the Dunedin campus. Catered and self-catered options are available so students can choose according to their preferences. Four residence halls are on the Dunedin campus, offering catered accommodation and a supportive living environment. Students can opt for the independent lifestyle of a flat or private rental apartment either on or off campus.
Many international students choose to live with a local family via a homestay arrangement. It is often viewed as an accessible way to grasp the local culture and improve English language skills.
Employability
95% of The University of Otago graduates go directly into work or further study, according to the Graduate Opinion Survey. Its Career Development Centre team works with students and graduates to hone employability skills through the Otago Student Employability Programme. This involves workshops, guidance, and tips on self-promotion, applications, job interviews, and opportunities to meet employers. Otago graduates are recognised for their interpersonal and negotiating skills, conceptual and analytical skills, and independent judgement.City Life
The main campus is located in Dunedin, New Zealand. An area famed for having lots of natural wildlife and being near sandy white beaches, students find the area enhances their well-being and opens up opportunities to socialise. The many students in the surrounding area ensure a buzzing nightlife is open for students to unwind over cocktails in the evening.