University of Otago

As New Zealand’s first university, founded in 1869, the University of Otago has earned an international reputation for excellence in research and teaching. It is ranked in the top 1% of universities in the world and has the highest-possible rating of 5 Stars Plus in the QS global university performance ratings.

Otago offers over 200 undergraduate and postgraduate programmes across Business, Health Science, Humanities, and Science subjects, with options for online and on-campus learning. Our distance learning programmes have a reputation for excellence, and draw on the rich, research-informed teaching expertise of Otago academics.

Recognised as one of the most beautiful campuses in the world, Otago offers students an unrivalled campus experience, with world-class teaching and research labs, libraries, performance spaces, study areas, and sporting facilities.

In 2018, the University of Otago was the first New Zealand university to sign the international SDG Accord to pursue the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals and remains committed to innovative approaches to sustainability.

The University of Otago Pathway and Language Centre are proudly university-run and offer a range of bridging, pathway, and language courses to suit diverse learners. Online and on-campus pathway and language students benefit from the academic expertise of our professional and supportive teachers, who are dedicated to helping students reach their full potential in their chosen area of study.