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University profile
Dunedin, New Zealand
About
The University of Otago, established in Dunedin in 1869, is New Zealand's oldest university. Its main Dunedin campus houses the health sciences, humanities, sciences and business divisions, and the university is particularly known for medicine, dentistry, physiotherapy and other health sciences, supported by clinical and research campuses in Christchurch and Wellington.
At a glance
Rankings
#198
QS World University Rankings 2027
351–400
Times Higher Education World Rankings 2026
Where you'll study
The main campus in central Dunedin, home to the university's central administration and its Health Sciences, Humanities, Sciences and Business School divisions.
Visit websiteThe University of Otago, Christchurch, next to Christchurch Hospital, offering more than 50 postgraduate taught health sciences courses and clinical training for medical and physiotherapy students.
Visit websiteSomewhere to live
A university-owned catered college dating from 1943 with 401 undergraduate and postgraduate residents; charged at the standard residential college fee of NZD 19,988 for the 40-week academic year on the university's published 2025 costs. · Dunedin Campus
A university-owned catered college for 436 undergraduate students, opened in 1989; charged at the standard residential college fee of NZD 19,988 for the 40-week academic year on the university's published 2025 costs. · Dunedin Campus
Funding
Ask your counsellor which of these you may be eligible for — they'll confirm the details before you apply.
One application covers up to five universities, ranked in the order you prefer them.
The University of Otago, Wellington, where medicine, radiation therapy and physiotherapy are taught alongside postgraduate health sciences qualifications and health research.
Visit websiteDentistry facilities and the Auckland Centre, which delivers teaching and distance learning courses and acts as the university's link with Auckland.
Visit websiteThe Southland campus, offering University of Otago College of Education teacher training programmes plus the Health Sciences Southland Study Hub at Southland Hospital.
Visit websiteOne of four independently owned colleges affiliated to the university, founded in 1911 and housing 227 undergraduates; 2026 accommodation fees of NZD 23,674 for new members paying by instalment, covering mid-February to early November. · Dunedin Campus
A university-owned catered college for 450 first-year students that opened in 2024; the university's published living-cost figures put the standard residential college fee at NZD 19,988 for the 40-week academic year plus a NZD 949 accommodation activity fee (2025 costs). · Dunedin Campus
Known as UniCol, the university's largest residential college with 518 residents, fully catered and university-owned; charged at the standard residential college fee of NZD 19,988 for the 40-week academic year on the university's published 2025 costs. · Dunedin Campus
Prices are indicative — bookings are made directly with the university or provider.
