University of Otago Admissions 2025: Application Deadline, Eligibility & Fees

University of Otago Admissions 2025: Acceptance Rate and Requirements

Dunedin, South IslandLocation
UniversitySchool type
Estd1869established year
18283enrollment
Public
Shahid Mustaq Murshed's profile photo

Shahid Mustaq Murshed

Study Abroad Content Specialist | Updated on - Jun 25, 2025

What's New in University of Otago Admissions?

21 May 2025:

  • 1 May 2025: Application round opens for programs beginning in Semester 1 or Semester 2 of 2026.

  • 1 June 2025: Final date to apply for Semester 2 accommodation in residential colleges or Uni Flats.

  • 15 November 2025: Deadline for offshore international students to apply for full-degree programs at University of Otago starting in Semester 1, 2026.

University of Otago admissions are offered to international students in Semester 1 (February) and Semester 2 (July) intake in New Zealand. The university is currently accepting international applications for the 2026 intakes from May 2025. The University of Otago admissions deadline for the Semester 1, 2026 intake is November 15, 2025. The application deadline is April 30, 2026, for the semester 2, 2026. University of Otago acceptance rate is approximately 58%, reflecting its moderately selective admission process. As of 2024, 137 Indian students are studying at this university.

You can choose to study from over 300 undergraduate and postgraduate programs offered by University of Otago. For undergraduate programs, you need to complete 12 years of schooling, with an overall average of 75%, and a minimum of 60% in English in class 12. Additionally, you must have English proficiency in the form of IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, or others. For postgraduate programs, you will generally need a relevant bachelor's degree and/ or work experience/ professional registration in New Zealand. For University of Otago PhD admission, you need a master's degree or a first-class/upper second-class honors degree in the same or a related field of study as your intended research area.

With a 95% graduate employment rate, the University of Otago is ranked in the top 1% of universities in the world. Otago’s Dunedin campus is recognized as one of the world's most-beautiful campuses. Surveys reveal high satisfaction among students: 98% liked administration and support, 98% are happy with campus safety, 99% recommended libraries, 98% liked residential colleges, and 97% say sports and recreation facilities are great. Hence, the University of Otago can be the right choice for you to study in New Zealand.

Check Out: The University of Otago Rankings


University of Otago Top Programs

Here, the top programs of the University of Otago are tabulated below, along with their annual tuition fees and entry requirements.

Programs Annual Tuition Fees in NZD Entry Requirements
Master of Business Data Science 65,105 Relevant undergraduate degree + IELTS 6.5
MS in Computer Science 48,785 A BSc (Hons) or PG Diploma in Science degree + IELTS 6.5
Master of Surveying 44,720 Any bachelors degree + IELTS 6.5
MBA 69,154 (total) Bachelors degree + 3 years work experience + GMAT score of 550 or pass in Otago MBA Test + IELTS 6.5
Master of Business in International Business 58,194 Bachelor degree + Postgraduate Certificate or Diploma in Business + IELTS 6.5

University of Otago Admissions Deadlines

The University of Otago offers semester 1 and semester 2 intakes for international students. Check out the important deadlines to apply for Otago admissions.

Study Level Application Period
Undergraduate and Postgraduate Semester 1, 2026: 15 May 2025 to 15 November 2025
Semester 2, 2026: 1 May 2025 to 30 April 2026
PhD and thesis-only Masters’ Throughout the year
Programs in Teaching, Oral Health, Dental Technology, Postgraduate Dentistry, Postgraduate Nursing Program specific

Know More: Application Deadlines for New Zealand Universities


University of Otago Postgraduate Admissions

The University of Otago offers postgraduate programs in fields such as Business, Humanities, Sciences, and Health Sciences. Applicants can apply online via the university portal, with no application fee. University of Otago admissions requirements for postgraduate programs can be summarized as follows:

University of Otago Application Portal: eVision Otago

Application Fee: Nil

Admission Requirements:

  • A minimum bachelor-level qualification in the same field
  • Relevant work experience and/or professional registration in New Zealand
  • Honors degree or postgraduate diploma for master’s study by thesis only
  • A first-class or upper second-class honors degree for PhD programs
  • English language requirements

Explore: The University of Otago Postgraduate Programs


University of Otago Undergraduate Admissions

The University of Otago offers 140 undergraduate courses in New Zealand, with common admission requirements across programs. Some courses may have additional specific requirements. You must meet all criteria and submit applications on time to be eligible for a New Zealand student visa.

University of Otago apply: eVision

Application Fees: Nil

University of Otago entry requirements for international students

  • Secondary school qualification or High school diploma or equivalent
    • AISSC, ISC, Karnataka, Maharashtra, or West Bengal State Board: An overall average of 75%, and a minimum of 60% in English.
    • Other Higher Secondary State Board: An overall average of 80% and a minimum of 65% in English.
  • Transcripts of all academic institutions attended previously.

See More: University of Otago Undergraduate Programs


University of Otago Admissions Document Requirements

You must submit the following documents for University of Otago admission for international students:

  • Submit scanned copies of your academic transcripts:
    • Undergraduate: High school or foundation transcripts.
    • Postgraduate: Tertiary education transcripts.
  • If documents are not in English, provide official certified translations.
  • Some applicants may need to submit an Educational Credential Evaluators (ECE) report.
  • Proof of identity: Certified copy of passport or birth certificate.
  • For research-only master's or PhD:
    • Include a research proposal, CV, and supervisor’s name.
    • Provide an approximate start date.
    • Ensure documents are certified by authorized individuals (e.g., lawyer, notary, embassy staff).

Must Read: How to Study in New Zealand in 2025?


University of Otago English Language Requirements

If you don’t have English as your first language or a degree from an institute where the primary language is English, you are required to prove English proficiency by submitting one of the scores tabulated below.

Accepted English Proficiency Tests Minimum Score Required for UG Minimum Score Required for PG
IELTS 6.0 6.5
TOEFL iBT 80 90
PTE Academic 50 58
DET 105 120
Others CBSE, CISCE, or Maharashtra, Karnataka, and West Bengal State Boards: 75% in English -
All other Higher Secondary State Boards: 85% in English

Know More: Exams to Study in New Zealand


University of Otago Application Process

The application process for the University of Otago admissions for international students is presented below:

Step 1: Choose Your Course

  • Undergraduate: Pick your subject and program.
  • Postgraduate: PhD or Research Master’s have a different process. Check the department’s website.

Step 2: Check Requirements & Deadlines

  • Review entry requirements for your course.
  • If you don’t meet them, consider pathway programs.
  • Make sure you know the application deadlines.

Step 3: Apply Online

  • Apply online through the 'Apply Now' button.
  • Have all required documents ready to upload.
  • You can also apply through an agent in your country.
  • For PhD or Research Master’s, find a supervisor and submit the needed documents.

Step 4: Submit Your Application

  • Complete your application and upload documents, then click "Submit."
  • Check your eVision portal for updates.
  • You’ll get a confirmation email within 4-6 days.
  • Offers may take up to 6 weeks.

Step 5: Accept Your Offer

  • If accepted, you’ll get an Offer of Place letter.
  • Click ‘accept’ to confirm your spot.
  • The letter will have info about visas, insurance, and next steps.

University of Otago Application Processing Time

The application processing time depends on the chosen course, submitted documents, and your overall academic profile. The University of Otago application processing times are as follows:

  • 1 week for undergraduate programs
  • 3 to 5 weeks for undergraduate programs requiring credit evaluation
  • 3 to 5 weeks for postgraduate coursework programs
  • Up to 8 weeks for research-only programs

University of Otago Acceptance Rate

The University of Otago acceptance rate is around 58% overall. As of 2024, Otago has 18,690 full-time students enrolled in its diverse courses. More detailed information are available below:

Particulars Details as of 2024
Total Students 18,690
International Students 2,471
International Undergraduates 1,581
International Postgraduates 890
Indian Students 137
Top 5 International Countries USA, China, India, Malaysia, Kuwait

Explore: University of Otago Student Profiles


The current Otago Uni enrollment is 18,960 students, with 2,247 international students from 100 countries. University of Otago acceptance rate for international students is around 58%. This university is the only true residential university with 3,500 first-year students living at one of 14 residential colleges, located on or near campus.


FAQs

Ques: Is Otago University hard to get into?

Ans: Otago University has a moderate acceptance rate of 58%, so it's not too hard to get into if you meet the academic and English language requirements.

Ques: What are the entry requirements for Otago University?

Ans: The entry requirements for Otago University are as follows:

  • Undergraduate: 12 years of schooling, with 75–80% overall and 60–65% in English.
  • Postgraduate: A relevant bachelor’s degree, sometimes with work experience.
  • PhD: A master’s or honors degree in a related field plus a research proposal.
  • English tests like IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, or Duolingo are required.

Ques: Does the University of Otago accept international students?

Ans: Yes, Otago accepts students from over 100 countries and has 2,471 international students in 2024, including 137 from India.

Ques: Is Otago University top 50 in the world?

Ans: No, but it is ranked in the top 1% of universities worldwide, with a strong global reputation and high graduate employability.

Ques: What is A+ in Otago?

Ans: An A+ at Otago means a score of 90–100%, which is the highest grade and shows excellent academic performance.

College Student Profiles

Filter By: admitted

University of Otago Program Fees & Deadlines

ProgramImportant DatesFeesEligibility
Application Deadline For Semester 1 Intake (15th Nov 2025)
Application Deadline For Semester 2 Intake (30th Apr 2026)
USD 25,128 /Yr
NZD 41,193 /Yr
Duolingo-105
Application Deadline For February 2026 Intake (15th Nov 2025)
Application Deadline For July 2026 Intake (30th Apr 2026)
USD 27,477 /Yr
NZD 45,045 /Yr
IELTS:- 6.5, TOEFL:- 90, PTE:- 58, Duolingo:- 120
Application Deadline For Semester 1 Intake (15th Nov 2025)
Application Deadline For Semester 2 Intake (30th Apr 2026)
USD 26,254 /Yr
NZD 43,039 /Yr
Duolingo-105
Application Deadline For Semester 1 Intake (15th Nov 2025)
Application Deadline For Semester 2 Intake (30th Apr 2026)
USD 26,135 /Yr
NZD 42,845 /Yr
-
Application Deadline For Semester 1 Intake (15th Nov 2025)
Application Deadline For Semester 2 Intake (30th Apr 2026)
USD 25,313 /Yr
NZD 41,497 /Yr
-
Application Deadline For February 2026 Intake (15th Nov 2025)
Application Deadline For July 2026 Intake (30th Apr 2026)
USD 28,054 /Yr
NZD 45,990 /Yr
IELTS:- 6.5, TOEFL:- 90, PTE:- 58, Duolingo:- 120
Application Deadline For Semester 1 Intake (15th Nov 2025)
Application Deadline For Semester 2 Intake (30th Apr 2026)
USD 21,729 /Yr
NZD 35,621 /Yr
-
Application Deadline For Semester 1 Intake (15th Nov 2025)
Application Deadline For Semester 2 Intake (30th Apr 2026)
USD 26,557 /Yr
NZD 43,536 /Yr
-
Application Deadline For Semester 1 Intake (15th Nov 2025)
Application Deadline For Semester 2 Intake (30th Apr 2026)
USD 24,566 /Yr
NZD 40,272 /Yr
Duolingo-105
Application Deadline For Semester 1 Intake (15th Nov 2025)
Application Deadline For Semester 2 Intake (30th Apr 2026)
USD 24,566 /Yr
NZD 40,272 /Yr
-

Do you think the Dates are wrong ?  Report Here

Comments


No Comments To Show

Similar Colleges


Auckland University of Technology

Auckland University of Technology

Auckland, North Island
University of Auckland

University of Auckland

Auckland, North Island
University of Canterbury

University of Canterbury

Christchurch, South Island
University of Waikato

University of Waikato

Hamilton, North Island
Lincoln University

Lincoln University

Lincoln, South Island
Massey University

Massey University

Palmerston North, North Island
Victoria University of Wellington

Victoria University of Wellington

Wellington, North Island
Wellington Institute of Technology
Waikato Institute of Technology

Waikato Institute of Technology

Hamilton, North Island
Videos
Write A Review & Earn Upto 20 USD*

Refer & Earn 5 USD For Every Approved Review

Cash Rewarded

$1500

Reviews Collected

3k+ Reviews

interested in this College ?

Get free counselling
Faculty, schools and campuses
Colleges in South Island, New-zealand
Important Dates