University of Otago

Founded in 1869, the University of Otago is New Zealand’s oldest university and one of its most historic, centred around the iconic Clocktower building in Dunedin. It has a long-standing reputation for excellence in medicine, dentistry, and the health sciences, alongside strong programmes across the sciences and humanities.

Why students choose Otago

• New Zealand’s oldest university, with a strong historic identity and tradition.
• Nationally renowned health sciences programmes, including medicine, dentistry, and pharmacy.
• A classic residential college system giving first-year students a distinctive, community-focused start to university life.
• Compact, walkable campus set within a lively university town.
• Strong research reputation across a broad range of disciplines.

Campus and location

Otago’s main campus is in Dunedin, a South Island city with a strong student character shaped by the university’s long presence there. The historic stone Clocktower building anchors a campus that blends heritage architecture with modern teaching and research facilities.

What students say

A recurring theme in general perceptions of Otago is the strength of its student community and traditions, with the residential college system often cited as an easy way to make friends in first year. Students commonly describe Dunedin as an affordable, close-knit university town with a distinctive social scene built around campus life. As with many smaller cities, some students note that the range of local internship and graduate job opportunities is narrower than in New Zealand’s larger centres.

Official website: https://www.otago.ac.nz

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