NZ's oldest university (1869); world-leading medical school (highly sought for international medicine); Dunedin is NZ's student city; pharmacy top in Southern Hemisphere; strong research culture
International environmentDiverse; ~25% intl UG; Dunedin city student culture
Teaching styleLecture + tutorial; medicine: clinical from Y3; humanities: essay-based
Academics
Subjects and fit
Strongest subjects
Medicine
Dentistry
Pharmacy
Public Health
Commerce
Law
Sciences
Humanities
Best for
Medicine
dentistry
pharmacy
public health
science students wanting affordable NZ education
Getting in
Admission requirements
GPA: NCEA Level 3 or IB 24+; Medicine highly competitive
ScholarshipsOtago International Excellence Scholarship; Vice-Chancellor Awards
Special Health Research Scholarship at University of Otago 2026 (Fully Funded)
meritneed
Sinh viên quốc tế bậc Tiến sĩ, mọi quốc tịch.
New ZealandThe great news is that there is no specific deadline to apply for
Special Health Research Scholarship!
While there is no fixed deadline to apply, you do need to apply for Ph.D. admissions at University of Otago .
Ph.D. admissions timelines can differ by department or project—please check your department’s page for specifics.
Industry connectionsDHBs (District Health Boards), Ministry of Health NZ, Countdown, Cadbury, Dunedin companies
InternshipsClinical placements in medicine; pharmacy industry placements
EmployabilityTop for medicine, pharmacy in Southern Hemisphere; Otago degree globally recognized
The honest view
Why students choose University of Otago
Otago International Excellence Scholarship; Vice-Chancellor Awards
Employability: Top for medicine, pharmacy in Southern Hemisphere; Otago degree globally recognized
Worth knowing
Dunedin is remote and cold; NZ salary levels lower; limited industry in Dunedin
GlowBal's insider note
VERIFIED: Otago Medicine (MBChB) is one of the most sought-after and hardest medicine programs in NZ. INSIGHT: Dunedin's extremely affordable cost of living is a significant advantage students regularly report low debt on graduation.
Ask a human
Talk to someone who studied here
Book a 1-1 session with a current student or alumnus for honest advice about your application and life on campus.
Doctoral Scholarships at University of Otago 2026 (Fully Funded)
meritneed
Sinh viên quốc tế bậc Tiến sĩ, mọi quốc tịch.
New ZealandThe great news is that there is no specific deadline to apply for
Doctoral Scholarships!
While there is no fixed deadline to apply, you do need to apply for Ph.D. admissions at University of Otago .
Ph.D. admissions timelines can differ by department or project—please check your department’s page for specifics.
Literature PhD Scholarship at University of Otago 2026 (Fully Funded)
meritneed
Sinh viên quốc tế bậc Tiến sĩ, mọi quốc tịch.
New ZealandThe great news is that there is no specific deadline to apply for
Literature PhD Scholarship!
While there is no fixed deadline to apply, you do need to apply for Ph.D. admissions at University of Otago .
Ph.D. admissions timelines can differ by department or project—please check your department’s page for specifics.
