If you are looking forward to studying at the University of Otago, then this is the opportunity you shouldn’t miss. Get to know everything including how to file the University of Otago application on this page.
There are lots of people out there who want to enter the University of Otago to further their education but don’t know how to enrol. In this very detailed and informative article, I am going to tell you how to easily enter the University.
I will also be giving you some inside information that you must know before getting to the University of Otago.
Before we continue, take your time and look at the table of contents. It will show you the information you are going to get on this page. You can also click on any of the headings to jump to that particular article.
Why Choose the University of Otago?
The University of Otago is by far, the oldest university in New Zealand, founded in early 1869. It was formed by an ordinance of the Otago Provincial Council and accepted its first student in July 1871.
At the moment, the University of Otago is also one of the leading universities when it comes to research.
Apart from the vibrant students this institution produce, it has also been ranked as the University with one of the most beautiful campuses in the world. Since most of the architectural structures date back to over 100 years, it is easy to associate them with beauty.
Academic wise, the University of Otago is among the best in New Zealand and the world at large. It has a place among the top 1% of best universities in the world. There are varieties of tertiary programmes applicants can enrol in to study. Below is a list of some of their major programmes.
- Arts and Music
- Commerce
- Dentistry
- Education
- Health Sciences
- Higher Education
- Law
- Medicine
- Pharmacy
- Physical Education
- Physiotherapy
- Science
- Surveying
- Theology
These are some of the major programmes available for prospective applicants to enrol. Since you are aware of the amazing courses available at the University of Otago, let’s get you enrolled.
University of Otago Application
Many things go into the University of Otago application process and I will outline all of them here for you. I will also make sure I explain to you as detailed as possible. So, expect the best of information.
University of Otago Application Opening and Closing Dates
The first thing you must know even before filing your University of Otago application is the application opening and closing date.
The University of Otago Application closing dates vary depending on what you are applying to study. However, all applications usually open somewhere at the beginning of the year. During this period, you will get the opportunity to submit your application to any programme you want to study.
For your University of Otago application opening and closing dates, check the list on the University of Otago page.
The earlier you submit your application, the better your chances of getting admission.
University of Otago Application Requirements
The University of Otago application requirements depend on who is applying. But there is one thing that no matter who you are you must meet that requirement. That is University Entrance. The University Entrance (UE) can be achieved through the following means.
New Zealand School Leavers
For applicants who went to New Zealand secondary schools, these are the requirements.
NCEA Level 3
The National Certificate of Educational Achievement(NCEA) is one of the most common qualifications for New Zealand school leavers. Below are the credits you need to enter the University of Otago.
- You will need 14 credits at level 3 from at least three approved subjects.
- 10 literacy credits at level 2 or high. 5 credits for reading and another 5 for writing, summing up to 10 literacy credits.
- 10 numeracy credits at level 1 or higher.
If you have all these, then you can gladly say you have achieved UE.
Cambridge International
This is for applicants who have completed the Cambridge International examination. The following are the requirements you must achieve.
- 120 points or more on the New Zealand Cambridge International score table at AS and/or A level in syllabuses from at least three different syllabus groups.
- Grade of D or better in syllabuses from at least three different syllabus groups (Thinking skills not included).
- E grade or better in any one of AS English Language, AS Literature in English or AS Language & Literature in English to meet the literacy requirements.
- D grade or better in IGCSE or GCSE Mathematics to meet the numeracy requirement.
IB Diploma
The International Baccalaureate applicants must meet a certain requirement to get UE.
A minimum of 24 points is required along with a standard or higher level in English language and mathematics to satisfy the literature and numeracy requirements.
Australian Secondary School
Probably, you are an Australian applicant trying to get admission to the University of Otago. You must meet the following requirements.
- ATAR rank of 74 or above
- OP rank of 12 or below
Since Australian secondary school students are ranked by their overall academic performance, satisfying any of the above means you are ready to enter Otago.
Previous Tertiary Study
If you have studied at a university in New Zealand before, you can easily transfer your credits from that university to the University of Otago. You must provide your official academic transcript from your previous institution as evidence.
You can also transfer from non-university tertiary institutions in New Zealand or overseas to Otago. There is more to do this kind of transfer so make sure you read the full instruction on the Otago website.
International Applicants
International applicants must submit the same requirements as New Zealand school leavers especially when applying with an IB diploma. There are other qualifications that are accepted at the University of Otago. However, you must check your county’s information on the Otago website to know exactly what is required.
All you have to do is simply select your country and all the requirements and acceptable certifications will appear.
University of Otago Application Process
The application process is very simple. Since everything is online, you must prepare all your required documents in soft copies including your identity documents.
Prepare a soft copy of your educational certificate and ID card or Passport. You must also have an active email address and phone number.
Since it is completely online, you must have a device with an internet connection.
Follow the application process systematically to submit your information.
- First, head to the University of Otago enrolment page. You should see a page similar to the one in the image below.
- If you are a “New Student” check the radio button and answer the questions in steps 1, 2, 3, and 4.
- In step 5, create your eVision account. It is Otago’s students management platform and it is also where you can check your application related information including application status.
- Complete and submit your application in step 6.
- Your application will be processed by the University of Otago staff. If there are additional information required, the staff will reach out to you to provide the necessary information.
- After a successful application, the division responsible for your chosen programme will also go through your application to confirm your requirements.
- If your application is successful, you will be able to see all the details on the eVision platform.
University of Otago Application and Tuition Fees
Just like any other university in New Zealand, there are fees you must pay.
For the University of Otago application, all applications are free. But if you are applying with IB Diploma, you must pay a non-refundable administration fee of $93.00. This also applies to international and Australian applicants.
Tuition Fees
Usually, tuition fees are calculated based on what you are studying and where you are applying. However, there is a chance for domestic applicants to study for free. This offer is for only the first year of study for new applicants.
Apart from the above, all other applicants must pay their fees according to the University of Otago’s tuition fee plans. You can see the whole tuition fee plan on the Otago fees webpage.
University of Otago Application FAQs
I will try as much as possible to answer all your questions here. If you don’t find an answer to your question here, feel free to use the comment box. I will reply to your queries as fast as possible.
When can I apply to Otago?
Between January and September you should be able to file your University of Otago application. The earlier you file your University of Otago application, the better your chances of getting admission so I will advice you file before the due date.
Due date is usually after September so you should have enough time to prepare and file your application.
What is the University of Otago acceptance rate?
The University of Otago does not disclose its acceptance rate. This happens mostly if a university doesn’t have much competitive applicants but relies only on application requirements. This simply means if you meet all requirements, you can easily get into the University of Otago.
The University of Otago has no known acceptance rate. However, edurank.org has estimated the acceptance rate to be around 52% using their own methods.
I recommend that you read the articles on the following topics too:
- AUT Application Process and Requirements
- Auckland University of Technology Prospectus Download
- The University of Auckland Application Procedures
Since filing to multiple universities won’t hurt, I recommend you read articles about the other universities too.
If you have any question concerning the University of Otago application, do not hesitate to leave a comment in the comment section below.
