🇳🇿 University of Otago: Tuition, Scholarships & Visa Pathway for International Students
QS 2027 #198 · NZD $39,690–48,090 a year · Dunedin
Quick Facts
| Location | Dunedin, New Zealand |
|---|---|
| Global Ranking | #198 in the QS World University Rankings 2027 (published June 2026). |
| International Students | Around 2,500-3,000 international students from 90+ countries; ranked #8 globally for Dentistry — New Zealand's first-ever top-10 QS subject ranking. |
| Class 12 Minimum (Indian students) | 75% overall with at least 60% in English for AISSC, ISC, Karnataka, Maharashtra and West Bengal boards; 80% overall with at least 65% in English for all other state boards |
| English Requirement (Undergraduate) | IELTS 6.0 overall, no band below 5.5 |
| English Requirement (Postgraduate) | IELTS 6.5 overall, no band below 6.0 |
| Approx. Acceptance Rate | ~58 to 70%, meaningfully less selective than Auckland at similar published minimums |
Tuition for International Students (2026-27)
NZD $39,690–48,090 per year (2027 international undergraduate tuition (excluding health professional programmes)). Source: University of Otago fees, via StudyU, checked 30 October 2026. Add at least NZD $20,000 a year for living costs (study visa minimum; source below).
Real Scholarships: Not Just a List of Names
University of Otago Global Scholarships
Up to NZD $15,000 for students from India, Bangladesh, Nigeria and other eligible countries.
Visa & Post-Study Work Pathway
Yes — Otago graduates are eligible for New Zealand's Post-Study Work Visa, typically valid for up to 3 years for bachelor's degree or higher qualifications, with no employer sponsorship needed to hold the visa itself.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Is Otago good for international students?
University of Otago is ranked #198 in the QS World University Rankings 2027, 2nd of the 8 universities in New Zealand covered on VisaCalc. International tuition runs NZD $39,690–48,090 a year depending on the program. After graduating: post-study work visa: up to 3 years after a bachelor's degree or higher. Whether it is a good fit depends on your program, budget and career plans; use the cost calculator and comparison charts on this page.
What tuition does Otago charge international students?
NZD $39,690–48,090 per year (2027 international undergraduate tuition (excluding health professional programmes)), checked 30 October 2026.
What IELTS score and Class 12 percentage do I need for Otago?
IELTS 6.0 overall (no band below 5.5) for undergraduate, 6.5 (no band below 6.0) for postgraduate. For Class 12, 75% overall with at least 60% in English for AISSC, ISC, Karnataka, Maharashtra and West Bengal boards, or 80% overall with at least 65% in English for other state boards. Medicine and Dentistry require higher scores plus additional criteria.
Can I work in New Zealand after graduating from Otago?
Yes — Otago graduates are eligible for New Zealand's Post-Study Work Visa, typically valid for up to 3 years for bachelor's degree or higher qualifications, with no employer sponsorship needed to hold the visa itself.
See the full New Zealand university landscape and visa pathway.
🇳🇿 Study in New Zealand Guide 🔗 Official Otago Website
Worked example: a full degree at University of Otago
An international student starting a 3-year bachelor's at the lowest fee shown, budgeting the official visa living-cost figure. Rates are converted at the 29 Oct 2026 reference rates; use the calculator above to change any assumption.
| Tuition | NZ$39,690 a year (lowest rate in the published range: 2027 international undergraduate tuition (excluding health professional programmes)) |
| Living costs | NZ$20,000 a year (Immigration NZ living-cost funds for one year of study) |
| Years | 3 (typical bachelor's length) |
| Total, fees flat | NZ$179,070 ≈ ₹96.0 lakh ≈ $100,709 |
| Total if costs rise 4% a year | NZ$186,328 ≈ ₹99.9 lakh |
| Most expensive programme, same assumptions | NZ$204,270 ≈ ₹1.09 crore |
The visa living-cost figure is a legal minimum, not a comfortable budget. Scholarships are not deducted.
Sources
- University of Otago fees, via StudyU
- Shiksha: QS 2027 ranks of NZ universities
- IDP: New Zealand visa rules for 2026
- Exchange rates: open.er-api.com reference rates, 29 Oct 2026
How we checked this page
Fees for University of Otago come from the University of Otago fees, via StudyU; the QS 2027 position from Shiksha: QS 2027 ranks of NZ universities; living costs from IDP: New Zealand visa rules for 2026. Checked on 30 October 2026. Course-level fees vary, so confirm your exact program on the official University of Otago website before paying anything. VisaCalc is independent of University of Otago. Not admissions or immigration advice.