The University of Otago welcomes international students at both undergraduate and postgraduate level. All applications are made online in eVision
To gain admission, you will need to meet the University's entrance and English language criteria. Additionally, you must be accepted into an individual programme. Entry requirements vary depending on your level of study and the qualification you are applying with.
You will need to provide original or certified copies of your academic records (in English). Some applicants may also be required to provide an external credentials assessment.
Undergraduate entrance requirements
The University recognises many international qualifications as equivalent to New Zealand University Entrance. You can check whether your qualification is recognised by selecting the country in which it was completed from the Undergraduate entrance requirements list.
The University of Otago also accepts the following international qualifications:
- International Baccalaureate (IB) – completion of the IB Diploma with a minimum of 24 points. If taken in New Zealand, literacy and numeracy requirements must also be met through specified English and Mathematics subjects. If taken outside New Zealand, literacy may be met through an approved alternative listed in the English language requirements
- Cambridge International Examinations (CIE) Advanced Levels – a minimum of 120 points on the New Zealand Tariff at A or AS level, plus a D grade or better in subjects from at least three different syllabus groups (excluding Thinking Skills)
- Pearson Edexcel International A Levels – a minimum of 120 New Zealand Tariff points at A or AS level, and a D grade or better in at least three different syllabus groups. Specific English and Mathematics requirements apply if taken in New Zealand
- University of Otago Foundation Studies Certificate – successful completion with a grade of at least C in both Academic English papers
- English New Zealand Accredited Pathway Assessment – Undergraduate: Level 2 (with no skill lower than Level 1)
- NCUK International Foundation Year (IFY) – a minimum of CCC overall. The NCUK English for Academic Purposes qualification may be accepted in place of separate English language requirements, subject to minimum grades
- Advanced Placement International Diploma (APID) – completion of the diploma with grades of 3 or higher in at least four subjects
- LRN International A Levels – three A Level passes at grade C or higher, plus specified literacy and numeracy requirements
The University may also consider applicants who have completed at least one year of study at a recognised tertiary institution listed in the World Higher Education Database.
Selection into Health Sciences Professional Programmes is limited. For most programmes, selection occurs after completion of Health Sciences First Year.
Undergraduate Health Science Information for International Students
Postgraduate entrance requirements
Each postgraduate programme has its own entry requirements. Most require a bachelor-level qualification in the same or a closely related field. Some programmes may also require relevant work experience or professional registration in New Zealand.
- Postgraduate certificates and diplomas can usually be taken after completing a bachelor's degree
- Applicants with an honours degree or postgraduate diploma may be eligible for master's study by thesis
- In some cases, applicants with a bachelor's degree may be eligible for a coursework master's or a combined coursework and thesis master's
- PhD study generally requires completion of a master's degree or a first-class or upper second-class honours degree in a relevant discipline
Refer to the postgraduate students pages for specific information on the entrance requirements of the programme you are interested in.
Research masters' and PhD applications
If you are applying for a research-only master's or PhD programme, secure a suitable supervisor before applying.
Before applying:
- Review the relevant academic department's research areas
- Identify potential supervisors
- Develop a research topic aligned with departmental expertise
- Contact a potential supervisor to confirm supervision availability
When applying, you need to include the following documents with your application:
- Academic transcripts, credentials evaluation (if required), and proof of identity
- A detailed research proposal
- An up-to-date curriculum vitae
- The name of your confirmed supervisor
- An approximate intended start date
English language requirements and credentials evaluation
You may need to arrange a credentials evaluation through Educational Credential Evaluators (ECE) if your qualifications are not from a country listed here, or are not from an institution with which the University of Otago has a Student Exchange agreement.
If your qualifications are from more than one country, and the country where the highest (usually most recent) qualification was taken is on the 'exemption' list, an ECE report will not usually be required.
The only ECE report accepted by the University is the "Course-by-Course Evaluation Report".
If you lodge your application through a University of Otago approved agent, you may be eligible for an exemption from the ECE requirement.
If you do not meet the academic entrance requirements, the University offers pathway options, including:
These programmes provide preparation for academic study and can offer a pathway into the second year of a relevant bachelor's degree.
If you do not meet the English language requirements, the University offers English language courses, including:
- General English
- IELTS preparation
- English for Academic Purpose (EAP)
- English for Otago (EFO)
If you are a prospective international student and would like personalised assistance, use the International Student Enquiry Form
Further information
Key dates for international students
International academic excellence scholarship
International scholarships