The University is comprised of governing bodies, made up of committees, with the functional structure separated into divisions.
- The Organisational structure allows each division to assist in the operational and academic functioning of the University
- The Senior Leadership Team supports the Vice-Chancellor in the leadership and management of the University
- The University of Otago Chancellor is the formal head of the University
- The Vice-Chancellor's Staff Student Advisory Group is a forum for staff and students to bring discussions to the attention of the Vice-Chancellor
- The University of Otago Council, Senate, and Committees are the governing bodies of the university and provide different strategic functions