University of Otago
Ranking, international fees, entry rules for Bangladeshi qualifications, intakes, scholarships and living costs, checked against Otago’s own pages.
Check my chances at OtagoLast updated 4 October 2026Figures checked against official sources, listed at the end
University of Otago: highlights
The University of Otago in Dunedin is New Zealand’s oldest university, ranked 198th in the QS World University Rankings 2027. It states a clear HSC score for entry and names Bangladesh passport holders as eligible for one of its scholarships.
- After HSC: Otago accepts the Bangladesh Higher Secondary Certificate with a minimum GPA of 4.0 on the 5.0 scale for university entrance. Individual programmes can ask for more.
- For a master’s A relevant bachelor’s degree at the grade the programme sets. Check the programme page.:
- Tuition: NZD 45,415 for Health Sciences First Year (2027); other subjects on the fees page
- Scholarship: International Partnership Scholarship: up to NZD 10,000 for Bangladesh passport holders.
- Intakes: Two intakes: Semester 1 (late February) and Semester 2 (July).
Key facts
Dunedin is a student city in the south of New Zealand’s South Island, with lower rents than Auckland.
Otago rankings
| Ranking | Position |
|---|---|
| QS World University Rankings 2027 | 198 in the world |
Courses and international fees
Otago sets international fees by subject area. These are 2027 figures from its health sciences fee page.
| Programme | International fee a year, 2027 |
|---|---|
| Health Sciences First Year | NZD 45,415 |
| Bachelor of Pharmacy, year 2 | NZD 50,825 |
| Bachelor of Pharmacy, years 3 and 4 | NZD 53,505 |
Humanities, science and business fees are listed on Otago’s international fees page.
Admission requirements for Bangladeshi students
| Your qualification or level | What Otago asks for |
|---|---|
| HSC | Otago accepts the Bangladesh Higher Secondary Certificate with a minimum GPA of 4.0 on the 5.0 scale for university entrance. Individual programmes can ask for more. |
| English | An accepted English test at the score for your programme |
| Master’s A relevant bachelor’s degree at the grade the programme sets. Check the programme page. |
English language scores
English requirements are listed with Otago’s international entrance requirements.
Otago: yearly intakes
Otago has two semesters a year.
| Intake | Classes start | Apply by | Open for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Semester 1 | Late February | Apply at least 3 to 4 months before, to leave time for the visa | All programmes |
| Semester 2 | July | Apply at least 3 to 4 months before | Many programmes |
Health Sciences First Year starts in Semester 1 only.
How to apply
- Check your HSC GPA
You need at least 4.0 out of 5.0.
- Apply online to Otago
Upload your certificates and English result.
- Check your scholarship eligibility
Bangladesh passport holders are eligible for the International Partnership Scholarship.
- Apply for the student visa
The visa fee is NZD 850. Show NZD 20,000 a year for living costs and keep 3 to 6 months of steady bank statements.
Scholarships for Bangladeshi students
University of Otago International Partnership Scholarship
University of Otago
- Value
- Up to NZD 10,000
- Paid
- Towards tuition fees
- Bangladesh
- Passport holders eligible
- Apply
- See the scholarship page
One of the few New Zealand university awards that names Bangladesh.
View on official site ↗New Zealand’s government Manaaki scholarships do not list Bangladesh as an eligible country, so university awards are the main option.
Living costs in Dunedin
Dunedin is cheaper than Auckland for rent.
For the visa, Immigration New Zealand asks for NZD 20,000 a year for living costs, with tuition paid or funds shown to pay it.
What one year costs in total
A Health Sciences First Year comes to about NZD 65,400: NZD 45,415 in fees plus the NZD 20,000 living-cost figure used for the visa.
Work and careers after Otago
Reputation
- 198 in the world in the QS World University Rankings 2027.
- New Zealand’s oldest university, with a published HSC entry score.
Work while you study
- Part-time work is allowed during term on a student visa; check the hours printed on your visa.
- Full time during scheduled holidays.
Stay after graduating
- The Post Study Work Visa runs for 1 to 3 years, depending on your qualification.
- A master’s degree gives the full 3 years.
Otago: FAQs
Can I get into Otago with HSC?
Otago accepts the Bangladesh Higher Secondary Certificate with a minimum GPA of 4.0 on the 5.0 scale for university entrance. Individual programmes can ask for more.
How much does Otago cost for international students?
For 2027, Health Sciences First Year costs NZD 45,415 for international students. Other subject areas are on Otago’s international fees page.
What do I need for a master’s at Otago?
A relevant bachelor’s degree at the grade the programme sets. Check the programme page.
When are the intakes at Otago?
Semester 1 starts in late February and Semester 2 in July.
Are there scholarships for Bangladeshi students at Otago?
Yes. Bangladesh passport holders are eligible for the University of Otago International Partnership Scholarship, worth up to NZD 10,000 towards tuition.
Do I need a foundation year after HSC?
Not if your HSC GPA is at least 4.0 out of 5.0, which is Otago’s published minimum for university entrance.
Plan the rest
Official sources
- Otago: international entrance requirements ↗Checked 2026-10-04 · next review 2026-11-03
- Otago: international fees ↗Checked 2026-10-04 · next review 2026-11-03
- Otago: health sciences international fees ↗Checked 2026-10-04 · next review 2026-11-03
- Otago: fees and scholarships ↗Checked 2026-10-04 · next review 2026-11-03
- QS World University Rankings 2027 ↗Checked 2026-10-04 · next review 2026-11-03
These are dated editorial checks, not a live data feed. Recheck the original page before applying or paying.
About this guide. Researched by the Student Visa From Bangladesh editorial team from the official sources listed above and last checked on 4 October 2026. We are not a university or a government agency, and admission and visa outcomes are never guaranteed. Read our editorial policy.