Before you apply

There are specific entry requirements you'll need to meet if you want to study at the University of Otago.

You will need to:

• Be at least 16 years old when classes start

• Meet English language requirements

• Have achieved New Zealand University Entrance or an equivalent qualification

Some degrees have additional entry requirements. Read our list of specialised bachelors’ degrees to make sure you’re on track for what you want to study.

A university entrance qualification is essential for admission to the University of Otago for all types of programmes. You must also be at least 16 years of age by the first day of classes in your period of study.

The information below applies only to domestic students applying for study at a New Zealand university for the first time.

New Zealand University Entrance requirements

New Zealand University Entrance can be achieved through one of the following categories:

Please note that a non-refundable administration fee applies for applications under some of the categories.

National Certificate in Educational Achievement (NCEA) is the most common way that school-leavers gain entrance to university. To be eligible for admission in this category, you must achieve the University Entrance standard through NCEA Level 3 by gaining:

• NCEA Level 3, and

• 14 credits at Level 3 in each of three subjects from the approved list.

You must also meet literacy and numeracy requirements:

• Literacy: 10 credits at Level 2 or above in standards from the specified list, with at least 5 credits in Reading and 5 credits in Writing

• Numeracy: 10 credits at Level 1 or above (can be achieved through a range of standards)

Once you have met the requirements for University Entrance it will appear on your Record of Achievement.

More information about the requirements for University Entrance is available on the NZQA website.

View NZQA University Entrance information

Please note that these requirements apply to students who had not obtained University Entrance by 1 March 2014. Students who were awarded University Entrance before that date obtained the qualification under the requirements in place at that time.

Evidence you will need to provide

University Entrance through NCEA Level 3 is awarded by the New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA). Results are provided automatically to the University in January each year by NZQA . Your results will be matched to your application and your eligibility for entrance will be checked.

It is important that you make sure that you have not indicated to NZQA that your NCEA results should be withheld from tertiary institutions.

Preferential Entry requirement from NCEA

The entry score requirement for Preferential Entry for the applicable undergraduate programmes from NCEA Level 3 is 140 points. Scores which do not meet this requirement will be considered for Competitive Entry.

Entry Pathways - Preferential Entry

Please note that if you have completed tertiary study since obtaining University Entrance through NCEA you will not usually be eligible for Preferential Entry on the basis of your NCEA Level 3 results.

How to calculate an entry score

An entry score will be calculated using your 80 best credits in up to five approved University Entrance subjects taken at Level 3 or above (including only achievement standards).

No more than 24 credits in any subject can be used in the entry score calculation. Credits will be weighted according to the level of attainment.

If you achieve fewer than 80 credits at Level 3 or above in up to five University Entrance subjects, the entry score will be based on the credits achieved.

An entry score will be calculated by awarding points as follows:

• Excellence 4 points

• Merit 3 points

• Achieved 2 points

Enrolling at Otago 

This link will take you to the enrolling page on the Otago Uni website