Overview
For Students
Teaching and Research
profile logo default

University of Otago

Ranked
North Dunedin, New Zealand
351–400th in World University Rankings 2026
  • About
  • Rankings
  • Impact Rankings
  • Key stats
  • Jobs
  • Subjects
  • Downloads
  • FAQs
  • Suggested universities

About the University of Otago

Basic information and contact details for the University of Otago

institution

University of Otago: New Zealand’s first university

As New Zealand's first university, founded in 1869, the University of Otago has earned an international reputation for quality research and teaching.

Based on national data, we have the best performance indicators of any university in New Zealand for successful completion of courses and qualifications, student progression to higher level study, and students retained in study.

Achieving high approval ratings in employer surveys, Otago graduates are sought after and appreciated, with many occupying influential positions in industry, government and within their communities across the world.

Otago’s staff are truly world class. We have the highest concentration of internationally trained staff in New Zealand and the fifth highest concentration of internationally trained staff in the world: 70% of our academic staff are foreign born or are New Zealanders who gained their PhD overseas.

Our academics also hold more national teaching awards and produce more highly cited papers per capita than any other university in the country.

Campus life

Dunedin is the only true university city in New Zealand and Australia with more than 21,000 young people coming to live and learn in our beautiful coastal city. The stunning campus, which is situated right in the centre of town, was recognised as one of the fifteen most beautiful campuses in the world by the Huffington Post.

Otago offers students an unrivalled campus experience and vibrant cultural life. Almost all students live within walking distance of the campus and key facilities. Most undergraduates stay at one of our 15 residential colleges or in character-filled flats/apartments, and have access to a range of student support services dedicated to ensuring they get the best out of their time here.

Otago has world-class teaching facilities and libraries and our state-of-the-art gymnasium enables students to stay fit while they study. Our students also enjoy living in New Zealand’s first ‘Gigatown’ – Dunedin has access to the fastest internet in the Southern Hemisphere.

Academic programmes

Otago offers 200+ undergraduate and postgraduate programmes and has teaching and research strengths across the areas of Business, Health Science, Humanities and Science.

Many of our programmes are the only ones of their kind in New Zealand. Otago is home to the country’s only dental and surveying schools and the only standalone botany programme. We have the largest science communication programme in the world and the most successful genetics programme in Australasia. Our law school is regarded as one of the best in the country and ours is the oldest and largest medical school in New Zealand.

Otago’s annual Foreign Policy School continues to attract leading national and international speakers. For more than two decades, the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs has used the school to train the new cohorts of New Zealand diplomats.

Postgraduate study

We strongly encourage students to undertake postgraduate study at Otago. As New Zealand's leading postgraduate research institution, we attract the best and brightest students from within New Zealand and around the globe, and we have the highest proportion of PhD students at any university in New Zealand.

Most undergraduate and postgraduate study takes place at our large Dunedin campus, and a large number of Health Sciences postgraduate courses are taught from our Wellington and Christchurch campuses.

Rankings

Select the type of rankings below to see stats

Impact Rankings

Select the type of ranking below to see stats

Discover similar universities

Find out more about studying, research and jobs at these universities

the colour logo

suggested

Key Student Statistics

A breakdown of student statistics at the University of Otago

gender ratio
Student gender ratio
60 F : 40 M (1)
globe fill
International student percentage
18% (1)
student per staff
Students per staff
19.9 (1)
student
Student total
18703 (1)

Based on data collected for the (1) World University Rankings 2026

Jobs you might be interested in

You may want to explore jobs from other universities which are relevant to you

See all

Lecturer/Senior Lecturer in Accounting

UNIVERSITY OF OTAGO

University of Otago

New Zealand, Dunedin

institution

University of Otago

New Zealand, Dunedin


OTAGO BUSINESS SCHOOL About the Team/Service/Location The University of Otago - Ōtākou Whakaihu Waka is one of New Zealand's largest and most research-intensive universities, ranked in the top 1% in the QS World University ranking. The Otago Business School is ranked number one for research in New Zealand. Accounting at the University of Otago has a long history, and the Department includes some of the most outstanding teachers and researchers in the Business School and the University. The Department holds accreditation from CA ANZ, CPA Australia, and ACCA, and is a CFA Programme Partner, while the Otago Business School is EQUIS and AACSB accredited. Our students regularly make up more than half of the Dean's list of outstanding students in the School and are in demand by a wide range of leading employers. The Department values excellence in both teaching and research and provides a supportive environment for staff to achieve both. This includes manageable teaching loads that allow dedicated time for research, alongside strong access to data resources and a collaborative research culture. The role We are seeking to appoint two full-time, permanent Lecturers or Senior Lecturers in Accountancy. This role offers an exciting opportunity to contribute to our existing teaching and research strengths in Accountancy. The successful candidate will contribute to both undergraduate and postgraduate teaching within the Department and will supervise postgraduate research students. Candidates will also be expected to develop and sustain an independent and productive research programme. Skills and experience The successful candidate will have: A PhD in Accounting or closely related discipline. A comprehensive research agenda aimed at internationally rated accounting/finance/business journals. A strong commitment to obtaining external research funding. Demonstrated quality and commitment to teaching accounting and related topics at undergraduate and postgraduate levels. Experience and commitment to engaging with industry to enhance student learning.  Commitment to upholding values, tikanga, kawa and traditions as guided by Ngāi Tahu, as mana whenua in the region and broad knowledge of the cultural traditions of other iwi/hapū. Previous industrial experience and/or a professional accountancy qualification are desirable attributes, but not essential. Collaboration and collegiality are important values in the Department, and we seek colleagues who will both enjoy and enhance our cooperative work environment. We are committed to equity, and we value the benefits that diversity brings to our work and our community. Further details We have two permanent, full-time (1 FTE) positions based in Ōtepoti, Dunedin. The appointment range for a Lecturer/Senior Lecturer is $97,377 to $137,444 per annum. The University of Otago is renowned for its collegiality, strong research culture, and excellent work-life balance. The Dunedin campus is recognised as one of the most beautiful in the world. Located in a vibrant university city set within a region of outstanding natural beauty, Dunedin offers excellent schools and easy access to a wide range of cultural, sporting, and outdoor activities. Application Candidates are requested to submit the following: A CV. A cover letter. Teaching evaluations for the most recent two years. 3 to 4 referee contact details. To submit your application, please click the apply button. Applications quoting reference number 2600422 will close on Sunday, 10 May 2026.

Salary

$97,377 to $137,444 per annum

Posted

30 Mar 2026

Academics (Initial Teacher Education)

UNIVERSITY OF WESTERN AUSTRALIA

The University of Western Australia

Australia, Perth

institution

The University of Western Australia

Australia, Perth


Competitive casual academic rate. Flexible working hours based on availability and workload. Location either Perth or Albany. About the area Education has been a keystone of the University of Western Australia for 100 years. Today, the Graduate School of Education (GSE) maintains a tradition of excellence while directly addressing the challenges of developing educational practices for both global and local needs. We have an established and dedicated team of teaching and research academics providing undergraduate and post-graduate courses in initial teacher education, education studies, higher education, and mental health and wellbeing. We also offer higher degree by research courses and research training. About the opportunity The GSE is looking for Expressions of Interest from qualified educators to join the School as sessional staff in our undergraduate initial teacher education courses in Perth or Albany. Work with academic staff to support student learning, and roles may include teaching, facilitating workshops, marking, moderation, and contributions to curriculum development. Contribute to our undergraduate initial teacher education course and support UWA’s mission to provide high-quality education. About you Formal tertiary qualification(s) in teaching/education; preferably a doctorate. Previous sessional and/or professional experience in initial teacher education or working with pre-service teachers in primary school settings. Knowledge and experience of the Western Australian primary school curriculum Strong written and verbal communication skills and highly developed interpersonal skills. Ability to work independently and manage competing priorities. Your application will be retained on our academic casual register for 12 months. Should an opportunity arise matching your skills and experience, you will be contacted by the relevant work area. How to apply Please submit your Expression of Interest to Mr Martin Swann (martin.swann@uwa.edu.au) by Friday, 1 May 2026. Applications should include a recent CV and address the selection criteria in your submission in a separate document (no more than 2 pages). For information to assist you with compiling statements to answer the selection criteria, please visit Addressing the selection criteria. Please do not apply online via the Apply Now button, only applications submitted to the above email will be accepted. About the University The University of Western Australia (UWA) is ranked among the top 100 universities in the world and a member of the prestigious Australian Group of Eight research intensive universities. With a strong research track record, vibrant campus and working environments, supported by the freedom to innovate and inspire, there is no better time to join Western Australia’s top university. Learn more about us. Our commitment to inclusion and diversity UWA is committed to a diverse workforce and an equitable and inclusive workplace. We are committed to fostering a safe environment for all, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, women, those from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, the LGBTIQA+ community, and people living with disability.

Salary

Competitive

Posted

31 Mar 2026

Head of Research Advancement Office

JONKOPING AB (UNIVERSITY SERVICES)

Jonkoping Ab (University Services)

Sweden

institution

Jonkoping Ab (University Services)

Sweden


University Services Do you want to work at the heart of research, contribute to the development of JU’s research support, and help create the best possible conditions for outstanding research? We are now seeking an engaged and development-oriented Head of the Research Advancement Office who wants to build and lead our new research support department. With us, you will have a key role in strengthening researchers’ ability to attract external funding, run successful projects, and generate societal impact from research results. About the role As Head of the department, you will be responsible for building and leading JU’s research support. The department works closely with researchers and leadership and provides support throughout the entire research process – from idea and application to implementation, follow-up, and impact. You will lead a team of highly qualified staff, several of whom have a research background, and you will be responsible for operations, personnel, and budget. The role includes developing effective processes, identifying new opportunities for research funding, and contributing strategically to JU’s research development. The work is carried out in close collaboration with researchers, faculty leadership, administrative functions, and external funders. Your main responsibilities will be to: Lead, develop, and build up the research support department and its staff Lead and develop the work of driving and contributing to research applications nationally and internationally — from strategic positioning to completed applications Analyze and monitor the funding landscape, research policy, and regulatory frameworks, and translate these into concrete opportunities for JU’s researchers Develop the unit’s processes and ways of working to ensure a proactive and researcher-focused approach Lead and develop the integration of AI tools in the research process and within the unit’s own work Lead and develop JU’s work on research data and open science Coordinate research-related activities and initiatives across JU Represent JU in national and international forums related to research funding and research policy Build and maintain strategic relationships with funders, policy actors, and higher education networks Contribute to JU’s overall strategy for research development and external funding Qualifications We are looking for someone who holds a doctoral degree and has: Experience in leading externally funded research, preferably with international project collaborations Experience in research support, research administration, or research management Experience in leadership, project management, or organizational development Good knowledge of research funding and the research system in Sweden and internationally Excellent command of English, both spoken and written If the candidate does not speak Swedish at the start of employment, they are expected to acquire Swedish to a functional level within two years Experience working in EU-funded projects is considered an advantage Managerial experience with both staff and budget responsibility is considered an advantage Who are you? We are looking for a confident and inspiring leader with the ability to create engagement and clarity in a complex environment. You are someone who works based on trust and values creating a positive work environment in your immediate surroundings. You are strategic, collaborative, and have a genuine interest in the conditions and development of research. You thrive in a role where you can combine leadership, development work, and close collaboration with researchers. We offer you A strategically important role in a dynamic research environment The opportunity to influence and develop the university’s research support Engaged colleagues and a stimulating work environment A workplace where knowledge, collaboration, and development are at the center Information The position is a permanent, full-time role, starting on a mutually agreed date Application Welcome to submit your application no later than April 26, 2026. Attachments should preferably be in PDF format and include: CV Cover letter If you have any questions about the position, please contact Eva Gipperth, University Director. Jönköping University is a modern institution, characterised by internationalisation and an entrepreneurial spirit. We attract highly qualified, inventive and enterprising people from all around the world. We develop new knowledge and share our expertise through solid collaborations with industry and business, the public sector and other higher education institutions. We offer an equal and inclusive workplace and we welcome applicants with diverse backgrounds. For more information, visit www.ju.se

Salary

Competitive

Posted

30 Mar 2026

Head of Secretariat

LIVERPOOL JOHN MOORES UNIVERSITY

Liverpool John Moores University (LJMU)

United Kingdom, Liverpool

institution

Liverpool John Moores University (LJMU)

United Kingdom, Liverpool


Liverpool John Moores University (LJMU) is a distinctive, unique institution, rooted in the Liverpool City Region and with a global presence. Our students and staff, past, present, and future, are the beating heart of our city and can be found in every corner of every industry and community. We couldn’t exist anywhere else and have shaped the city in which we belong. Working with the people of Liverpool to improve lives and support communities is at the heart of why we were founded and why we exist today. As Head of Secretariat, working closely with the University Secretary and General Counsel, you will manage the Secretariat team and lead the day to day operation of governance and secretariat services for the University, its Board and sub committees. You will provide advice on governance, constitutional and procedural matters in line with regulatory requirements and sector best practice ensuring that University, Board and committee business is planned, co-ordinated and delivered efficiently. You will have significant experience in governance, secretariat or committee management and of working with senior stakeholders within a large organisation. Experience within the UK higher education sector and knowledge of sector governance frameworks would be highly advantageous. In return, we offer an excellent benefits package including generous annual leave entitlement, pension scheme, induction and development support as well as family-friendly policies. This is an exciting time to join the university as we deliver the LJMU Strategy 2030 and its vision of LJMU as an inclusive civic university transforming lives and futures, by placing students at the heart of everything we do. If you feel that this is the role you have been looking for and your skills and experience can make a real difference at LJMU, we look forward to hearing from you. LJMU is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applicants from all backgrounds and communities irrespective of age, transgender status, disability, gender, sexual orientation, ethnicity and religion or belief. All our appointments are made on merit. Please note all of our vacancies will be closed to applications at midnight on the advertised closing date, unless otherwise stated.

Salary

£47,389 - £58,225 per annum

Posted

31 Mar 2026

Research Fellow, Department of Politics and International Relations

UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHAMPTON

University of Southampton

United Kingdom, Southampton

institution

University of Southampton

United Kingdom, Southampton


We are delighted to welcome applications for the position of Research Fellow within a new ESRC-funded research project led by Prof Elizabeth Evans and Dr Stefanie Reher (Strathclyde) on Disability and Political Parties in Europe (DISPOP). Despite reporting high levels of interest in electoral politics, disabled people have lower voter turnout rates and are under-represented in legislatures around the world. To understand why these patterns occur, what barriers exist, and how to redress these inequalities, we need to study the relationship between disability and political parties - the key institution linking citizens and electoral politics. Political parties are important vehicles for mobilising and organising groups of citizens with an interest in politics; yet there are no studies focused on how disabled people experience and perceive political parties, nor whether, when, and how parties think about disability, accessibility and inclusion. DISPOP aims to: (1) identify, analyse, and compare barriers experienced by disabled people, (2) map and evaluate existing party initiatives and best practices, (3) explore to what extent formal rules and informal norms render parties ableist institutions, and (4) co-produce recommendations with disabled people to make politics more accessible. The post holder will take a prominent role in developing the conceptual and methodological innovations to study disability and political parties across four cases: Denmark, Germany, Spain and the UK. The role will require using qualitative and mixed methods, for instance; interviews, focus groups, and ethnographic methods. It may also include quantitative data analysis. The post-holder will take a role in all stages of this process, from conceptualisation to data collection and analysis, as well as writing up and presenting the findings. As such, there is scope for the post-holder to bring their own skills and interests to influence the study design. This research position will be based in the Department of Politics and International Relations within the Faculty of Social Sciences, at the University of Southampton, and the work will be carried out under the supervision of Elizabeth Evans. You will join a vibrant and growing Department with a concentration of scholars researching related themes in the Public Opinion Research Network and the Gender and Inequalities Centre. To be successful you will have completed your PhD in a relevant discipline before May 2026 (or equivalent professional qualifications). You will have: a demonstrated interest in mixed methods approach to researching political attitudes of the public and/or other key political actors and/or political parties; a facility for solving conceptual and methodological problems; the ability to plan and organise work independently and as part of a team; the ability to write research presentations and papers for peer review publication; the ability to conduct research in either Danish or Spanish is essential. Knowledge and experience of focus groups, cognitive interviewing and/or ethnographic methods is desirable. Qualitative skills are essential but experience of using mixed methods would be ideal. The Research Fellow post is full-time for a fixed term of 2 years with an anticipated start date of October 2026. The University of Southampton holds an Athena SWAN Silver Award demonstrating commitment to equal opportunities in the workplace. Informal enquiries may be addressed to Elizabeth Evans e.j.evans@soton.ac.uk 

Salary

£36,636 per annum

Posted

31 Mar 2026

lightbulb up

Do you work for this institution?

Make your university stand out by adding more stats, events and more.

Subjects Taught at the University of Otago

See below for a range of subjects taught at the University of Otago

Arts and Humanities

  • Archaeology
  • Art, Performing Art and Design
  • History, Philosophy and Theology
  • Languages, Literature and Linguistics

Business and Economics

  • Accounting and Finance
  • Business and Management
  • Economics and Econometrics

Computer Science

  • Computer Science

Education Studies

  • Education

Law

  • Law

Life Sciences

  • Agriculture and Forestry
  • Biological Sciences
  • Sport Science

Medical and Health

  • Medicine and Dentistry
  • Other Health

Physical Sciences

  • Chemistry
  • Geology, Environmental, Earth and Marine Sciences
  • Mathematics and Statistics
  • Physics and Astronomy

Psychology

  • Psychology

Social Sciences

  • Communication and Media Studies
  • Geography
  • Politics and International Studies
  • Sociology