University Overview and History
- Located in Dunedin, Otago, New Zealand
- Spans 45 hectares (110 acres)
- Founded in 1869
- Affiliated with the MNU (Matariki Network of Universities)
- Known for its vibrant student life and flatting tradition
- First university in Australasia to permit women to take a law degree
Campus and Facilities
- Student magazine called Critic
- Colours of the university are Dunedin Blue and Gold
- Main campus in Dunedin, hosting Central Administration and various divisions
- Four satellite campuses in Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, and Invercargill
- Ten libraries, including seven in Dunedin, one in Southland, and two medical libraries
Academic Divisions and Rankings
- Division of Humanities
- Division of Health Sciences
- Division of Sciences
- Otago Business School (Division of Commerce)
- Professional schools and faculties: Pharmacy, Physical Education, Physiotherapy, Medical Laboratory Science, and Surveying
- Ranked in the top 1% of universities worldwide
- Rated 5-Stars Plus by QS Stars in the QS World University Rankings
Student Life and Behavior
- O-Week (Orientation Week) organized by the Otago University Students Association
- Residential colleges providing food, accommodation, and social/welfare services
- Concerns over student behavior led to the introduction of a Code of Conduct (CoC) in 2007
- Riots and police attention related to student social events such as the Undie 500 car rally, Toga Parade, and Hyde Street party
- History of student protests on contentious political issues
Challenges and Notable People
- Controversial staff cuts and protests against proposed cuts
- Threats of firearms and explosives attack on graduation ceremonies
- Facing a NZ$60 million deficit in 2023
- Notable people associated with the university, including chancellors and vice-chancellors
The University of Otago (Māori: Te Whare Wānanga o Ōtākou) is a public research collegiate university based in Dunedin, Otago, New Zealand. Founded in 1869, Otago is New Zealand's oldest university and one of the oldest universities in Oceania.
Māori: Te Whare Wānanga o Ōtākou | |
 | |
| Motto | Latin: Sapere aude |
|---|---|
Motto in English | Dare to be wise |
| Type | Public research collegiate university |
| Established | 1869; 152 years ago |
| Endowment | NZD $279.9 million (31 December 2021) |
| Budget | NZD $756.8 million (31 December 2020) |
| Chancellor | Stephen Higgs |
| Vice-Chancellor | David Murdoch |
Academic staff | 1,744 (2019) |
Administrative staff | 2,246 (2019) |
| Students | 21,240 (2019) |
| Undergraduates | 15,635 (2014) |
| Postgraduates | 4,378 (2014) |
| 1,579 (2019) | |
| Location | , , New Zealand (Māori: Ōtepoti, Ōtākou, Aotearoa) 45°51′56″S 170°30′50″E / 45.86556°S 170.51389°E |
| Campus | Urban/University town 45 hectares (110 acres) |
| Student Magazine | Critic |
| Colours | Dunedin Blue and Gold |
| Affiliations | MNU |
| Website | https://www.otago.ac.nz |
 | |
The university was created by a committee led by Thomas Burns, and officially established by an ordinance of the Otago Provincial Council in 1869. Between 1874 and 1961 the University of Otago was a part of the federal University of New Zealand, and issued degrees in its name.
Otago is known for its vibrant student life, particularly its flatting, which is often in old houses. Otago students have a long-standing tradition of naming their flats. The nickname for Otago students, "Scarfie," comes from the habit of wearing a scarf during the cold southern winters. The nickname "Scarfie" has morphed into the nickname "Breather" in recent years. The university's graduation song, Gaudeamus igitur, iuvenes dum sumus ("Let us rejoice, while we are young"), acknowledges students will continue to live up to the challenge, if not always in the way intended. The university's student magazine, Critic, is New Zealand's longest running student magazine.
