The University of Otago is one of New Zealand’s top universities, ranked among the top 1% globally and placed 214th in the QS World Rankings. Known for its excellent faculty, innovative research, and student-focused approach, Otago creates an environment that encourages creativity, critical thinking, and teamwork. The university helps students study in New Zealand develop the skills needed to solve global challenges and make meaningful contributions to their fields.
Otago also focuses on making a positive impact on society. Through its volunteer programs, students have the chance to get involved in community service and contribute to social causes both locally and around the world. These opportunities help students build leadership skills and gain a strong sense of social responsibility, preparing them to make a difference in their careers.
University of Otago Courses for International Students
The university is located in Dunedin, which is known for its beautiful campus, combining historic buildings with green spaces and stunning natural landscapes. Dunedin is also a vibrant city with a lively cultural scene, offering the perfect place for students to study while enjoying an inspiring environment. Otago gives students the freedom to explore their interests, whether through academics, sports, or other activities, helping them grow both intellectually and personally.
With a focus on both academic success and personal development, Otago ensures that students get a high-quality education while also having the chance to thrive in other areas of life. The university’s supportive community and dedication to social responsibility make it a great place for students to learn, lead, and make a positive impact.
Post Graduate Diploma in Business (Economics)
It is a program designed to help students study in New Zealand develop specialized knowledge and important business skills that employers around the world are looking for. It also provides a pathway to the Master of Business degree. Two semesters of full-time study, or the equivalent part-time study is what the programme time usually takes. Students with New Zealand study visa can choose from different areas of specialization, and the courses mix general business subjects with those that focus on specific areas of interest.
Being a dynamic and exciting field that affects many areas of life, including business, politics, health, law, and the environment, economics includes some of the key topics like Unemployment, Economic growth, Income inequality, International trade, Sustainable development and Environmental issues.
Studying economics teaches students how to think critically and analyse situations, helping students make sound decisions. The skills they gain can be applied to many different careers, making economics a valuable subject for those interested in business, healthcare, government, law, and more.
Key Features
The program lasts for two semesters (9 months) of full-time study, or the equivalent part-time. The courses include both general business papers and specialized papers in areas like Accounting, Finance, Economics, and more. Students can specialize in subjects like Accounting, Finance, Economics, or Philosophy, Politics, and Economics (PPE).
Career Opportunities
By completing the (PGDipBus) with a specialization in Economics or another subject, students will gain important skills like decision-making, data analysis and critical thinking, which are in high demand by employers in many industries. Economics also provides a strong foundation if students want to continue their studies with the Master of Business program.
The graduates of economics at Otago are well known for their wide range of analytical, problem solving and decision-making skills, and are in high demand by employers. Students could be a policy analyst, a business consultant, an economics researcher, a financial adviser, a diplomat, a teacher, a bank manager or a journalist. An Economics background would also be invaluable for someone contemplating setting up their own business.
The graduates can be found in jobs across the public and private sectors like OECD, Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment, Infometrics, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Treasury, Reserve Bank, Statistics New Zealand, Inland Revenue, Banking – national and international, Health authorities, Local governments and planning authorities and more
Post Graduate Diploma in Applied Science (Computer Science)
It is a two semester programme, which builds on an undergraduate Applied Science degree. It offers working professionals the flexibility to complete their studies in distinct blocks, with one block dedicated to earning the certificate and a second block to finish the diploma.
With the advent and progress of technology there is always something new and exciting to learn – whether as a programmer, systems architect, software engineer or chief technical officer.
A career in Computer Science offers both challenges and rewards, providing opportunities to solve complex problems and create innovative solutions. Solving problems is one of the major things done in computer science. It involves designing and implementing a complex system and then making it work.
A minor in Computer Science is a valuable addition to any degree, enhancing your skill set and opening up a wide range of career opportunities. Technical expertise in computing in addition to expertise in another field opens opportunities to many exciting careers.
Choosing Computer Science papers as electives will open doors in the mind of the student with New Zealand study Visa to the possibilities of computers, and will make them more effective at using computers, leading to a wonderful Cv.
Key Features
Many opportunities are provided to learn or create computer animation, computer games, machine learning, software design and robotics, through to legal, financial and business careers.
The basis for all information technology is computer science and it is fast-changing. It is a rapidly growing field. Computer scientists analyse, design and implement computer systems and computer algorithms. These skills are desperately needed in New Zealand for students with New Zealand student visa and worldwide.
Otago covers all core areas of Computer Science and actively researches in areas as diverse as artificial intelligence, computer graphics and vision, distributed computing, databases, search, biological data science and theory.
Career Opportunities
There is currently a worldwide shortage of IT professionals and they are in high demand in New Zealand.
Graduates can work worldwide in every aspect of commerce, education, government, research and media in a variety of interesting roles like programmers, , systems analysts ,software engineers web programmers, network managers, consultants and advisers, interface designers and database administrators.
Some other exciting careers also involve making CGI movies, designing computer games, developing software for driverless vehicles, writing control software for Formula 1 racing cars, and programming the latest high-performance computers. Others are working in medical informatics, as an entrepreneur, as a weapons engineering officer in the Navy, as a database analyst, and as a patent attorney.
Masters of Science
The Master of Science (MSc) is a two-year degree which encompasses both research and coursework. The first year involves mainly consist of coursework and preliminary research preparation. Students will gain the opportunity to contribute to existing fields of research, or to begin to develop new areas in various fields to find new ways of gaining results for their experimentation.
The MSc can be studied in a lot of subjects, and may be taken by thesis or a combination of coursework and thesis. Students complete the MSc by papers and thesis (at least two years of full-time study) but they must already have a bachelor’s degree. Students who have a postgraduate diploma or Honours can complete the degree by thesis only.
Biochemistry
Biochemists apply molecular approaches to understand how cells can be turned into bio-factories, how to make improved crops, how trillions of cells assemble to form you, why you get old, and what causes diseases like cancer and more in-depth information on life and death.
Biochemistry is fundamental to our understanding of the function, development and structure of all life. It doesn’t matter which area of biology students are interested in, Biochemistry will enhance their understanding of life and the field they chose to study.
A degree in Biochemistry from Otago is internationally-recognised qualification. Students will learn practical, analytical, and critical thinking skills that are highly valued in New Zealand’s knowledge-based economy.
Biochemists are experimental scientists, and as such, the study of biochemistry includes a significant hands-on component. This practical focus involves developing technical skills and using advanced instrumentation, all of which help prepare students for a wide range of career opportunities after graduation.
Career Opportunities
Biochemists have a wide range of career options available to them. Graduates can pursue careers in a wide range of fields, including research, product development, patent law, public health, bioinformatics, forensics, agribusiness, science policy, publishing, teaching, science communication, commerce, and marketing. In New Zealand, the biotechnology sector offers numerous opportunities, such as roles in food crop development, winemaking, livestock improvement, and conservation of native species, pharmaceuticals, and the creation of industrial and household products. These diverse career paths highlight the broad applicability of biochemistry in both scientific and commercial sectors.
Physics
Studying physics is not only fascinating but also highly practical. It sharpens your critical thinking and enhances your ability to analyse and tackle complex problems. In the Physics department of Otago, students will have the opportunity to learn from some of New Zealand’s leading physicists. The research-driven teaching spans a wide range of specializations, including geophysics, optics, energy science, atomic physics, electronics, and quantum theory, ensuring a comprehensive and cutting-edge education.
Career Opportunities
Students with a background in physics can pursue careers in high-tech fields such as electronics, laser technology, smart materials, healthcare, analytics, or telecommunications. Many graduates find themselves working with companies that develop new products or services, using their expertise to tackle complex physical challenges in the real world. By combining a Physics degree with another discipline, you can enter specialized fields. For instance, a focus on acoustics within a Physics degree, combined with a music qualification, could lead to a career as an acoustics expert in construction or architecture. Alternatively, students might move into medical physics, contributing to areas like radiotherapy or solar phototherapy, and working in hospitals on health initiatives such as improving public health screening programs. If a student with New Zealand student visa chooses to continue in physics and research, they may specialize in atomic and laser research or energy management, making significant contributions to cutting-edge developments in science and technology.
Large international organizations rely heavily on consultants for a significant portion of their contracted work, offering roles that are diverse and often come with exciting opportunities for travel. Additionally, there is a strong demand for physics teachers both in New Zealand and abroad, with a particular shortage of secondary school physics educators, especially at advanced levels. Having the ability to teach physics can make you a highly sought-after candidate, opening doors to numerous teaching opportunities worldwide.
West Highlander Immigration – New Zealand Visa Experts
Need guidance for studying in New Zealand? West Highlander in Chandigarh offers professional counselling with full transparency. With 19 years of experience, our Licensed Immigration Advisor, Ms. Parwinder Kaur, is here to guide you every step of the way. Her expertise and up-to-date knowledge of immigration and visa policies ensure you receive accurate guidance at every stage of your study abroad journey. We provide comprehensive assistance, from selecting the right course and university to handling visa applications and related processes. Whether you’re looking for post graduate courses at Otago or aiming to increase your chances of securing a New Zealand student visa, Ms. Parwinder Kaur and our team are here to help.
For more information, reach out to us today and let’s turn your dream of studying in New Zealand into a reality. Contact West Highlander for expert advice on visa applications, affordable universities, and more!