Aidan O’Malley
Theatre Studies
What learning environment do you thrive in? For Aidan, who studied for a Bachelor of Arts majoring in Theatre Studies, practical experiences helped him learn in a way no textbook could.
My storyFind the subject for you
Take our short quiz to uncover study options matched to your background and interests. If you're interested in university or exploring new paths, we'll help you find your ideal fit.
Take the quiz
No image set
Ariana Cann
Radiation Therapy
What if your career goals change? Ariana initially studied Anatomy at Otago. While she loved learning about the human body through hands-on lab work, she realised her future career lay in the health sector.
My story
Elisepa Taukolo
Law, Pacific Islands Studies, Indigenous Studies
Unsure what to expect when you first arrive at university? Elisepa can relate but quickly found her feet thanks to Otago’s supportive environment.
My story
Anuraag Sanker
Sustainable Business
A strong foundation for a career with impact. Studying for a Master of Sustainable Business was a transformative experience for Anuraag.
My story
Magdeline Huang
Computer Science, Entrepreneurship
Prepare to unlock unlimited possibilities! For Magdeline, adding a minor in Entrepreneurship to her Computer Science major allowed her to build a unique skill set.
My story
Rosie Jerram
Economics, Finance, Environment and Society
Otago’s diverse study options appealed to Rosie, who studied for a Bachelor of Commerce.
My story
Taylor Davies-Colley
Botany, Ecology
With his Science degrees from Otago, Taylor turned a passion for nature into a meaningful career.
My story
Te Reimana Parangi
Māori Health, Medicine and Surgery
For Te Reimana, Health Sciences First Year at Otago opened up pathways towards a variety of healthcare professions.
My storyExperience life at Otago
Life at one of the world’s most beautiful campuses offers vibrant and supportive student communities, stunning natural surroundings and a thriving cultural scene.
Learn about Otago
Ranked among the world’s best
Discover why Otago is recognised as a leader in education, sustainability and subject excellence — ranked in the top 200 universities in the world.
Discover our global ratings
Research with global impact
The University of Otago has a global reputation for research excellence, with our researchers driving significant advancements in health, society, culture, science, and sustainability.
Explore our research
No image set
Latest news
Visit the Newsroom
20 October 2026
Alcohol guidelines need updating – study reveals
Aotearoa New Zealand’s low-risk drinking guidelines from 2011 are outdated and no longer reflect what is known about the harms of alcohol use, new research shows.
20 October 2026
Writer 2026 winners named
A periodontist – and now award-winning writer. Associate Professor Tino Mercado of the Department of Oral Sciences in Otago’s Faculty of Dentistry says he was “excited, joyful proud – and humbled, all at once” to learn he had won the staff fiction category of Writer 2026 for his story Longganisa – a story of small things.
19 October 2026
Otago welcomes increase in funding for dental training
The University of Otago - Ōtākou Whakaihu Waka welcomes the Government’s decision, announced today, to increase funding for domestic dental students by 12 places from 2027.
19 October 2026
Children at heart of vaccination trial goal
A major step towards large scale vaccination against a major and often fatal bacterial disease of infants and children is the aim of a new international, University of Otago – Ōtākou Whakaihu Waka-led project.
Upcoming events
Show more eventsTuesday 20 October 2026
Tue 20 Oct 2026
2026 Otago Alumni Connect – Shanghai
On behalf of the Vice-Chancellor, the Hon Grant Robertson, together with the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (External Engagement) Professor Jessica Palmer, we are pleased to extend a formal invitation for you...
6:00pm to 8:00pm
New Zealand Central, 3rd Floor, Jin Lin Tian Di, 190 Ma Dang Road, Shanghai, 200020, China, Shanghai
Wednesday 21 October 2026
Wed 21 Oct 2026
Auckland Alumni Network event
Join us for the first event in a revitalised programme designed to bring Otago alumni across Auckland together.
5:30pm to 7:30pm
Forsyth Barr, Level 23, 88 Shortland Street, Auckland