Otago Commerce student numbers show strong growth

University of Otago Commerce student enrolment numbers are showing strong growth. The Commerce Division has started the academic year up by 256 EFTS (Equivalent Full-Time Student) on the same time last year, or an increase of around 10 per cent in enrolments.

Three of the University's top subject enrolment growth areas are from Commerce. Management enrolments are up by 89 EFTS, Accountancy and Finance by 59 EFTS, Economics by 58 EFTS, and there is strong growth in the Doctor of Business Administration.

Commerce Pacific student enrolments are up a whopping 21 per cent. Meanwhile, Māori student numbers are up by almost 11 per cent on the same time last year.

Professor Robin Gauld.

Commerce Dean and Pro-Vice Chancellor Robin Gauld says part of the increase in enrolments is due to the current employment market, and the COVID-19 pandemic. However, he also noted that the high standard of teaching staff and innovative methods, and strengths in areas such as entrepreneurship and sustainability, helped Otago stand out amongst the country's business schools.

“The Otago experience is highly valued and unique. Along with the best student experience in the country, we have excellent lecturers, state of the art facilities, and a supportive education environment second to none. We also equip our students with the tools to be a force for good.”

The Commerce Division has recently joined the Global Business School Network and holds dual international accreditation through the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) and the European Foundation for Management Development Quality Improvement System (EQUIS). It is also a founding member of the Partnership in International Management (PIM) network of the world's leading business schools.

Commerce has made a strong contribution to the overall University enrolment increase of 5.4 per cent or 952 EFTS, compared to the same time last year, Professor Gauld says.

Overall growth is evident across the whole University, and includes a substantial gain in first year enrolments as well as more returning students at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels.

Included in this commencing student growth are further increases in the number of Māori and Pacific students choosing to study at Otago. Commencing Māori enrolments are currently up by 78 students (13.7 per cent) on the same time last year, and overall Māori enrolments are up by 182 (8.4 per cent). Commencing Pacific enrolments are up by 60 students (21.3 per cent), and overall Pacific enrolments are up by 136 (13 per cent).

For further information, contact:

Dean and Pro-Vice Chancellor
Otago Business School
Professor Robin Gauld
Tel +64 3 479 8115
Email robin.gauld@otago.ac.nz

Kerry Dohig
Communications Adviser (Otago Business School)
Tel +64 3 479 4336
Mob +64 27 232 2047
Email kerry.dohig@otago.ac.nz