University of Otago Information
The University of Otago (Te Whare Wānanga o Otāgo) is the oldest university in New Zealand, which was established in 1869. It is the highest in terms of average research quality in the country. It was ranked first in 2006 by an evaluation conducted by the Performance Based Research Fund.
Its founding in 1869 was the result of an Otago Provincial Council ordinance. The council granted the university 100,000 acres in pastoral land and gave it the authority to give degrees in Music, Law, Medicine and Arts. The university first opened its doors to enrollees in July 1871, staffed with only three professors. One professor taught Literature, English Language and Classics; another taught Moral and Mental Philosophyl while the third taught Natural Philosophy and Mathematics. A Natural Sciences professor was added to the faculty a year later. In 1872, additional resources enabled the university to widen its syllabus and establish new lectureships. Lectures and courses in Law and Medicine began in 1873 and 1875 respectively. The School of Mines (now known as the Department of Mineral Technology) was built in 1878, which was then given over to the University of Auckland in 1987.
Since its foundation, the University of Otago has evolved to include several undergraduate courses, as well as postgraduate studies. Its main departments include the schools of Commerce (or the School of Business), Humanities, Health Sciences and Sciences. The university offers several courses, including degrees in Pharmacy, Surveying, Education, Medical aboratory Science, Physiotherapy and Teaching.
The University of Otago works hand-in-hand with the Wellington and Christchurch Schools of Medicine and Health Sciences for its Health Science-related activities. The two schools provide the university with the needed clinical training for its undergraduate medical students. The university has facilities for resource and information in central Auckland, which also serve as the postgraduate program campus.
It also has a flexible Distance Education program, which caters to students not only in New Zealand, but in countries like Fiji and Australia as well.
The University of Otago has produced a number of notable graduates in various fields. Among them are Labour MP and former Minister of Health David Cunliffe, Chief Justice and Prime Minister Robert Stout, and Cabinet minister Peter Tapsell.
University of Otago Address
The University of Otago address is located at:
364 Leith Walk,
Dunedin 9016
New Zealand
University of Otago Rankings and Quick Facts
Motto: Dare to be wise.
| Ranking – Times 200 (UK) |
114
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| University world Ranking – Jiaotong 500 (China) |
305 to 402
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| Asia – Austaliasia Rank (Jiaotong) |
43 to 64
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University of Otago Facts
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| Students (Undergraduates / PG/ Total) |
20,750
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| Faculty / Staff |
3,740
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| Established |
1869
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| Number of foreign students |
2,470
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Other well ranked universities and colleges in New Zealand include University of Auckland, Victoria University of Wellington, University of Canterbury, and Massey University.