University of Otago
Ōtākou Whakaihu Waka (Māori) | |
| Latin: Universitas Otagensis | |
Other name | Otago University |
|---|---|
| Motto | Sapere aude (Latin) |
Motto in English | Dare to be wise |
| Type | Public research collegiate university |
| Established | 1869 |
| Endowment | NZD $279.9 million (31 December 2021) |
| Budget | NZD $756.8 million (31 December 2020) |
| Chancellor | Trish Oakley |
| Vice-Chancellor | Grant Robertson |
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 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 | otago |
The University of Otago (Māori: Ōtākou Whakaihu Waka) is a public research collegiate university based in Dunedin, Otago, New Zealand. It was established by ordinance of the Otago Provincial Council in 1869 and opened for teaching in 1871, making it New Zealand's oldest university. Between 1874 and 1961 Otago was part of the federal University of New Zealand and conferred degrees in its name. In July 2023 the university adopted the Māori identity Ōtākou Whakaihu Waka as part of a major rebrand, with the changes taking effect from May 2024.
As of 2024, Universities New Zealand reported a student headcount of 21,315 (18,564 equivalent full-time students). The university is centred on its Dunedin City campus and teaches across additional campuses in Christchurch and Wellington for health sciences.
Otago is known for student culture associated with "Scarfies", a nickname derived from wearing scarves in Dunedin's cold winters, and for a long-running tradition of naming student flats. In recent years, local media have noted the slang term "breather" among students. The graduation ceremonies traditionally include the singing of Gaudeamus igitur (Let us rejoice while we are young).