NZ · Bachelor's
University of Otago
BSc Biological Sciences
University of Otago
Course Overview
Otago's BSc in Biological Sciences is a three-year undergraduate degree taught out of New Zealand's oldest university (founded 1869) and consistently ranked NZ's #1 school for Life Sciences. Year 1 builds the shared science core (cell biology, biochemistry, genetics, statistics) and lets you sample across botany, zoology, ecology and microbiology before committing to a major in Year 2. Final-year majors include Ecology and Biodiversity, Genetics, Marine Biology, Microbiology, Plant Biotechnology, and Molecular Biotechnology — most include a semester-long independent research project in a working lab.
Sri Lankan applicants choose Otago because the Dunedin campus is a true student town — 22% of the population is enrolled at the university — with the lowest cost of living of any major NZ student city. Otago has built an unusually strong pipeline into New Zealand's biotech and DOC (Department of Conservation) ecosystems, and graduates are eligible for the NZ Post-Study Work Visa for up to 3 years after a 3-year degree.
Entry Requirements
Academic
- check_circle Sri Lankan GCE A/L: 3 passes in the Bioscience or Physical Science stream, including Biology at C or above; minimum Z-score equivalent ~1.0.
- check_circle Cambridge / Edexcel A Levels: BBB minimum, must include Biology and one of Chemistry / Physics / Mathematics.
- check_circle IB Diploma: 26 points minimum with Biology HL at 5 or above.
- check_circle Direct entry to Year 1; no separate admissions test required.
English Proficiency
- check_circle IELTS Academic: 6.0 Overall (no band below 6.0).
- check_circle TOEFL iBT: 80 Overall (min 19 in Writing).
- check_circle PTE Academic: 50 Overall (min 50 in each section).
- check_circle Waived if your school qualification was taught and assessed entirely in English (most Sri Lankan applicants from Edexcel / Cambridge International streams qualify).
Estimated Cost of Study
| Expense Category | Amount (NZD) | Approx. LKR |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition Fee (per year) | NZD 37,000 | Rs. 7,030,000 |
| Living Expenses (per year, Dunedin) | NZD 18,000 | Rs. 3,420,000 |
| Student Visa & Insurance (3 years) | NZD 2,200 | Rs. 418,000 |
| Total Programme Investment (3 years) | NZD 167,200 | Rs. 31,768,000 |
*LKR conversion based on current bank rates. Subject to change.
Career Outcomes & PR
Eligible for the New Zealand Post-Study Work Visa for up to 3 years after a 3-year Bachelor's. Otago Biological Sciences graduates place into AgResearch, Plant & Food Research, ESR (Institute of Environmental Science and Research), Fonterra R&D, the NZ Department of Conservation, and into pharma roles with Douglas Pharmaceuticals and Fisher & Paykel Healthcare. Average graduate starting salary: NZD 56,000 (LKR 10.6M/yr).
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