Economics

Entry requirements

Admission to the programme shall be subject to the approval of the Pro-Vice Chancellor (Commerce).

Every applicant must either:

• be a graduate with Economics as a major subject including 300-level papers in both econometrics and mathematical economics, and normally have achieved an average grade of B+ in the papers satisfying the final year requirements for that major subject;
• or have equivalent alternative qualifications or experience acceptable to the Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Commerce)

No applicant will be admitted who has previously been awarded an honours degree or postgraduate diploma in Economics.

If your first language is not English you need to meet our English language requirements as follows: IELTS score of 6.5 in the academic module (with no individual band below 6.0); we also accept a number of other English language tests. Due to COVID-19, we currently accept Duolingo English Test (DET), IELTS Indicator Test, and TOEFL iBT Special home Edition.

Don’t meet the English language requirements? The University of Otago Language Centre English for Otago programme offers a pathway for Undergraduate and Postgraduate students to meet the English language requirements for undergraduate and postgraduate study.

Months of entry

February

Course content

The Master of Economics (MEcon) will equip students to be either professional practitioners or academic researchers in the field of Economics. It can also provide a pathway to doctoral-level study in Economics. The degree consists of both coursework and a research dissertation.

The normal admission requirement is a Bachelor’s degree majoring in Economics and an average grade of at least B+ for the relevant 300-level papers. Candidates should have also completed 300-level papers in mathematical economics and econometrics. Admission on the basis of alternative qualifications and experience is possible.

The Master of Economics can be completed in one year of full-time, or its equivalent in part-time, study.

Information for international students

Otago offers students an unrivalled campus experience and a vibrant, social student culture. The majority of Otago’s 21,000 students live, work and play in Dunedin - New Zealand’s only true university city. Otago is home to over 3,000 international students, from over 100 countries.

Fees and funding

New Zealand is a relatively affordable country to live in. Dunedin, being a student-focused city, has living and entertainment options for all budgets.

Students are eligible for the Otago International Excellence Scholarship.