The Bachelor of Commerce (BCom) degree at the University of Otago is generally completed in three years.

A framework for thinking

Economics is about choice and is at the heart of decision-making. Governments, businesses and individuals are all faced with making choices in situations where resources are scarce.

Economics is not just a subject; it is a way of thinking and provides a logical way of looking at various issues. 

That’s why Otago Economics graduates are so well regarded – they are leading problem solvers and think outside the square.

Why study Economics?

Economics is an exciting, dynamic, contemporary field. Economics affects everyone and applies to various disciplines, including business, politics, history, law, health sciences and biotechnology. 

It deals with unemployment, economic growth, housing, income inequality, international trade, sustainable development and the environment. You name the field; Economics plays a part.

Studying Economics teaches you how to examine people’s ideas and come to your soundly-based conclusions. No matter your aspiring career, you will find Economics invaluable.

Economics as a BCom major

A BCom requires a minimum of 360 points. At least 180 of these points must be for papers above 100 level, and at least 72 of these 180 points must be for 300-level papers.

Students may choose papers worth up to 90 points from outside Commerce. Students must select good papers (usually 162 points worth) to meet the major subject requirement of at least one Commerce subject.

• Academic Transcripts
• Educational Credential Evaluators report (ECE) (If required)
• Proof of your identity (Full name, date of birth, and nationality)
• Certified/notarised copy (passport or birth certificate)
• English Language Proficiency (If Available)

Undergraduate entrance requirements

The university recognizes many other qualifications as equivalent to the New Zealand qualification for entrance. 

To check if the university recognizes your previous studies, determine the country where you gained the qualification. Countries entrance requirements example:

China entrance requirements:

Senior High School graduation and one year of successful study at a recognized institution of university standing; 
Or Senior High School graduation and completion of a diploma with high passing grades at a recognized institute or university.

Students with the requisite scores in Gaokao may be given direct entry to bachelor degree programme.

India entrance requirements:

Minimum overall average of 75% in the All India Senior School Examination (CBSE) or Indian School Certificate Examination (CISCE) with a minimum of 70% in English.

The scores are calculated on the best four academic subjects excluding local languages and non-academic subjects.

Iran entrance requirements:

One year of successful study at a recognized institution of university standing, or successful completion of a University of Otago Foundation Year programme or equivalent.

The university also accepts the following international qualifications:

• International Baccalaureate: IB Diploma with a minimum of 24 points.
• Cambridge International Examinations (CIE) GCE Advanced Levels: minimum Numerical Score of 8.
• Northern Consortium United Kingdom (NCUK) International Foundation Year (IFY)
• Satisfactory completion of one year's study at a recognized tertiary institution.

Background required

There are no prerequisite subjects to study Economics – you don’t even have to have studied Economics at school. 

However, you might find English, Mathematics or Statistics useful subjects to study – especially if you want to major in Economics.

Pathway programme

Study in your chosen subject area and gain a university entrance qualification

The University of Otago Pathway programme offers a university entrance qualification within two 13-week semesters for domestic and international students. It is called the Foundation Studies Certificate (FSC).