The Bachelor of Science (BSc) at the University of Otago is a three-year undergraduate degree that enables students to develop their interests in a science subject (science major) and related subjects. 

In addition, students have the flexibility to combine their major subject with other science subjects, as well as topics from different disciplines across the University.

A short definition of Mathematics would be “the study of quantities and how they are measured, combined, related, and operated upon”.

Humans use mathematics for practical things like organizing the arrival of materials on a building site in order to reduce storage; encrypting and decrypting internet messages; modeling blood flow through a damaged heart, and predicting the break-up of ice floes.

These are all mathematics in action – mathematics making a real difference in the world where we live. 

Mathematics looks at the distribution of prime numbers, the properties of geometric figures, how dependent variables change, and what happens when you add up infinitely many terms.

Studying these ideas lays the foundation for using mathematics to solve real-life problems.

Why study Mathematics?

You build a solid foundation for analyzing and understanding the mass of quantitative data that is available these days. 

You develop problem-solving and organizational skills that are highly sought after by employers. You learn to think both logically and creatively. 

You discover an amazingly varied and profoundly rich science that has an intrinsic beauty. 

You get your mind around some of the ancient problems that have fascinated humans for centuries.

• 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

If your mathematics background is only to Year 12 or Year 11, you can still progress in Mathematics at Otago (a background is NCEA level 2 Mathematics with Calculus is recommended).

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).