The aims of the Bachelor of Laws (LLB) programme at the University of Otago are to provide a good, general, critical legal education; to meet the requirements of the Council of Legal Education.

So that holders of the degree are eligible for entry to the New Zealand legal profession; to provide students with skills in legal research, including the use of electronic databases and search tools, writing, and advocacy, both formal and informal.

Admission as a Barrister and Solicitor of the High Court of New Zealand

1. The examination requirements for admission as a barrister and solicitor of the High Court are laid down in regulations made by the Council of Legal Education pursuant to the Law Practitioners Act 1982.
2. To be eligible for admission as a barrister and solicitor of the High Court, a candidate who completes the requirements for the LLB or LLB(Hons) degree must, in addition:
   1. pass the Professional Legal Studies Programme; and
   2. possess such other attributes and qualifications as are prescribed by the Lawyers and Conveyancers Act 2006.

Information for new applicants

Places for international students in this programme are limited.

Note: Admission to the second-year Law course is limited to 200 candidates who are eligible by virtue of citizenship of, or permanent residence in, New Zealand. (Competitive entry to the second year.)

The due date for applications for enrolment in the second year Law course is 1 October of the year preceding admission.

You can apply for the Bachelor of Laws (LLB First Year) through the Dunedin campus.

• 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.

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, called the Foundation Studies Certificate (FSC) for domestic and international students.