University of Otago residential colleges cost NZ$20,187 to NZ$22,873 a year on the university’s living-costs estimate, while the median rent on new tenancies in the Otago region was NZ$595 a week in June 2026. This guide sets out the verified figures and what I could not confirm.
Details come from the University of Otago and Tenancy Services data published through Figure.NZ, checked on 22 October 2026. All amounts are in New Zealand dollars. Otago’s cost estimates are labelled as based on 2024 costs, so current college fees may be higher, and its 2027 fee schedules are PDFs I could not read.
What Otago estimates
| Option | Annual estimate (2024 costs) |
|---|---|
| Residential college, fully catered | $20,187 to $22,873 |
| Flatting, shared flat (average rent) | $10,400 |
| Flatting, studio room (average rent) | $14,040 |
The colleges also charge a small amenity fee, which Otago does not quantify. Otago publishes separate 2027 fee schedules for each college, including standard, shared and ensuite rooms, and for Arana (postgraduate), and offers are accepted through its Accommodation Portal.
Private rental in Dunedin
Tenancy Services records every new rental bond. Through Figure.NZ, its data for agreements lodged in June 2026 (released 17 August 2026) shows a median of NZ$595 a week for the Otago region. The figure is regional, not Dunedin alone, and covers all property types rather than student rooms.
College or flat?
| Question | Residential college | Flatting |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | $20,187 to $22,873 a year, fully catered | $10,400 to $14,040 a year in rent, on the same estimate |
| Food | Included | Budget separately |
I have not ranked suburbs or listed private blocks, because I could not verify prices or area details against reliable sources. View any flat in person or on a live video call, get a written tenancy agreement and never pay before you have one. For other New Zealand cities, see our guides to Christchurch, Wellington and Auckland, or browse all student accommodation in New Zealand.
FAQs about student accommodation in Dunedin
How much do Otago colleges cost?
Otago estimates NZ$20,187 to NZ$22,873 a year, based on 2024 costs. Check the current fee schedule for your college.
What does flatting cost in Dunedin?
Otago’s estimate is NZ$10,400 a year for a shared flat and NZ$14,040 for a studio, also on 2024 costs.
Sources
- University of Otago: living costs
- University of Otago: accommodation fees and handbooks
- Figure.NZ: median weekly rent (Tenancy Services data)
All checked 22 October 2026.
