The week-long residential programme previously ran successfully for 26 years as "Hands-on Science", attracting about 230 senior pupils from throughout the country to Dunedin.
But from early last year, the programme was renamed and much expanded, including the introduction of humanities and business projects, resulting in the number of pupils rising from from 230 to 355.
When the next, and 28th, annual "Hands-on" programme starts next year the numbers will rise again, to about 420, a more than 80% increase in the intake compared with the original programme.
Hands-on co-ordinator Sandra Copeland said organisers were "really excited" about the way the programme had been further developed, and 35 projects were now being offered.
"It’s just going from strength to strength."
"That’s going to have a huge effect," she said.
The expanded programme brought "win-win" benefits for all concerned, including for the increased number of "amazing young people" who would now be able to participate in the programme.
Pupils from at least 100 schools from throughout the country would talk to their friends when they returned home and tell them "what a great place Dunedin is".
Including humanities and business would enable pupils in those areas to experience some of the interesting activities that were being undertaken in those subjects at university level, she said.
Experience showed that about 40% of Hands-on participants later become students at Otago University and this would also benefit the Dunedin economy, organisers said.
The pupils had previously been accommodated at one university hall of residence, but this had recently been expanded to two to cater for the larger numbers. Arana and Studholme colleges were being used this year.
About 150 pupils with a humanities background and another 20 studying business will be among those attending when the latest programme starts on January 15.
The programme aimed to "demonstrate, in a friendly and interactive environment, some of the activities that researchers are involved in and to encourage talented young New Zealanders to consider further study as a step in their career pathway", she said.
The programme enabled pupils to learn more about university-level science, humanities and business subjects. Pupils studied one project on mornings throughout the week, while enjoying shorter afternoon "snack" sessions on other topics, and a fun social programme, including outdoor activities and a quiz night.
Being able to take "snack" sessions in another discipline would prove stimulating for youngsters and help break down any barriers between the arts and sciences, organisers said.
Information about some of the new projects being offered this year can be seen on www.otago.ac.nz/hands-on-at-otago via internet.