The revelation was included in an Official Information Act response, where the university acknowledged there had been a "handful of cases" over the past three years.
However, the university declined to reveal the specific number or nature of the cases, only saying fewer than five students had acted inappropriately.
"The wider context is that in the three-year period 1800 students have attended Otago Medical School early learning in medicine, and in all but a handful of cases there have not been any incidents of inappropriate conduct in relation to any human remains or cadaveric material."
The university refused to release more detailed information, including how the cases were investigated, or any disciplinary action taken, to protect the identity of the students involved.
"Where the numbers are very low, there is a risk that the identity of these individuals could be determined or inferred, and that their personal information could be revealed."
The university’s website said the principal use of bequests was for teaching anatomy to medical, dental, physiotherapy, physical education and science students.
"Access to these bodies is not something the students take for granted."
Otago University associate professor Neil Pickering, of the Bioethics Centre, said there were very clear guidelines and procedures across the board for prospective medical students, who were expected to display a duty of care.
This included how students treated human remains and cadavers.
"Students are well prepared for dealing with [human remains and cadavers] ... Dissection occurs in a very controlled space.
"Everyone is made aware of the value of the cadavers not only from a scientific perspective, but also a cultural perspective.
"They deserve proper respect and care."
Otago University acting vice-chancellor Prof Richard Blaikie said there were up to five students who displayed inappropriate conduct.
"Working with human remains and related materials is a key part of the training of doctors.
"It is also an enormous privilege which calls for the highest levels of sensitivity and respect.
"A significant amount of time is spent on instilling these expectations in all medical students before they are allowed to undertake any of this work, and this continues throughout their medical training."
Prof Blaikie said the university did not tolerate any disrespectful behaviour by students working with sensitive materials.
"Established procedures are in place to enable our staff to immediately respond to any concerns — whether major or minor. Minor concerns may be able to be dealt with by guidance, but any significant breach would see a student’s continuation in the programme reviewed."
