University chancellor Royden Somerville said the supper would be held in the Dunedin Town Hall, and about 370 people from the university and the wider community would attend.
The event marks the start of the university's 150th celebrations, which will be held throughout 2019, as well as the birthday of the Scottish poet.
Leckies Butchery in South Dunedin said five 5kg haggises would be provided for the occasion and one 3.5kg haggis, which were already set up in the town hall.
Dr Somerville said Mayor Dave Cull would welcome guests, and the evening included musicians, dancers and Scottish food.
Winners of the Robbie Rocks competition would be performing, and there would be recitals from the Robert Burns Poetry Competition held by Dunedin Libraries.
The night, which begins at 6.30pm, would end with a more informal ceilidh.
Burns had a connection to the university - his nephew was the first chancellor - and Dr Somerville himself, chairman of the Otago Scottish Heritage Council and Dunedin Burns Club president, is a descendant of the Burns family.
"The evening acknowledges the significant contribution the Scottish settlers made to the city, and to education," he said.