University of Otago Scholarships 2025-2026

Great news for international students! Applications are now open for the University of Otago Scholarships, offering generous funding for undergraduate, master’s, and PhD programs. This article explains the scholarship benefits, eligibility, and application process.

The University of Otago Scholarships 2025-2026 are fully funded and award up to 200 scholarships annually, with values ranging from NZ$10,000 to NZ$30,000 depending on the program and level of study. These scholarships aim to attract high-achieving students from around the globe.

Located in Dunedin and established in 1869, the University of Otago is New Zealand’s oldest university, renowned for academic excellence, world-class research, and exceptional teaching across disciplines such as Arts, Sciences, Health Sciences, Business, and Law. The university fosters creativity, critical thinking, and innovation while maintaining a proud heritage.

Scholarship Categories:

• Vice-Chancellor’s Scholarship for International Students – For new international undergraduates studying on-campus or online.

• International Master’s Research Scholarship – Supports international students in master’s research programs.

• Doctoral Scholarship – Available for domestic and international PhD and professional doctorate candidates.

Scholarship Summary

• Level of Study: Undergraduate, Master’s, PhD

• Institution: University of Otago

• Host Country: New Zealand

• Fields of Study: All available programs

• Program Duration: Varies by degree

• Application Deadlines:

  • Undergraduate – varies (check official site)

  • Master’s/PhD – applications accepted year-round

Scholarship Coverage

The University of Otago Scholarships will provide:

• Vice-Chancellor’s Scholarship for International Students

  • The Vice-Chancellor’s Scholarship for International Students provides a NZ$10,000 contribution towards the tuition fee on an eligible programme.

• University of Otago International Master’s Research Scholarship

  • NZ$17,172 stipend per annum plus a tuition fee waiver for 1 year capped at the domestic rate for Master’s study (excludes student services fee and insurance)

  • Number of scholarships offered: 8

• University of Otago Doctoral Scholarship

  • Doctor of Philosophy – NZ$30,696 stipend per annum plus a domestic tuition fees waiver  for 36 months (excludes student services fee and insurance)   Professional Doctorates (DClinDent, DMA, DBA, EDd) – NZ$30,696 stipend per annum plus a tuition fee waiver for up to 36 months capped at the domestic rate  (excludes student services fee and insurance).

Eligibility Criteria for University of Otago Scholarships

To qualify for the University of Otago Scholarships, the candidate must fulfill all of the following requirements below:

• Required Language: English.

• Eligible Countries: All world countries.

• Vice-Chancellor’s Scholarship for International Students

  • International students who are not New Zealand citizens or permanent residents or resident visa holders of New Zealand or Australia*; and

  • Have gained university admission through:

    1. Completion of Year 12 and/or completion of – or in the process of completion of – Year 13 at a New Zealand school, or an equivalent foundation level course at a New Zealand tertiary institution

    2. Completion of an internationally recognized qualification in New Zealand or at an overseas high school, such as A Levels, International Baccalaureate, or ATAR; or

    3. Meeting other international entrance requirements as outlined on the Otago website; and

  • Have not normally completed any previous study at a New Zealand university; and

  • Are subject to paying international tuition fees; and

  • Are eligible to apply for, and intending to enroll for full-time study in the first year of an eligible programme.

• University of Otago International Master’s Research Scholarship

  • Applicants must be:

    • obtaining their first Master’s qualification

    • International students

    • undertaking a thesis-based Master’s

    • Find out regulations and notes for the University of Otago International Masters Research Scholarships HERE

• University of Otago Doctoral Scholarship

  • Applicants must usually be:

    • seeking to obtain their first doctoral qualification

    • Find out regulations and notes for the University of Otago Doctoral Scholarships HERE

How to Apply for University of Otago Scholarships?

Please follow the following application instructions for University of Otago Scholarships:

Vice-Chancellor’s Scholarship for International Students

The Vice-Chancellor’s Scholarship for International Students is a University of Otago Entrance Scholarship. As such, refer to the Entrance Scholarship Terms and Conditions for conditions that normally apply to all Entrance Scholarships.

While there is no application process for the Vice-Chancellor’s Scholarship for International Students, students may be eligible for other Entrance Scholarships and as such, are strongly encouraged to apply for other Entrance Scholarships by the due date.

University of Otago International Master’s Research Scholarship

Applications for scholarships, are made online through the Univesity’s website. An invitation to apply for scholarships is sent once an application for admission to the relevant qualification is complete. Applications may be made at any time and should normally accompany the application for admission to the relevant qualification.

Where an applicant is completing a Master’s degree which includes enrolment in papers before enrolment in a thesis, application should normally be made following completion of those papers. An invitation will be sent when enrolment in the thesis component of the Master’s degree is completed.

University of Otago Doctoral Scholarship

Applications for doctoral scholarships are made online through the eVision portal and can be made at any time of the year. Once you have applied for admission to your programme you will receive an alert in your student portal inviting you to apply for a scholarship.

Follow THIS link for further details.

Website

To learn more about University of Otago scholarships, please visit the official website:

Official Website