The University of Otago Scholarships in New Zealand is open to all nationals. These scholarships are available for undergraduate, master’s, and Ph.D. degrees. 

Nestled in the heart of Dunedin, New Zealand, the University of Otago stands tall as a beacon of academic excellence and innovation. Established in 1869, it holds the esteemed status of being New Zealand’s oldest university, boasting a rich heritage combined with a commitment to cutting-edge research and superior education.

The university offers a diverse range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across various disciplines, including Arts, Sciences, Health Sciences, Business, Law, and more. Renowned for its exceptional teaching standards, the institution fosters an environment that nurtures critical thinking, creativity, and academic rigor.

The University of Otago stands as a testament to the power of education, innovation, and tradition. With a legacy deeply embedded in its historical roots and an unwavering commitment to shaping the future, it continues to be a revered institution that empowers minds, fosters excellence, and champions transformative change.

International undergraduate students at the University of Otago, living in New Zealand, or studying online or by distance from outside of New Zealand, in 2024 or 2025.

University of Otago International Master’s Research Scholarship

The University of Otago International Research Master’s Scholarship provides funding to support international Master’s students studying at the University of Otago

University of Otago Doctoral Scholarship

The University of Otago Doctoral Scholarship provides funding to support doctoral students studying at the University of Otago.

The Scholarship is available to both domestic and international students.  Candidates for professional doctorates, as well as the PhD, are welcome to apply.

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 program.
• 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).

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 program.
• 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 University'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 program you will receive an alert in your student portal inviting you to apply for a scholarship.

Follow this link for further details.