University of Otago Doctoral Scholarship 2026 in New Zealand | Fully Funded

The University of Otago Doctoral Scholarship is a fully funded opportunity for domestic and international students to pursue a PhD in New Zealand. This scholarship supports doctoral candidates conducting research in relevant areas of expertise, providing an annual stipend of NZ$34,128 and a tuition fee waiver for up to 36 months. Candidates must be seeking their first doctoral qualification.

The University of Otago, New Zealand’s first university, has a strong reputation for research and teaching excellence, with 13 flagship research centres and over $208 million in external research funding. It has won the Prime Minister’s Science Prize three times in the last decade and consistently tops educational performance indicators. Otago graduates are highly valued by global employers, with over 90% securing jobs quickly after graduation.

University of Otago Doctoral Scholarship Benefits

• Support funding for doctoral research.
• NZ$34,128 stipend annually for Doctor of Philosophy and other professional doctorate students.
• Domestic tuition fee waiver for up to 36 months for PhD students.
• Tuition fee waiver capped at the domestic rate for eligible professional doctorate students.
• Opportunity to conduct research in an international environment.
• Exposure to advanced research methods and techniques.

University of Otago Doctoral Scholarship Eligibility Criteria

• All domestic and international students can apply.
• Applicants who have completed a Master’s degree with papers and a thesis of at least 0.75 EFTS can apply.
• Relevant advanced-level papers counting toward the degree will be considered.
• In case a Master’s degree with a thesis has not been completed, the grades of all relevant advanced-level papers will be considered.
• If prior qualifications were completed at another university, the GPA score will be calculated using the most relevant papers and grades provided on the academic transcripts.
• The applicant’s potential for research will be considered.
• The applicant’s research record will also be considered.
• The recommendation and ranking of the relevant Head of Department are required.

How to Apply for University of Otago Doctoral Scholarship

• Students have to apply through the university’s official website.
• Complete the application for admission to the relevant qualification.
• Fill in all the required information carefully.
• Review your application form before submission.
• Applications can be submitted at any time during the year.
• Applications are considered in quarterly rounds held in March, June, September, and November.
• Applicants should normally apply for the scholarship together with their admission application.
• International applicants may need to provide academic credential evaluation documents if required.
• After submitting the admission application, an invitation to apply for the scholarship will be sent to your eVision portal.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are the most frequently asked questions about the University of Otago Doctoral Scholarship. These answers cover eligibility, benefits, deadlines, and how to apply.