If you plan to study in New Zealand with financial support, the University of Otago Scholarships are one of the best opportunities for international students. This scholarship provides fully funded programs across a wide range of fields. In this article, we will explain everything you need to know about the University of Otago scholarships, including their benefits, eligibility criteria, required documents, and a detailed step-by-step application process to help you apply successfully.
University of Otago Scholarships 2026-2027 are available for undergraduate, master’s, and Ph.D. degrees. Up to 200 scholarships will be awarded annually and will be of value ranging from NZ$10,000 to NZ$30,000 for doctoral, postgraduate, and undergraduate study.
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 unshakable dedication to shaping the future, it continues to be a revered institution that empowers minds, fosters excellence, and champions transformative change.
Vice-Chancellor’s Scholarship for International Students
The scholarship is available to international undergraduate students at the University of Otago who are either residing in New Zealand or studying online or remotely from outside of the country in 2026 or 2027.
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 PhDs, are welcome to apply.
Scholarship Summary
- Level of Study: Undergraduate / Master’s / PhD
- Institution(s): University of Otago
- Study Destination: New Zealand
- Opportunity Focus Areas: All the available courses
- Program Period: Depends upon the degree Program
- Deadline:
- Undergraduate: 10 December for semester 1 (February) start, 30 April for semester 2 (July) start for offshore students, and 15 August for onshore students
- Masters/PhD: Applicants can apply anytime
Scholarship Coverage
The University of Otago Scholarships will provide the following:
- Vice-Chancellor’s Scholarship for International Students
- The Vice-Chancellor’s Scholarship for International Students provides a NZ$10,000 contribution toward the tuition fee for an eligible program.
- University of Otago International Master’s Research Scholarship
- The stipend is NZ$18,204 per annum, and it includes a tuition fee waiver for 1 year, capped at NZ$35,000 for master’s study (excluding the student services fee and insurance).
- Number of scholarships offered: 4
- University of Otago Doctoral Scholarship
- Doctor of Philosophy – NZ $33,624 stipend per annum plus a domestic tuition fees waiver for 36 months (excludes student services fee and insurance)
- Professional Doctorates (DClinDent, DMA, DBA, EdD) offer a NZ $33,624 stipend per year and a tuition fee waiver for up to 36 months, capped at the domestic rate (excluding student services fee and insurance).
- Number of scholarships offered: Up to 164 annually
Eligibility Criteria for University of Otago Scholarships
To qualify for the University of Otago scholarships, the candidate must fulfill all of the following requirements:
- Required Language: English.
- Eligible Countries: All 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:
- 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
- Completion of an internationally recognized qualification in New Zealand or at an overseas high school, such as A Levels, International Baccalaureate, or ATAR; or
- The candidate must also meet other international entrance requirements, as detailed on the Otago website.
- Have not normally completed any previous study at a New Zealand university; and
- Are subject to paying international tuition fees; and
- They are qualified to apply for, and plan to enroll in, a full-time program during the first year of eligibility.
- 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
- Click here to find out the regulations and notes for the University of Otago International Master’s Research Scholarships.
- Applicants must be:
- University of Otago Doctoral Scholarship
- Applicants must usually be:
- Seeking to obtain their first doctoral qualification
- Click here to find out the regulations and notes for the University of Otago Doctoral Scholarships.
- Applicants must usually be:
Also, apply for Lincoln University scholarships.
How to Apply for University of Otago Scholarships?
Please follow the application instructions below for University of Otago scholarships:
Subscribe to our YouTube channel for a step-by-step Application process
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 them 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 that includes enrollment in papers before enrollment in a thesis, the application should normally be made following completion of those papers. An invitation will be sent when enrollment in the thesis component of the master’s degree is completed.
University of Otago Doctoral Scholarship
You can apply for doctoral scholarships anytime online via the eVision portal. 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.
Website
To learn more about University of Otago scholarships, please visit the official website: