University of Otago Scholarships: Fund your education with a scholarship so you can focus on what matters. A scholarship is a financial award intended to help you finance your university education. The University of Otago offers a range of numerous scholarships for both domestic and international students, This includes Undergraduate scholarships, University of Otago Entrance Scholarships (New Zealand Based Students)
Postgraduate scholarship, Scholarship for Ph.D, Pathway scholarship, New Zealand Manaaki Scholarships, and External scholarships.
The University of Otago was Founded in 1869, it is the oldest university in New Zealand and offers a range of scholarships that recognize academic excellence, leadership qualities, ethnicity, financial hardship, disability, and excellence in sporting or cultural activities. If you live in a residential college, your scholarship will help pay for your expenses or even cover them entirely. If you have a free first year, you can use your scholarship to pay tuition fees during your second year of study. If you are an international student, your scholarship will be paid as a credit against your tuition fees.
You don’t have to worry about applying for specific scholarships, as long as you provide information in your application, you will be considered for all applicable scholarships and awards open on the date of receipt of your application. Applications open on July 1 each year. Closing dates vary, but most end on August 15th.
International students who will be entering university after studying at a New Zealand secondary school or a New Zealand-based preparatory program are also eligible For Application: for the Otago Scholarship. You must actively apply for Otago University Entrance Scholarships, following the same process and deadlines as domestic students and as explained in the Prepare and Apply links
Entry Requirements
For Application:, You must meet certain specific admission requirements if you wish to study at the University of Otago.
You will need:
- Be at least 16 years old at the start of the classes
- Meet the English language requirements
- You need to have the New Zealand University Entrance Diploma or an equivalent qualification
- Some degrees have additional entry requirements. Read the list of specialist bachelor’s degrees to make sure you’re on the right track for what you want to study.
Undergraduate scholarships
University of Otago Global Scholarships
For new international undergraduate students from specific countries (based on citizenship) starting full-time studies (February or July intakes). Countries currently eligible for the scholarships:
China (Mainland China, Hong Kong, Macau)
INDIA
Indonesia
Malaysia
Singapore
South Korea
Thailand
Vietnam
Scholarship amount/value: NZ$15,000
For Application: You must actively answer “yes” to the international scholarship application during the eVision application stages.
More information on the University of Otago Global Scholarships
Vice-Chancellor’s Scholarships for International Students
For new international students starting full-time studies (February or July admissions).
Scholarship amount/value: NZ$10,000 towards tuition fees
For Application: You must actively answer “yes” to the international scholarship application during the eVision application stages.
More information on Vice Chancellor’s Scholarships for International Students
Note: Students applying for studies in Semester 2 (July) are eligible for this scholarship, no additional application step for the scholarship for the start of semester 2.
University of Otago International Academic Excellence Scholarships
For high-achieving international students who have studied abroad and are starting a full-time bachelor’s degree in Otago, commencing their studies (February or July intake).
Scholarship amount/value: NZD ~$35,000 (including first year and year 2 and year 3 accommodation).
For Application: You are invited For Application: to eVision after accepting any previous scholarship offer (eg. Vice Chancellor’s International Scholarship, Global Scholarship). He is asked to answer questions and additional information about the application of the scholarship, as necessary. This is a competitive selection scholarship.
More information on the University of Otago International Academic Excellence Scholarships
University of Otago International Partnership Scholarship
Applicable to international students applying to a study program through an established partnership articulation agreement (eg 2+2, recognition of credits). Must undertake a minimum of four semesters of study at Otago and begin studies (intake in February or July).
Scholarship amount/value: NZD 10,000
For Application: Must actively answer “yes” to the international scholarship question during the eVision application stages.
More information on the University of Otago International Partnership Scholarships
University of Otago Entrance Scholarships (New Zealand Based Students)
Applicable to international and domestic students studying in New Zealand secondary schools or a New Zealand-based foundation program and who will begin full-time bachelor studies (start in February or July).
Value: NZD 10,000 to about $45,000
For Application: can only be submitted between July 1 and August 15 via eVision. Follow the same application process as domestic students.
Note: Only one application is made to be considered for a range of awards including:
- Vice-Chancellor’s Scholarship for International Students
- The leaders of tomorrow
- Performance Scholarship
- University of Otago Pacific Peoples’ Scholarship
- University of Otago Academic Excellence: approximately $35,000 (competitive selection alongside local students).
More information on University of Otago Undergraduate Entrance Scholarships
Postgraduate scholarship
Vice-Chancellor’s International Scholarship
For international students starting selected postgraduate programs (master’s or postgraduate) at the University of Otago, studying full-time, course duration of at least two semesters, either on campus or remotely ( except MBA and scientific communication)
Scholarship amount/value: NZD 10,000 towards tuition fees
More information on the Vice-Chancellor’s International Postgraduate Scholarships
University of Otago International Masters Research Scholarship
For international students enrolled in a research master’s program.
Scholarship amount/value: NZ$18,204 per year plus partial tuition fee waiver (capped at the national rate).
More information on International Masters Research Scholarships at the University of Otago
University of Otago Coursework Masters Scholarship
For international and domestic students enrolling in a master’s program in the subject (excluding MBA).
Scholarship amount/value: NZD 10,000 towards tuition fees
More information on the University of Otago Masters Scholarships
Scholarship for Ph.D
University of Otago PhD Scholarships
For international and domestic students enrolling in a PhD program.
Scholarship amount/value: NZD 32,544 per year plus waiver of national tuition fees for 36 months.
More information on Doctoral Scholarships at the University of Otago
External scholarships
New Zealand Excellence Awards (India) 2024
Exclusive scholarship for Indian students, offered in partnership with Education New Zealand. It applies to most bachelor’s and master’s degrees taught at the University of Otago.
Application deadline: 19 May for studies starting in semester 2 (July).
Scholarship amount/value: NZ$10,000
New Zealand Excellence Scholarships (NZEA) details.
GoOverseas – the United States Study Abroad
For American students who wish to study abroad at a New Zealand university. Offered in partnership with GoOverseas.
GoOverseas Details – Study Abroad in the United States
Māori and Pacific students
There are two scholarship programs to support Māori and Pacific students on the Foundation Studies Certificate Health Sciences course for future health-related tertiary studies.
- Ngā Koroī: A Health Sciences scholarship programme for Māori students
- The POPO Foundation Scholarship Programme (PFP)
Pathway | Te Huarahi programmes
The University of Otago’s Pathway program (Te Huarah ) offers university entry qualifications for students who have not met EU requirements. The Foundation Studies Certificate (FSC) prepares you for all undergraduate degrees offered at the University of Otago in four academic divisions – Health Sciences, Commerce, Arts and Humanities. The Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Commerce allow direct progression to the second year of a relevant bachelor’s degree.
The University of Otago Pathway Te Huarahi Scholarship supports international students starting pathway programs.
