The University of Otago is a top-leading public research university in Dunedin, Otago, New Zealand. It is the first and oldest university in the country and the third-oldest in Oceania. It was founded in 1869 by a group led by Thomas Burns and was officially established through the mandate of the Otago Provincial Council. Additionally, it is known for its high number of quality research publications. Here, we will be looking at various scholarships available at the University of Otago for international students.
The main campus university offers a vibrant architectural grandeur featuring the old and traditional student housing and a mix of modernity among its facilities. It also has wide green spaces and beautiful gardens, the perfect places for students to unwind and relax. Eventually, it became one of the most beautiful university campuses in Oceania.
Otago students have a nickname, “Scarfie”, which reflects the habit of students wearing scarfs when the cold southern winters hit the country. Critic, the well-known magazine of the university, is the oldest student magazine in New Zealand.
The University of Otago received a Five Stars Plus QS Stars ranking because of its excellence in high-quality standard of teaching and cutting-edge researches, high employability rate, and outstanding international reputation. It ranks in the top 194th of the 2022 QS World University Rankings.
Related Scholarships
How Do I Apply to University of Otago Scholarships?
The University of Otago has become the top 1% choice of international students as their higher education institution in New Zealand. It offers various kinds of funding opportunities that will help students in their tuition fees at the university.
There are specific entry requirements for international students applying for a certain degree level. The university may require applicants for undergraduate programs to complete a University of Otago Foundation Year program (or equivalent). They may also accept other qualifications such as International Baccalaureate (IB) with a minimum of 24 points, Cambridge International Examinations (CIE) GCE Advanced Levels, and Northern Consortium United Kingdom (NCUK) International Foundation Year (IFY). The university will recognize other (equivalent) qualifications to the New Zealand entry qualifications from international students.
Applicants with a Bachelor’s degree may apply for a Master’s degree coursework or research. Those holding an honors degree or postgraduate diploma may apply for a Master’s study for thesis only. Meanwhile, applicants for the Ph.D. degree programs must be Master’s degree holders (or equivalent) or a first-class or upper second-class honors degree in the same area of study as their chosen research study program/Ph.D. course.
Applicants must submit their identification cards, academic transcripts, ECE, research proposal or study plan, curriculum vitae, name of their supervisor, and an estimated date to commence their study term.
University of Otago Scholarships
1. Vice-Chancellor’s Scholarship
- Link to the scholarship page
- Scholarship amount: NZD 10,000
- Degrees offered: Undergraduate
The Vice-Chancellor’s Scholarship scheme will provide financial assistance to international students who gain admission in an eligible undergraduate degree program at the University of Otago. The scholarships apply to students staying in New Zealand or studying through online courses outside the country. Students who have personal, academic, and financial difficulties committing themselves to pursue a degree in higher education all deserve to receive the awards.
Students must not be holding New Zealand citizenships (and/or not permanent residents of the country or in Australia) to qualify for the scholarships. They must gain entry or admission in an eligible undergraduate program and enrolls for a full-time first year of study. They must also be paying the tuition fees at an international rate.
Students may receive an amount of up to NZD 10,000, which only applies to their tuition fees at the University. They must find another source for their other living expenses (if they choose to stay and study in New Zealand). However, students may receive an offer for on-campus accommodation.
The Vice-Chancellor’s Scholarships is technically an Entrance Scholarship at the University of Otago. Hence, there is no separate application needed. Students may expect all the terms and conditions for other University of Otago Entrance Scholarships to apply to this scholarship scheme.
2. Otago International Excellence Scholarship
- Link to the scholarship page
- Scholarship amount: NZD 10,000
- Degrees offered: Master’s
The University of Otago recognizes top-achieving international students pursuing their postgraduate degrees by offering them Excellence Scholarships which will cover their tuition fees. Students must prove their academic excellence, leadership skills and show potentials to make positive changes in society. The scholarships are available for students undertaking a Master’s degree (coursework or research), Honours degree, or Postgraduate Diploma in Business, Humanities or Sciences.
Students must hold foreign citizenship (non-New Zealand citizenships or are not permanent residents of the country or Australia) and apply to an eligible degree program at the University of Otago. Applicants for Master of Business Administration (MBA) and Postgraduate Diploma in Digital Health (PGDipDigHeal) do not qualify for the awards.
Students must meet the award level for these University of Otago scholarships and enroll for full-time study in their chosen courses. They may receive up to NZD 10,000, which only applies to the tuition fees they are paying at an international rate. Current international students finishing their Bachelor’s degree at the University are also eligible to receive the awards.
There is no separate application for the scholarships as their admission applications will be the basis for the selection process.
3. University of Otago Doctoral Scholarships
- Link to the scholarship page
- Scholarship amount: up to NZD 27,000
- Degrees offered: Ph.D.
The University of Otago offers scholarships to domestic and international students pursuing their Ph.D. degrees at the university. The scholarships are for high-achieving students with promising dissertations. Students may receive scholarships (applicable toward their tuition fees only) while doing their research overseas. They will receive the stipend payments once they arrive in New Zealand.
Applicants must be Master’s degree holders with an equivalent US grade of A range. They must gain admission and enroll in their chosen Ph.D. degree programs at the University. Students may apply online through the eVision portal and submit all the required documents, including their academic transcripts, identification card, research proposal, curriculum vitae, and proof of English Language Proficiency. Additionally, their Master’s degree must be relevant to their chosen field of study.
Students may annually receive an NZD 27,000, including a tuition fee waiver within three years of their doctoral study.
Click here to check more available scholarships at the University of Otago.
