Some exchange destinations offer additional scholarships. Availability varies by country, partner institution, and year.
Canada
The Brian Merrilees Canadian Alumni Travel Award
This award supports students who choose a Canadian exchange partner, thanks to the generosity of University of Otago alumni in Canada.
- Value: NZ$2,000
- Availability: Up to 1 award per semester (2 per year)
- Who can apply: Otago students on exchange to a Canadian partner university
Application deadlines:
- 15 September – Otago semester 1 exchange
- 15 April – Otago semester 2 exchange
Eligible students will receive application instructions by email.
This award is reviewed annually.
China
Confucius Chinese Government Scholarship
This scholarship supports students wanting to study Chinese language and related subjects at a Chinese University.
- Value: the scholarship covers the cost of tuition fees, shared accommodation, on-campus medical care and a monthly stipend
(Please note this does not include airfares, travel insurance, visa fees, or the pre-departure medical examination.)
NZ-China Scholarship on the Confucius Institute website
Germany
DAAD
DAAD supports international academic exchange through a range of funding programmes.
DAAD full details and application form
Baden-Württemberg Scholarship
This scholarship supports high-achieving German and international students.
- Value: € 600 to € 1,400 per month
- Availability: Not offered every semester
Applications can only be submitted if the host university offers it at the time of application
Finland
Aalto School of Business Grant
This grant is for students studying at Aalto University’s School of Business.
- Value: € 1,000
- Availability: Two per year (one per semester)
Students are considered when they have applied to go on exchange to Aalto and been nominated by the Otago Global team to study there.
Japan
JASSO Scholarship
JASSO offers a limited number of scholarships for students on exchange in Japan.
- Value: ¥80,000 per month (up to 12 months)
- Each Japanese partner university sets its own eligibility criteria and application process
- Available at some, but not all, Japanese partner institutions
Relevant information will be sent directly to Otago students applying for exchange in Japan.
Japanese Studies Scholarship
The Japanese Government offers a fully funded scholarship for a one-year exchange to Japan to learn about Japanese language and culture.
- Value: Return flights to Japan and a monthly stipend (from ¥117,000 – approximately NZD$1,290)
- Availability: at the Japanese Government’s discretion
- Who can apply: Otago students studying Japanese language and/or culture
See Japanese Embassy website for more information
United Kingdom
BUTEX Scholarships
BUTEX awards scholarships to students studying abroad in the UK for a semester or full academic year.
- Who can apply: Otago undergraduate students on exchange to a BUTEX-member UK university
- Your host university placement does not need to be confirmed when you apply
- Placement must be confirmed before the scholarship is awarded
- Application deadline: 31 July each year
BUTEX full details and application form
United States of America
Alumni of the University of Otago in America Inc Award
These awards support students selecting a US exchange partner, thanks to Otago alumni in the United States.
- Value: NZ$3,000
- Availability: Up to 6 awards per semester (12 per year)
- Study must be part of the Otago Global Student Exchange Programme
Application deadlines
- 15 September – Otago semester 1 exchange
- 15 April – Otago semester 2 exchange
Eligible students will receive application instructions by email.
This award is reviewed annually.
Further information
Contact the Otago Global team for personalised advice and support.
They can help you explore destinations, understand requirements, and plan your exchange journey.