Undergraduate scholarships
University of Otago Global Scholarships
For new international Bachelor degree students from specific countries (based on citizenship) who will be commencing full-time undergraduate study in 2025 or 2026 (February or July intakes).
Current eligible countries for 2025 and 2026 scholarships:
- China (Mainland China, Hong Kong, Macau)
- India
- Indonesia
- Malaysia
- Singapore
- South Korea
- Thailand
- Vietnam
Scholarship value NZD $15,000
Application: Must actively respond ‘yes’ to the international scholarship question during eVision admission application steps.
Details of University of Otago Global Scholarships
Vice-Chancellor's Scholarships for International Students
For new international Bachelor degree students commencing full-time undergraduate study in 2025 or 2026 (February or July intakes).
Scholarship value: NZD$10,000 for tuition fees
Application: Must actively respond ‘yes’ to the international scholarship question during eVision admission application steps.
Details of Vice-Chancellor's Scholarships for International Students
Note: Students applying for semester 2 (July) 2024 studies are eligible to be considered for this scholarship. There is no additional scholarship application step for the semester 2 2024 intake.
University of Otago International Academic Excellence Scholarships
For high achieving international students who have studied overseas and will be commencing a full-time Bachelor degree at Otago, commencing studies in 2025 or 2026 (February or July intakes).
Scholarship value: NZD~$35,000 (comprising first year accommodation and tuition scholarships in year 2 and year 3).
Application: Invited to apply in eVision, after you have accepted any previous scholarship offer (e.g. Vice Chancellor’s International Scholarship, Global Scholarship). Required to complete additional scholarship application questions and information as requested. This is a competitive selection scholarship.
Details of the University of Otago International Academic Excellence Scholarships
University of Otago International Partnership Scholarship
Applicable to international students applying into a degree programme through an established partner articulation agreement (e.g. 2+2, credit recognition). Must be undertaking a minimum of four semesters of study at Otago and commencing study in 2025 or 2026 (February or July intakes).
Scholarship value: NZD $10,000
Application: Must actively respond ‘yes’ to the international scholarship question during eVision admission application steps.
Details of the University of Otago International Partnership Scholarship
University of Otago Undergraduate Entrance Scholarships (New Zealand-based students)
Applicable to international and domestic students studying in New Zealand high schools or in a New Zealand-based foundation programme who will be commencing full-time Bachelor degree studies in 2025 and 2026 (February or July intakes).
Value: NZD $10,000 to ~$35,000
Application: Can only apply between 1 July-15 August via eVision. Follow the same application process as domestic students.
Note: One single application is made to be considered for a range of awards ranging from NZD $10,000 to ~$35,000, including:
- Vice Chancellor’s Scholarship for International Students
- Leaders of Tomorrow
- Performance Scholarship
- University of Otago Pacific Peoples’ Scholarship
- University of Otago Academic Excellence ~$35,000 (competitive selection alongside domestic students).
Details of University of Otago Undergraduate Entrance Scholarships
Postgraduate scholarships
Vice-Chancellor's International Postgraduate Scholarships
For international students commencing selected postgraduate programmes (Master coursework degrees or postgraduate coursework diplomas) at the University of Otago, studying full-time, course duration of at least two semesters, either on campus or by distance learning in 2024 or 2025 (excludes MBA and Science Communication).
Scholarship value: NZD$10,000 for tuition fees
Details of Vice-Chancellor's International Postgraduate Scholarships
University of Otago International Master's Research Scholarship
For international students enrolling in a research Master's programme.
Scholarship value: NZD$18,204 stipend per annum plus a partial tuition fee waiver (capped at the domestic fee rate).
Details of University of Otago International Master's Research Scholarship
University of Otago Coursework Master's Scholarship
For international and domestic students enrolling in a coursework Master's programme (excludes MBA).
Scholarship value: NZD$10,000 for tuition fees
Details of University of Otago Coursework Master's Scholarship
Doctoral scholarships
University of Otago Doctoral Scholarships
For international and domestic students enrolling in a Doctoral programme.
Scholarship value: NZ$32,544 stipend per annum plus a domestic tuition fees waiver for 36 months.
Details of University of Otago Doctoral scholarships
Pathway scholarship
University of Otago Pathway │ Te Huarahi Scholarship
For international and domestic students enrolling in the Foundation Studies Certificate or the pathway Diplomas (DipArts and DipCom).
Scholarship value: from NZD$5,000 for tuition fees.
Details of University of Otago Pathway │ Te Huarahi Scholarship
Read more about the pathway qualifications offered at Otago on the Pathway and English Language Centre website:
Foundation Studies Certificate
Manaaki New Zealand Scholarships
The New Zealand Government offers scholarships to eligible citizens from developing countries to study abroad at a New Zealand education institution or university. These include full tertiary scholarships for eligible international students to study full-time undergraduate and postgraduate study at a New Zealand university.
Learn more about Manaaki New Zealand Scholarships at the University of Otago
External scholarships
New Zealand Excellence Awards (India) 2024
Exclusive scholarship for Indian students, offered in collaboration with Education New Zealand. Applies to most bachelor degrees and taught masters' degrees at the University of Otago.
Deadline to apply: 19 May 2024 for studies commencing in semester 2 (July) 2024.
Scholarship value: NZD $10,000
University of Otago contact:
Victoria McEniery
Email victoria.mceniery@otago.ac.nz
Details of New Zealand Excellence Awards (NZEA)
GoOverseas – USA Study Abroad
For Study Abroad students from the USA to study at a New Zealand university. Offered in conjunction with GoOverseas.
Scholarship value: varies
Details of GoOverseas – USA Study Abroad
Scholarships database
The University of Otago offers a range of additional scholarships to undergraduate and postgraduate international students each year. Scholarships include opportunities for students new to Otago, as well as current Otago students.
See all scholarships