The University of Otago offers a range of scholarships for international students pursuing undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral studies in New Zealand.

These scholarships can provide up to NZD $35,000 for undergraduate study, NZD $18,204 per year plus a tuition fee waiver for eligible research Master’s students, NZD $10,000 toward tuition for eligible postgraduate coursework students, and NZD $33,624 per year plus a domestic tuition fee waiver for eligible doctoral students.

Important: The scholarships listed below are not all fully funded scholarships. Most provide partial financial support, such as tuition fee credits, accommodation support, or stipends. Students should carefully check the specific scholarship conditions and budget for any remaining tuition fees and living expenses.

This post focuses on the University of Otago’s international scholarships and does not include the Manaaki New Zealand Scholarship.

University of Otago Global Scholarship

Study level: Undergraduate / Bachelor’s degree

Scholarship value: NZD $15,000

Number of awards: Varies; the University describes the current offer as having unlimited offers for eligible students.

The University of Otago Global Scholarship is designed to support eligible new international students beginning full-time undergraduate degree study at Otago.

Eligible passport holders

Applicants must hold a passport from one of the following countries or regions:

• Bangladesh
• China
• Hong Kong
• India
• Indonesia
• Macau
• Malaysia
• Singapore
• South Korea
• Sri Lanka
• Taiwan
• Thailand
• Vietnam

Who can apply?

The scholarship is generally intended for students who:

• Have completed secondary/high school or another recognised qualification that provides university entrance.
• Are intending to begin a full-time undergraduate degree at the University of Otago.
• Are starting from 100-level (first year) and progressing toward their degree.
• Will study on campus throughout their studies.
• Meet the University’s admission requirements.

The scholarship is not available to students enrolling in foundation certificate programmes under the specific Global Scholarship rules.

What does the scholarship cover?

The scholarship is worth NZD $15,000 and is provided as a credit toward tuition fees.

It is not a cash stipend that students can freely use for accommodation or living expenses.

The scholarship normally has a one-year tenure.

For students starting in Semester 2 in July, the scholarship funds are divided, with NZD $7,500 credited toward tuition fees for the July start and the remaining NZD $7,500 released in Semester 1 of the following February.

Students should also be aware that:

• The scholarship cannot be deferred.
• Students must commence their studies according to the conditions stated in their Offer of Place.
• If a student cannot start by the required enrolment date, the scholarship may no longer be valid.
• Students sponsored by their home government or the New Zealand Government are not eligible for this scholarship.
• If a student’s residency status changes from international to domestic, the University may suspend or terminate the scholarship.
• If enrolment is terminated or the student withdraws, scholarship entitlement may be cancelled, and repayment may be required in certain circumstances.

How to apply

For international students applying from outside New Zealand, there is generally no separate scholarship application for the Global Scholarship.

When applying for admission through the University of Otago’s eVision system, eligible applicants must indicate that they wish to be considered for international scholarships.

The University then assesses eligible students during the admission process.

If awarded a scholarship, students must actively accept the scholarship by the deadline stated in the scholarship offer, in addition to accepting their admission offer.

The University notes that the scholarship opening and closing dates can depend on whether the student is applying from offshore or is already in New Zealand.

Vice-Chancellor’s Scholarship for International Students

Study level: Undergraduate / Bachelor’s degree

Scholarship value: NZD $10,000 toward tuition fees

Number of awards: Varies

This scholarship welcomes international students to the University of Otago and provides financial support toward their academic studies.

Who is eligible?

The scholarship is available to new international students who:

• Have completed secondary/high school or an approved qualification that provides university entrance.
• Intend to enrol in full-time undergraduate degree-level study.
• Are beginning their studies at 100-level (first year).
• Intend to progress through to degree completion.
• Will study on campus throughout the duration of their studies.
• Meet the University’s academic admission requirements.

Students enrolling in foundation certificate programmes are not eligible for this particular scholarship.

Scholarship benefits

The scholarship is worth NZD $10,000.

The funding is provided as a credit toward tuition fees only.

It is not a full scholarship covering all tuition, accommodation, flights, and living expenses.

The scholarship has a one-year tenure.

For students starting in July, the funding is split between the July semester and the following February semester.

Application process

For international students applying from outside New Zealand, there is generally no separate scholarship application.

Eligible students should indicate through the University’s eVision admission system that they wish to be considered for international scholarships.

The University automatically assesses eligible applicants during the admission process.

If you receive the scholarship, you must accept the scholarship offer by the deadline stated in your scholarship offer letter, in addition to accepting your admission offer.

The University states that scholarship selection considers academic potential demonstrated through the programme admission process.

University of Otago International Academic Excellence Scholarship

Study level: Undergraduate / Bachelor’s degree

Scholarship value: Approximately NZD $35,000

Selection: Competitive

This is one of the most attractive undergraduate scholarship opportunities at the University of Otago for high-achieving international students.

It is aimed at students who have demonstrated outstanding academic ability and are beginning a full-time Bachelor’s degree at Otago.

What does the scholarship provide?

The scholarship has an approximate total value of NZD $35,000 over three years.

The funding structure is approximately:

Year 1:

Accommodation fees at a University-owned or University-affiliated residential college, up to the University’s standard room rate.

Years 2 and 3:

NZD $7,000 per year toward tuition and student services fees, subject to satisfactory academic performance.

This means that the scholarship can provide substantial support across the first three years of undergraduate study.

Important accommodation condition

The Year 1 benefit is specifically linked to accommodation at an eligible University-owned or University-affiliated residential college.

If a recipient chooses not to live in an eligible residential college during the first year, no Year 1 accommodation payment will be made.

Academic performance requirement

Continuation into Years 2 and 3 normally requires:

• A GPA of 7.0 or better (A-) in the previous year; or
• Admission to and successful progression within one of the University’s professional programmes.

If a student does not meet the required GPA, they may request consideration for continuation by writing to the Manager, Undergraduate Entrance Scholarships.

The University may consider factors such as:

• Reasons for the request.
• Sporting or cultural commitments.
• Medical circumstances.
• Other relevant factors.

Who can apply?

The scholarship is intended for high-achieving international students who:

• Have completed secondary school or another recognised university entrance qualification outside New Zealand.
• Are beginning a full-time Bachelor’s degree.
• Will start at 100-level/first year.
• Intend to progress through to degree completion.
• Will study on campus.

Diploma and certificate programmes are not eligible for this scholarship.

How does the application work?

Eligible students must first indicate through the eVision admission system that they wish to be considered for international scholarships.

After successfully receiving an Offer of Place for their selected programme, eligible candidates may be invited to apply for the International Academic Excellence Scholarship.

The invited applicant will then need to provide additional information and answer further scholarship questions.

This is a competitive selection scholarship, meaning that meeting the basic eligibility criteria does not guarantee an award.

The scholarship cannot be deferred, and recipients must commence their studies according to the conditions of their offer.

Students sponsored by their home government or the New Zealand Government are not eligible for this scholarship.

University of Otago International Partnership Scholarship

Study level: Undergraduate / Bachelor’s degree

Scholarship value: NZD $10,000

Eligibility: Students applying through an approved articulation or partner agreement

This scholarship is designed for international students who come to the University of Otago through an established partner institution or articulation arrangement.

Examples may include:

• 2+2 degree arrangements
• Credit recognition
• Other approved articulation agreements

Eligibility

Applicants generally need to:

• Have completed secondary school or an approved university entrance qualification.
• Be entering full-time undergraduate degree-level study.
• Study for a minimum of four semesters at Otago.
• Study on campus.
• Apply through an approved University of Otago articulation partner agreement.

Scholarship value

The scholarship provides NZD $10,000 as a credit toward tuition fees.

The scholarship normally has a one-year tenure.

For students beginning in July, the funding may be divided between the July semester and the following February semester.

Application

Eligible students must indicate through eVision that they wish to be considered for international scholarships.

Selection considers factors including academic potential and previous results from the partner institution.

Students should confirm whether their current institution has an approved articulation agreement with Otago before relying on this scholarship.

University of Otago Undergraduate Entrance Scholarships for New Zealand-Based Students

Study level: Undergraduate / Bachelor’s degree

Scholarship value: Approximately NZD $10,000 to NZD $45,000, depending on the award

These scholarships are particularly relevant to international students who are already studying in New Zealand.

They may be available to international and domestic students who are:

• Studying at a New Zealand high school; or
• Studying at a New Zealand-based foundation programme.

The application period is generally 1 July to 15 August.

Students may submit one application to be considered for a range of awards, potentially including:

• Vice-Chancellor’s Scholarship for International Students
• Leaders of Tomorrow
• Performance Scholarship
• University of Otago Pacific Peoples’ Scholarship
• University of Otago Academic Excellence Scholarship

The University advises international students studying in New Zealand to follow the applicable eVision entrance scholarship application process.

University of Otago Pathway Scholarships

Diploma Students

International students applying for pathway diploma programmes such as:

• DipArts
• DipSc
• DipCom

may automatically be considered for certain international scholarships, including the Global Scholarship or Vice-Chancellor’s Scholarship for International Students.

Scholarship value

Approximately NZD $10,000–$15,000, depending on the scholarship awarded.

Application

No separate scholarship application may be required for eligible students.

Applicants are assessed during the admission process.

Scholarship recipients must actively accept the scholarship by the deadline specified in their scholarship offer, as well as accepting their admission offer.

Students who are already studying at a New Zealand high school or foundation provider may instead need to follow the applicable New Zealand-based entrance scholarship process.

Te Huarahi Scholarship

Study level: Foundation Studies Certificate

Scholarship value: From NZD $5,000

Students applying for the University of Otago Foundation Studies Certificate may be considered for the Te Huarahi Scholarship.

Application

Unlike some of the automatically assessed scholarships, applicants interested in this scholarship need to complete and submit the relevant Te Huarahi Academic Scholarship application form.

This is particularly relevant for international students who need a foundation programme before progressing to undergraduate study.

Postgraduate Scholarships

The University of Otago also offers several scholarships for international students pursuing postgraduate studies.

The exact eligibility requirements depend on the type of Master’s programme or postgraduate qualification.

University of Otago Global Master’s Scholarship

Study level: Selected taught Master’s programmes

Scholarship value: NZD $15,000 toward tuition fees

Study mode: Full-time, on campus

Intake: The information provided applies to students commencing eligible programmes in 2027 or 2028.

Eligible passport holders

The scholarship is available to eligible students holding passports from:

• Bangladesh
• China
• Hong Kong
• India
• Indonesia
• Macau
• Malaysia
• Singapore
• South Korea
• Sri Lanka
• Taiwan
• Thailand
• Vietnam

Eligible Master’s programmes

The scholarship applies to selected taught Master’s programmes, including:

• Master of Business – all subjects
• Master of Sustainable Business
• Master of Communications
• Master of Public Health
• Master of Arts (Coursework) – all majors
• Master of Politics
• Master of International Studies
• Master of International Development and Planning
• Master of Planning
• Master of Peace and Conflict Studies – coursework
• Master of Science (Applied) – all subjects
• Master of Science (Coursework) – all subjects

Scholarship benefit

The scholarship provides NZD $15,000 toward tuition fees.

It is important to understand that this is not a fully funded Master’s scholarship. Students may still need to cover:

• Remaining tuition fees
• Accommodation
• Food
• Transportation
• Visa costs
• Flights
• Other living expenses

Application

No separate scholarship application is required for eligible applicants.

Students are automatically assessed during the admission process.

Vice-Chancellor’s International Postgraduate Scholarships

Study level: Selected postgraduate programmes

Scholarship value: NZD $10,000 toward tuition fees

This scholarship supports international students commencing eligible postgraduate programmes at the University of Otago.

It may apply to:

• Master’s coursework degrees
• Postgraduate coursework diplomas

The programme must generally be full-time and have a duration of at least two semesters.

The information provided indicates that some programmes are excluded, including the MBA and Science Communication.

Applicants should verify the current programme-specific eligibility requirements before applying.

The University has described these scholarships as providing NZD $10,000 toward tuition fees for eligible international postgraduate students.

University of Otago International Master’s Research Scholarship

Study level: Research Master’s degree

Scholarship value:

• NZD $18,204 stipend per year
• Tuition fee waiver for one year, capped at NZD $35,000 according to the information provided

This scholarship is intended for international students undertaking a research Master’s programme.

Unlike a tuition-only scholarship, the annual stipend provides financial support toward living costs.

However, applicants should carefully check the current scholarship regulations regarding the exact tuition fee waiver conditions and whether the waiver is capped at the domestic fee rate or another applicable amount.

This scholarship is therefore particularly relevant to students pursuing research-based Master’s degrees rather than standard taught Master’s programmes.

University of Otago Coursework Master’s Scholarship

Study level: Coursework Master’s degree

Scholarship value: NZD $10,000 toward tuition fees

This scholarship is available to international and domestic students enrolling in eligible coursework Master’s programmes.

The MBA is excluded according to the information provided.

Unlike the International Master’s Research Scholarship, this award is primarily a tuition fee scholarship and does not provide the same annual living stipend.

Applicants should therefore plan for their remaining tuition and living expenses.

University of Otago Doctoral Scholarships

Study level: PhD / Doctoral
Eligibility: International and domestic students
Scholarship value:

• NZD $33,624 stipend per year
• Domestic tuition fee waiver for 36 months

This is one of the strongest funding options listed in the University of Otago scholarship portfolio.

The scholarship is available to students enrolling in doctoral programmes.

The stipend provides annual financial support, while the tuition fee waiver covers the applicable domestic tuition fees for up to 36 months, subject to the scholarship conditions.

International students interested in pursuing a PhD at Otago should carefully review the current doctoral scholarship regulations and admission requirements.

Important: Is the University of Otago Scholarship Fully Funded?

This is one of the most important things applicants need to understand.

Not all University of Otago scholarships are fully funded.

For example:

• Global Scholarship: NZD $15,000 toward tuition
• Vice-Chancellor’s International Scholarship: NZD $10,000 toward tuition
• International Academic Excellence Scholarship: Approximately NZD $35,000 in combined accommodation and tuition support over three years
• International Partnership Scholarship: NZD $10,000 toward tuition
• Global Master’s Scholarship: NZD $15,000 toward tuition
• Vice-Chancellor’s International Postgraduate Scholarship: NZD $10,000 toward tuition
• International Master’s Research Scholarship: NZD $18,204 annual stipend plus tuition support under the scholarship conditions
• Doctoral Scholarship: NZD $33,624 annual stipend plus a domestic tuition fee waiver for 36 months

Therefore, students receiving a tuition-only scholarship may still need to pay a significant amount toward their remaining tuition and living costs.

The University itself states that international students pay international tuition fees, and for offshore students receiving tuition scholarships, the remaining tuition fee is generally payable by the student as stated in the Offer of Place.

How to Apply

The application process depends on your study level and where you are currently studying.

If you are applying from outside New Zealand

For many international undergraduate scholarships, such as the Global Scholarship and Vice-Chancellor’s Scholarship, you generally:

1. Choose an eligible Bachelor’s programme.
2. Apply for admission to the University of Otago.
3. Complete the relevant application process through eVision.
4. Indicate that you want to be considered for international scholarships.
5. Submit all required admission documents.
6. Wait for the admission and scholarship assessment.
7. If awarded a scholarship, accept the scholarship by the stated deadline.
8. Accept your Offer of Place.
9. Proceed with your student visa and enrolment process.

For the International Academic Excellence Scholarship, eligible students may first need to receive an offer and then be invited to submit additional scholarship information.

If you are already in New Zealand

The process may be different.

International students studying at a New Zealand high school or foundation programme may need to apply through the University’s Entrance Scholarship process during the specified application period.

For 2027, the University currently lists 15 August 2026 as the deadline for onshore international students applying for Otago entrance scholarships.

Important Dates for 2027 Applicants

For students planning to begin studies in 2027, the University of Otago’s current key dates include:

1 May 2026: Applications opened for studies commencing in 2027.

15 August 2026: Deadline for onshore international students to apply for Otago entrance scholarships.

15 November 2026: Deadline for offshore international students to submit applications for full degree studies commencing in Semester 1, 2027.

1 December 2026: Recommended deadline for offshore international students to apply for Residential Colleges or University Flats accommodation.

10 December 2026: Deadline for onshore international students applying for Semester 1, 2027 study.

30 April 2027: Deadline for international applications commencing in Semester 2, 2027.

Because dates can vary depending on your location, study level, programme, and scholarship, applicants should always verify the deadline that applies specifically to their situation.

Who Should Consider These Scholarships?

These scholarships may be a good opportunity for:

• International high school graduates seeking Bachelor’s degrees in New Zealand.
• High-achieving international undergraduate applicants.
• Students from eligible Asian countries seeking tuition support.
• International students applying through Otago’s partner institutions.
• Students already studying in New Zealand.
• International students pursuing taught Master’s programmes.
• Research Master’s students looking for stipend-based support.
• PhD applicants seeking a funded doctoral opportunity.

The strongest opportunities depend heavily on your academic profile and your programme.

Final Advice for Applicants

If you are applying for undergraduate study, I recommend checking the Global Scholarship, Vice-Chancellor’s Scholarship, and, if you have an excellent academic profile, the International Academic Excellence Scholarship.

If you are applying for a Master’s degree, compare the Global Master’s Scholarship, Vice-Chancellor’s International Postgraduate Scholarship, Coursework Master’s Scholarship, and International Master’s Research Scholarship depending on whether your programme is taught or research-based.

If you are applying for a PhD, the University of Otago Doctoral Scholarship is one of the most significant funding options to investigate.

The most important point is to apply for admission early and carefully follow the scholarship-specific instructions. Some scholarships require no separate application, while others require an invitation or an additional application.

For 2027 entry, applicants should pay particular attention to the relevant admission and scholarship deadlines because missing the required application window may mean missing the opportunity for scholarship consideration.