University of Otago Scholarships for International Students

Are you planning to study in New Zealand and looking for financial support to make your dream possible? Then the University of Otago Scholarships for International Students can be a great opportunity for you. The University of Otago, one of New Zealand’s oldest and most reputed universities, offers a wide range of scholarships every year to help bright and talented students from around the world. These scholarships are designed to support international students with tuition fees, living costs, and other study-related expenses. In this blog, written under the guidance of a Licensed Immigration Advisor, we will cover everything you need to know about University of Otago scholarships, including types of scholarships, eligibility, amount, how to apply, and tips for Indian students. Whether you’re applying for a bachelor’s, master’s, or PhD program, this guide will help you understand which scholarship best fits your study goals. So, if you’re preparing for your New Zealand study visa or exploring funding options to reduce your study cost, keep reading, this guide will help you take the right step toward your dream education in New Zealand.

Why choose University of Otago and Importance of Scholarship

High Global Reputation and Quality Teaching: The University of Otago is one of the top universities in the world. It is ranked in the top 1 % globally. It has a 5 Stars Plus rating in the QS global university ratings. This means the teaching, labs, libraries, and lecturers are all very good. If you study in New Zealand at Otago, you get strong education that is respected by employers everywhere. This helps when you look for a job after finishing studies.
Excellent Graduate Employability: Around 95-96 % of Otago graduates go directly into work or further study after finishing their degree. For international students, this is a big plus. Employers and visa authorities (for New Zealand student visa or post‐study visa) like it when universities have high employability rates. It shows you have good chances after you graduate.
Beautiful, Supportive Student Life & Campus: Otago is a residential university, many students live in colleges near the campus. The city of Dunedin is small but lively, safe, and easier to move around. There are many support services: health centre, counselling, libraries, student clubs. For Indian students coming far away, a supportive campus helps in settling in.
Strong Research & Academic Excellence: Otago is famous for its research, especially in health sciences, medicine, dentistry, biological sciences, etc. If you want to do a master’s or PhD, especially by research, Otago has good supervisors, facilities, and funding. This gives you better chance to gain knowledge, publish work, and build a strong academic profile, helpful for scholarship applications and career.
Support for International Students: The University of Otago has many international students (over 100 countries). There is an International Office to help with admission, visa, orientation. For Indian students, this means less confusion over New Zealand student visa and New Zealand study visa process. Also, help with academic writing, English language support, and adjusting to life in New Zealand.

Importance of Scholarships

Scholarships at Otago help reduce the cost of tuition and living, which are high for international students.
They strengthen your New Zealand study visa application because you can show you have financial support.
For Indian students, scholarships make it more possible to study abroad without heavy debt.
Scholarships also help if you are applying for postgraduate degrees: many research scholarships come with stipends, and that allows you to focus on study instead of working many hours.
Finally, scholarship awards are recognition of academic merit, which adds value to your CV and your future in New Zealand or elsewhere.

Types of Scholarship available for International Students at Otago

University of Otago Global Scholarships (Undergraduate)

The University of Otago Global Scholarships are for new international students (including from India) who want to do full-time undergraduate study at Otago, or a foundation diploma programme that leads into a degree. These scholarships are especially for students from certain nominated countries such as India, China, Malaysia, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Vietnam and some others. The value of the Global Scholarship is NZD 15,000, given as a credit towards tuition fees. Students do not need to submit a separate scholarship form for this; they are assessed automatically during the admission process when they apply for study. For semester-2 (July) starters, half of the scholarship ($7,500) is released in July and the rest in February of the following year. This scholarship helps Indian students and others with study in New Zealand because it reduces the tuition costs, which are often a large part of expenses required for a New Zealand student visa application.

University of Otago International Academic Excellence Scholarship (Undergraduate)

The International Academic Excellence Scholarship is for high-achieving international students (including Indian students) who will start full-time undergraduate degree study at Otago. The total value is about NZD 35,000, this covers residential college accommodation in the first year plus tuition subsidies in the second and third years, subject to conditions. To be eligible, you must have completed secondary (high) school or another recognised qualification abroad that gives university entrance, and enrol full-time. Students must apply via the Otago system (eVision), indicate they wish to be considered for international scholarships, accept admission, then submit additional information when invited. This scholarship is competitive, many students apply, so strong academic results help. It also plays a role for visa applications because showing you have financial support (through scholarship) strengthens your New Zealand student visa case.

Vice-Chancellor’s Scholarships for International Students (Undergraduate)

The Vice-Chancellor’s Scholarships for International Students are another entrance scholarship for international students starting Bachelor degrees full-time. The value is NZD 10,000 credit towards tuition fees. Like many Otago entrance scholarships, no extra form is needed; you are automatically considered during admission if you apply and indicate interest in scholarships in eVision. Some conditions apply: for example, students starting in Semester 2 (July) may still be eligible; but deferral is not allowed under certain rules. This helps reduce tuition costs for international students, making it more affordable to study in New Zealand.

International Master’s Research Scholarship (Postgraduate / Research Master’s)

For students who want to do a thesis-based Master’s (research master’s), Otago offers the University of Otago International Master’s Research Scholarship. This scholarship gives a stipend of NZD 18,204 per year plus a tuition fee waiver up to NZD 35,000 for the thesis component (for up to one year full-time). It’s open to international students who are doing their first Master’s degree and are enrolling in the thesis-based research master’s. Only the thesis year is supported; the non-thesis (coursework) parts are not covered under this scholarship. Because tuition is partly waived and stipend is given, this scholarship is very helpful for international and Indian students who want to focus on research without needing to work many hours.

Coursework Master’s Scholarship (Postgraduate Coursework)

For those doing a coursework master’s (non-thesis or minimal research report) at Otago (excluding MBA), there is a Coursework Master’s Scholarship. The value is NZD 10,000 off tuition fees. There are limited number of these scholarships, so departments nominate candidates who they believe are eligible. This scholarship helps reduce the cost for study in New Zealand at postgraduate level for international students, which again helps in planning finances for living costs, tuition, and supporting a New Zealand student visa application.

University of Otago Doctoral Scholarships

The University of Otago Doctoral Scholarships are for students enrolling in a Doctoral (PhD) programme. These scholarships include a stipend of NZD 33,624 per year plus a tuition fee waiver (for 36 months). Students must apply through Otago’s doctoral admission system and meet eligibility criteria, including academic merit. For Indian students considering PhD study in New Zealand, this scholarship is one of the most helpful because doctoral studies are longer and living costs are a major factor; this support makes it more feasible.

Scholarship Benefits and What they cover?

When you apply for University of Otago scholarships, it’s important to know what kind of financial help you can expect. These scholarships are designed to make it easier for international and Indian students to study in New Zealand without worrying too much about the cost. Below are five key benefits and what these scholarships usually cover:

Tuition Fee Reduction: Most Otago scholarships, such as the Vice-Chancellor’s and Global Scholarships, provide a direct reduction in tuition fees. Depending on the program, this can range from NZD 10,000 to NZD 35,000. For many students, this is a huge relief, as tuition is often the biggest cost when applying for a New Zealand student visa.
Living Stipend or Allowance: For postgraduate and PhD scholarships, students can receive a yearly stipend (for example, around NZD 18,000–33,000). This helps cover daily living expenses, rent, and food while studying in Dunedin or other campuses.
Accommodation Support: Some undergraduate scholarships include residential college accommodation in the first year. This means students can stay in a safe, supportive environment close to campus, which is ideal for international and Indian students adjusting to life in New Zealand.
Research and Academic Support: Research-based scholarships often include funding for lab work, materials, or conference participation. This helps students gain real academic exposure and focus on quality research instead of financial stress.
Visa and Financial Proof Advantage: Having a scholarship strengthens your New Zealand study visa application because it shows you have confirmed financial support for your education and living. This makes the visa process smoother and stress-free.

Eligibility Criteria for Scholarship in University of Otago

Academic Qualifications: Undergraduate Programs: Applicants should have completed secondary education (Year 12 or equivalent) and meet the university’s entrance requirements. For instance, students from India typically need to have completed the Higher Secondary Certificate (Class 12) with a minimum percentage, depending on the course. Postgraduate Programs: For master’s or doctoral scholarships, applicants must have completed an undergraduate degree equivalent to a New Zealand bachelor’s degree. Specific grade point averages (GPAs) or class divisions may be required, varying by program.
Full-Time Enrollment: Scholarships are awarded to students enrolling in full-time study. Part-time students or those planning to study via distance learning may not be eligible.
Intended Study Path: Undergraduate Scholarships: Applicants must intend to enroll in full-time undergraduate degree-level study or in an approved foundation diploma program leading to an undergraduate degree at the University of Otago. Postgraduate Scholarships: Applicants must be enrolling in a full-time postgraduate program, such as a master’s or doctoral degree, at the university.
International Student Status: Applicants must be international students, meaning they are not citizens or permanent residents of New Zealand or Australia. This includes students from India and other countries.
Application Process: Undergraduate Scholarships: For students applying from outside New Zealand, there’s no separate scholarship application. Eligible applicants are automatically considered during the admission process. Postgraduate Scholarships: Applicants need to apply separately for scholarships through the university’s eVision system, indicating their interest in being considered for scholarships during the application process.

Application Process and Timeline

Applying for scholarships at the University of Otago is a straightforward process that helps international students, including Indian students, access financial support while they study in New Zealand. First, you need to create an account on Otago’s eVision portal, which is used to manage both your admission and scholarship applications. Once your account is ready, complete your application by filling in personal details, educational history, and other relevant information. It is important to indicate your interest in being considered for scholarships within the portal, as this ensures that you are automatically evaluated for all suitable scholarships during the admission process. Depending on the scholarship, you may also need to submit additional documents such as academic transcripts or letters of recommendation, so make sure everything is submitted on time.

Deadlines vary depending on your intended start semester: for Semester 1 (February), applications typically open on 1 May and close on 15 November for international students, while Semester 2 (July) applications open on 1 May and close on 30 April. Following these steps carefully and meeting the deadlines increases your chances of securing a scholarship and helps support your New Zealand student visa application, making your journey to study in New Zealand smoother and financially easier.

Tips to Increase your Scholarship chances

Maintain Strong Academic Records: High grades and excellent academic performance are the most important factors for most Otago scholarships. For undergraduate students, aim for top marks in your secondary education, while postgraduate applicants should have a strong GPA or class division in their bachelor’s degree.
Apply Early and Complete All Requirements: Submit your application as early as possible through the eVision portal and make sure you provide all required documents, such as transcripts, English test scores, or letters of recommendation. Missing or late documents can disqualify your application.
Highlight Extra Achievements: Include extracurricular activities, community work, leadership roles, or awards. Otago looks for well-rounded students who contribute academically and socially. This is especially useful for competitive scholarships like the International Academic Excellence Scholarship.
Prepare a Strong Statement or Research Proposal: For postgraduate and research scholarships, a clear, compelling research proposal or personal statement demonstrates your academic potential and commitment, making you stand out among applicants.
Check Eligibility and Scholarship Rules Carefully: Ensure you meet all academic, nationality, and enrollment criteria for the scholarship. Also, follow any instructions specific to the scholarship, such as nomination by a department for master’s or PhD programs.

West Highlander Immigration

West Highlander Immigration, led by Ms Parwinder Kaur, a Licensed Immigration Adviser, helps students make their study in New Zealand dreams come true. We guide Indian students in choosing the right university, applying for scholarships, and preparing a strong New Zealand student visa application. Our team provides free counselling and online services, making it easy to get expert advice from anywhere. We assist with document preparation, admission guidance, and step-by-step support throughout the application process. With West Highlander, students receive trusted, professional help to make studying in New Zealand smooth, stress-free, and successful.