Are you an international student aspiring to study in New Zealand with a fully funded scholarship? The University of Otago offers outstanding opportunities for Master’s and Doctoral students through its generous scholarship programs. This blog post provides you with a comprehensive, step-by-step guide to understanding the scholarship, eligibility, application process, and key deadlines—everything you need to make your application successful.
Why Choose the University of Otago?
Located in Dunedin, New Zealand, the University of Otago is ranked among the top universities in the country. It offers world-class research facilities and a strong academic environment. Whether you’re planning to pursue a Master’s degree or a Doctoral research program, Otago provides robust financial support to international students.
Scholarship Overview
Host Country:
New Zealand
University:
University of Otago
Eligible Candidates:
International Students
Scholarship Type:
Fully Funded (Tuition + Stipend)
Programs Covered:
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Master’s by Research
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Doctoral (PhD) Programs
University of Otago Scholarship Details
1. Master’s Research Scholarship
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Amount: NZD $24,000 total value
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Includes: First year’s full tuition fees and a stipend
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Eligible Programs: Thesis-based Master’s programs only
2. Doctoral Scholarship (PhD)
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Stipend: NZD $33,624 per year
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Tuition Coverage: Full tuition fees for three years
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Total Value: Over NZD $100,000 (approx.)
Scholarship Deadlines
The University has three application deadlines for its scholarships:
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Early Intake: Already passed
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Mid Intake: Applications due by June
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Final Intake: Applications close in September
Make sure to apply according to the timeline relevant to your intended semester of enrollment.
Eligibility Criteria
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Must be an international student
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For Master’s scholarship: must hold a Bachelor’s degree
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For PhD scholarship: must hold a Master’s degree
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Only thesis-based programs are eligible
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No separate scholarship application is needed
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No IELTS/TOEFL required if prior education was in English
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No recommendation letters required
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Selection is purely merit-based
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Academic excellence is a key consideration
Application Portal: eVision
All applications to the University of Otago are processed through the eVision Portal. The application flow differs slightly for international students, so it’s essential to access the correct portal.
How to Access eVision:
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Visit the official University of Otago website.
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Navigate to the “International Students” section.
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Click on “How to Apply” for postgraduate programs.
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You’ll be redirected to the eVision portal.
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Create an account and begin your application.
Step-by-Step Application Guide
1. Create an Account on eVision
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Provide your name, email, and password.
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Enter your contact information (skip the New Zealand phone number—leave it blank).
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Once completed, you’ll receive an email with a link to log into eVision.
2. Personal and Contact Information
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Add your email, mobile number, and home address.
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Skip New Zealand-based contact fields if not applicable.
3. Academic Background
Depending on the program, fill in your educational history:
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Master’s Applicants: Add Bachelor’s and secondary education (high school)
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PhD Applicants: Add secondary, Bachelor’s, and Master’s education
Ensure you accurately include:
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Institution name
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Degree awarded
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Start and end dates
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Country of study
4. English Language Proficiency
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If you studied in English in the last two years, select:
“I have undertaken university tertiary study in an English-speaking country in the past two years.” -
No separate IELTS/TOEFL certificate required.
Tertiary Education Records
You will need to upload:
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Degree certificates (Bachelor’s/Master’s)
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Official transcripts
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Academic CV
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Passport scan
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Thesis proposal (for PhD)
All documents should be in PDF format and clearly readable.
Choosing a Program and Supervisor
Program Selection:
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Choose the specific program relevant to your field.
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For example, if your background is in Chemical Engineering, choose a related program under that department.
Supervisor Allocation:
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No need to contact a supervisor in advance.
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Select “Leave Supervisor as Department Default”.
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The department will assign you a supervisor automatically.
This simplifies your application and speeds up the review process.
Thesis Component and Research Proposal
Study Component:
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Always select Thesis (not coursework or combined).
Study Plan:
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Indicate your preferred start date and mode of study (Full-time in New Zealand).
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Mention if you have done any prior research or internships.
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Upload a clear and concise thesis proposal. This could be 1–2 pages outlining your research interests.
Additional Questions in Application
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Are you applying via an agent?
Select “No” to avoid additional fees and do it yourself. -
Do you have a sponsor?
Since Otago is funding your tuition and stipend, select “No” here as well unless you have an external sponsor. -
Career goals?
Mention your aim to graduate and contribute to the industry or research.
Finalizing the Application
Final Steps:
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Upload all required documents
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Choose the correct semester (Semester 2 starts in July)
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Accept the terms and declaration
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Submit your application
Ensure everything is filled out properly. Mistakes or missing documents may delay your application or result in rejection.
Benefits of Applying to University of Otago
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No IELTS/TOEFL needed (if prior education was in English)
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No need to contact professors directly
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No separate scholarship form required
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Fully funded with living allowance
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Multiple fields available for application
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International-friendly system with automatic supervisor allocation
Programs You Can Apply For
The University of Otago accepts international applications for research programs across a wide variety of disciplines, including:
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Engineering
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Health Sciences
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Humanities
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Business
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Sciences
There are no restrictions on fields, provided you choose a research-based program.
Avoid Using Agents – Apply Yourself
Many students waste large sums paying agents. However, Otago’s portal is user-friendly, and this blog guides you through the full process. Save your money and handle the application yourself.
FAQs: University of Otago Scholarships
1. Can I apply without IELTS?
Yes, if you have completed your previous degree in an English-speaking institution within the last two years.
2. Do I need to apply separately for the scholarship?
No. The scholarship application is part of the general admission application.
3. Can I choose my supervisor?
You don’t need to. The university assigns one based on your research interests.
4. Is the scholarship fully funded?
Yes. It covers your full tuition and provides a living stipend.
5. Can I apply through an agent?
You can, but it’s not necessary. You can apply easily through the official portal and save money.
6. Are there specific fields eligible for the scholarship?
Most fields are eligible, provided the program is research-based.
7. How long does the PhD scholarship last?
It covers up to three years of full-time study.
Final Thoughts
The University of Otago offers one of the most accessible and generous scholarships for international students aiming for postgraduate research. With an easy application process, no need for agents or IELTS, and full funding support, this opportunity is ideal for ambitious students.
Take action today—prepare your documents, visit the Otago website, and apply before the deadline.
