Summary
The University of Otago Doctoral Scholarship provides financial support to high-achieving domestic and international research students pursuing a doctoral degree. Offering an annual living stipend of NZ$34,128 along with a tuition fee waiver for up to 36 months, the scholarship aims to attract top-tier researchers to undertake PhD or professional doctorate programs across a wide range of academic disciplines.
Designation
- Doctoral Scholar / PhD Candidate / Professional Doctorate Candidate
Key Information Table
| Feature | Details |
| Award Name | University of Otago Doctoral Scholarship |
| Host Institution | University of Otago |
| Degree Level | PhD and Professional Doctorates (DBA, DClinDent, DMA, EdD) |
| Annual Stipend | NZ$34,128 per annum |
| Duration | Up to 36 months (3 years) |
| Tuition Coverage | Domestic tuition fee waiver (excludes student services fee & insurance) |
| Slots Available | Up to 153 awards annually |
| Eligible Nationalities | Domestic and International students |
| Application Process | Online via the university’s eVision portal |
Research Area
Scholarships are available across all academic disciplines and divisions offered at the University of Otago:
- Division of Sciences
- Division of Health Sciences
- Otago Business School (Division of Commerce)
- Division of Humanities
Location
- Dunedin, New Zealand (main campus), with relevant health sciences programs also located at campuses in Christchurch and Wellington.
Eligibility & Qualifications
- Nationality: Open to both domestic (New Zealand/Australian citizens and permanent residents) and international candidates.
- Degree Objective: Applicants must usually be seeking to obtain their first doctoral qualification.
- Academic Criteria: Selection is based predominantly on academic merit and the candidate’s demonstrated potential for high-impact research.
- Program Admission: Candidates must meet the academic entry requirements for a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) or eligible Professional Doctorate program (DClinDent, DMA, DBA, EdD) at Otago.
Scholarship Description
The scholarship provides full-time doctoral candidates with:
- An annual living stipend of NZ$34,128.
- A tuition fee waiver for up to 36 months (capped at the domestic fee rate for professional doctorates; general PhD candidates receive standard tuition coverage).
- Note: The award does not cover the compulsory student services fee or international travel and health insurance costs.
How to Apply
- Find a Supervisor & Confirm Eligibility: Contact potential academic supervisors in your field of research and secure their agreement to supervise your project.
- Apply for Admission: Apply online through the university’s student management portal, eVision.
- Scholarship Consideration: Indicate your intent to be considered for a doctoral scholarship within your online eVision admission application.
- Departmental Assessment: Ensure all required academic documents, research proposals, and references are submitted so that your host department can complete their departmental assessment before the quarterly deadline.
Last Date to Apply
- Apply Anytime (Rolling Applications): Applications can be submitted at any time throughout the year.
- Quarterly Evaluation Rounds: Applications are assessed in four annual cycles:
- March
- June
- September
- November
- Round Requirement: Applications (including the completed departmental assessment) must be submitted via eVision by the first day of the selection month (e.g., March 1, June 1, September 1, or November 1).
