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The University of Otago Scholarships 2027 offer excellent funding opportunities for both domestic and international students pursuing Master’s by Research and Doctoral (PhD) programmes in New Zealand.

As New Zealand’s first university and one of its leading research institutions, the University of Otago provides generous scholarships to outstanding students based primarily on academic excellence and research potential. The University’s flagship research scholarships include the University of Otago International Master’s Research Scholarship and the University of Otago Doctoral Scholarship.

Summary

• Scholarship: University of Otago Scholarships 2027
• Host Institution: University of Otago
• Host Country: New Zealand
• Study Level: Master’s by Research & PhD
• Eligible Applicants: Domestic and International Students
• Scholarship Type: Fully Funded (Doctoral) & Funded (Master’s Research)
• Application Mode: Online
• Master’s Scholarship Reviews: 1 March, 1 June, 1 September & 1 November each year
• Doctoral Scholarship: Applications accepted throughout the year with quarterly allocation rounds

About the University of Otago Scholarships

The University of Otago supports talented researchers through competitive scholarships that reduce the financial burden of postgraduate study.

For Master’s by Research students, the International Master’s Research Scholarship provides funding during the thesis component of an eligible research Master’s degree.

For doctoral candidates, the University of Otago Doctoral Scholarship supports PhD and eligible professional doctorate students through tuition fee waivers and generous living stipends. Since 2026, doctoral scholarships are allocated through quarterly funding rounds rather than continuous automatic awards.

Scholarship Benefits

International Master’s Research Scholarship

Successful applicants receive:

• Annual living stipend of NZ$18,204
• Tuition fee waiver for one year (capped at the domestic tuition rate, up to NZ$35,000)
• Research support during the thesis component of the programme.

University of Otago Doctoral Scholarship

Successful applicants receive:

• Full tuition fee waiver
• Annual living stipend (value updated periodically by the University)
• Funding for eligible PhD or Professional Doctorate programmes
• Access to world-class research facilities and academic supervision.

Eligibility Criteria

Master’s Research Scholarship

Applicants must:

• Be international students.
• Be undertaking their first Master’s qualification.
• Be enrolled in a thesis-based Master’s programme.
• Demonstrate excellent academic achievement and research potential.

Doctoral Scholarship

Applicants must:

• Apply for a PhD or eligible Professional Doctorate.
• Normally be pursuing their first doctoral qualification.
• Meet the University’s admission requirements.
• Demonstrate outstanding academic merit and research potential.

The scholarship is open to both domestic and international applicants.

Required Documents

Applicants should prepare:

• Online admission application
• Academic transcripts
• Degree certificates
• Curriculum Vitae (CV)
• Research proposal (Doctoral applicants)
• Academic references
• Proof of English language proficiency (where required)
• Additional programme-specific documents requested by the University.

Step-by-Step Application Process

Step 1

Apply for admission to an eligible Master’s by Research or Doctoral programme through the University of Otago’s eVision application system.

Step 2

After your programme application has been submitted, eligible applicants will receive instructions regarding scholarship applications through the admissions portal.

Step 3

Upload all required academic and supporting documents.

Step 4

Submit your scholarship application through the University portal.

Step 5

Applications are assessed based on academic excellence, research achievements and research potential.

Step 6

Successful applicants will receive scholarship offers following the relevant review or allocation round.

Important Deadline

Unlike many scholarship programmes, the University of Otago does not have one universal application deadline.

International Master’s Research Scholarship

Applications may be submitted throughout the year and are reviewed during four annual rounds:

• 1 March
• 1 June
• 1 September
• 1 November

University of Otago Doctoral Scholarship

Applications are accepted throughout the year, with scholarship allocations made through quarterly funding rounds. Applicants are encouraged to apply as early as possible after securing admission.

Related Opportunities

• Bond University HDR Scholarships in Australia 2027 (Fully Funded)
• KAUST Global Fellowship Program 2027 in Saudi Arabia | Fully Funded
• University of Florence Scholarships 2027 | Study in Italy

Official Application Links

Final Note from AK Travels LTD

One important distinction many applicants overlook is that the Master’s Research Scholarship and the Doctoral Scholarship follow different funding processes. Master’s scholarships are reviewed at four fixed points each year, while doctoral scholarships are awarded through quarterly allocation rounds after admission. Before applying, ensure that your research proposal is well developed and that you have identified a suitable research area and, where appropriate, a prospective supervisor. A strong academic record combined with a competitive research proposal will significantly improve your chances of receiving funding.

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