University of Otago International Academic Excellence Scholarship 2025-26

The University of Otago International Academic Excellence Scholarship 2025-26 recognises outstanding academic achievement by international students commencing full-time, on-campus undergraduate degree study at Otago. The award is typically tenured for three years and is valued at about NZD 35,000.

Source: otago.ac.nz

This scholarship is being offered by the University of Otago.

To be eligible, an applicant must:-

• be an international student (i.e., studying in New Zealand as an international fee-paying student)
• have completed secondary (high) school or studied at another approved institution that grants University Entrance overseas
• enrol in full-time, degree-level undergraduate study, starting from 100-level (first year) through to degree completion
• study on campus for the duration of the scholarship.

Note:-

• Diploma and certificate programmes are ineligible.
• Semester-2 starters are eligible; deferrals are not permitted.

Selected candidates will receive about NZD 35,000 over three years, comprising:

• Year 1: Accommodation fees waiver in a University-owned or affiliated Residential College (standard room rate; about NZD 19,000).
• Years 2 & 3: NZD 7,000 each year towards tuition and student services fees (subject to satisfactory academic performance).

Eligible candidates can apply by following these steps:-
Step 1: Click on the 'Apply Now' button below.
Step 2: Click on the 'Register' button and fill in the required registration details (Note:- If already registered, log in using Gmail/Mobile number/Email ID).
Step 3: Upon a successful offer of place into the applicant’s chosen programme(s) of study, eligible candidates will be invited to apply and provide further information for consideration for this award.

• Completed eVision admission application (indicating scholarship consideration)
• Passport/visa (as applicable)
• Academic transcripts/certificates meeting University Entrance requirements
• English language proficiency evidence (if required)
• Any additional information requested in the scholarship invitation/application

The students will be selected based on the fulfilment of the eligibility criteria and academic excellence, as demonstrated in their admission application and supporting evidence.

Application Start: 1 May in the year prior to study
Application Deadline: Within 2 weeks of invitation

Question: What study levels are supported by this Otago scholarship for international students?
Answer: This scholarship supports undergraduate degree-level study starting at 100-level (first year) for international students. 
 

Question: How many scholarships are offered each year?
Answer: The number offered varies each year. 
 

Question: What is the application deadline?
Answer: You must submit the scholarship application within two weeks of the invitation (invitations are issued after you receive an Offer of Place). Applications open 1st May in the year prior to study.

Question: What happens if I don’t start my studies by the enrolment date?
Answer: Failure to commence by the specified enrolment date invalidates the scholarship; moving to a later start date triggers reassessment of eligibility. Deferral isn’t permitted.

• The scholarship is an Undergraduate Entrance Scholarship and is officially granted only after enrolment is completed; an Offer of Place alone does not constitute a formal award. 
• Only one scholarship will be awarded per student, even if multiple Offers of Place are received. 
• If a student does not commence by the enrolment date, the scholarship becomes invalid; if the start date moves, eligibility will be reassessed. Deferral is not permitted. 
• Semester-2 starters are eligible. For Semester-2 commencement, half of the Year-1 accommodation value is paid in Semester-2 and the remaining half in the following Semester-1. 
• Continuation into Years 2 & 3 normally requires a GPA of 7.0 (A-) or better in the previous year, or progression within an approved professional programme; discretionary continuation may be considered on request. 
• May be held alongside another University of Otago Undergraduate Entrance Scholarship at the selection panel’s discretion. 
• Government-sponsored students (home or New Zealand Government) are ineligible. If residency status changes from international to domestic during tenure, the University may suspend/terminate the scholarship and seek repayment of funds already paid. On withdrawal/termination of enrolment, entitlement ceases and repayment may be required.