University of Otago International Excellence Scholarship
The University of Otago International Excellence Scholarship targets the very best international postgraduate students entering selected research-track programmes — primarily research Master's. Awards cover a tuition fee waiver (capped at NZD 35,000) plus an NZD 18,204 living stipend for one year. Otago, founded 1869 in Dunedin, is New Zealand's oldest university and consistently ranked among NZ's top three.
University of Otago
University-funded
emoji_events Award Overview
Value
NZD 35,000 tuition + NZD 18,204 stipend
Duration
1-Year Master's (research-track)
Eligibility
Top-decile international applicants
fact_check Eligibility Criteria
Strong Honours / Master's
Hold (or be about to complete) an Honours degree with First Class or equivalent — typically top 10% of your cohort. For Sri Lankan applicants, this means a strong first-class result from Colombo, Peradeniya, Moratuwa, or equivalent.
Otago Offer for Eligible Programme
Have an admission application in progress (or hold an offer) for an eligible research-track postgraduate programme. Coursework-only Master's typically don't qualify — research Master's do.
International Status
Open to international students paying full international fees. Domestic NZ students and Otago staff scholarship recipients are not eligible.
Not Holding Another Major Award
Cannot be held alongside another major Otago or external scholarship (e.g. Manaaki). Always check with the Otago Graduate Research School on stackability.
account_tree Application Process
Apply for Otago admission
Submit your application for the eligible postgraduate research programme through Otago's eVision portal. Identify your prospective supervisor for research-track Master's programmes early.
Receive scholarship invitation
Once your admission application is complete, the Graduate Research School emails an invitation to apply for International Excellence and related scholarships.
Submit scholarship form
Complete the short online scholarship application — academic transcripts, supervisor support letter (for research-track), and a brief research statement.
Outcome & enrolment
Awards are made on a rolling basis throughout the year. Successful candidates are notified by email and the tuition waiver plus stipend is set up at enrolment.
Why University of Otago?
Founded 1869, Otago is NZ's oldest university and is renowned for health sciences (dentistry, medicine, pharmacy), the humanities, and a strong research-led postgraduate culture. Compact, walkable Dunedin campus with the iconic Clocktower at its centre.
#214
QS World Ranking 2026
1869
Founded (Oldest in NZ)
NZD 18.2k
Annual Living Stipend
Similar Scholarships
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New Zealand Excellence Awards (NZEA)
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University of Auckland International Student Excellence Scholarship
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