University of Otago Doctoral Scholarship (New Zealand)
Offered by University of Otago
About this scholarship
The University of Otago Doctoral Scholarship is the main PhD funding at New Zealand's oldest university, open to both domestic and international students, including candidates for the PhD and for professional doctorates. It provides a stipend of approximately NZ$33,624 per year plus a tuition-fee waiver, for three years of doctoral study — a comprehensive package that lets scholars focus on their research. One caveat applies to international candidates pursuing professional doctorates: if awarded, the tuition-fee waiver is capped at the domestic rate rather than the full international rate. Selection is based predominantly on academic merit and the applicant's potential for research. The process is integrated with admission: you do not apply for the scholarship separately upfront — once your application for admission to the relevant doctoral qualification is complete, you receive an invitation to apply for scholarships, and doctoral scholarship applications are made online through the University's eVision student portal and can be submitted at any time of the year. Applicants should ensure their admission application and supporting research documentation are strong, as the award is competitive.
Eligibility
- Be applying for (or admitted to) a doctoral programme at the University of Otago
- Demonstrate strong academic merit and research potential
- Complete your admission application to receive a scholarship invitation
- Apply for the scholarship online via the eVision portal
- Note: international professional-doctorate fee waivers are capped at the domestic rate
Always verify amounts and deadlines on the official site; they change each cycle.
Last verified by us: 2026-06-02.