Otago PhD Scholarship 2025-26 in New Zealand (Fully Funded)

The University of Otago in Dunedin, New Zealand, offers the University of Otago Doctoral Scholarship, a fully funded PhD (and professional doctorate) opportunity available to both domestic and international students. It is designed to support high-achieving research students with both a living stipend and tuition fee waiver. There is no fixed application deadline, as applications are accepted year‑round via Otago’s eVision portal once you’ve applied for admission.

Eligibility

• You must be a first‑time applicant for a doctoral qualification, including both PhD and professional doctorates.
• Academic excellence is essential—typically a first-class Honours degree or Master's with significant research, or equivalent.
• Both domestic and international students are eligible.
• For detailed information, please download the regulations PDF
• Applicants must be proficient in English. If required, they should provide a valid English language test score or a letter confirming their proficiency.

Program Dates/Location

• Application Deadline: No fixed deadline—apply anytime
• Review Rounds: Rolling for guaranteed applicants; quarterly panel reviews (Mar, Jun optionally) for others. Sep & Nov 2025 rounds suspended
• Duration: Up to 36 months (3 years) of funding
• Location: At the University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand

Program Benefits

• NZ$33,624 stipend per year (tax-free living allowance, excluding student service fees and insurance)
• Full domestic tuition fee waiver for up to 36 months
• Access to world-class research facilities, expert supervision, and additional specialized doctoral scholarships (e.g., Māori, Pacific Islands, City of Literature, Health Research, etc.)

Application Process

• First, apply for a doctoral program at the University of Otago using their online system, eVision.
• After submitting your PhD application, you’ll receive an invitation via eVision to apply for the Doctoral Scholarship.
• Once invited, go to the “My Scholarships and Awards” section in your eVision portal to access the scholarship application form.
• Prepare and upload the following documents:
  • Academic CV (preferably in APA format)
  • Research publications (e.g., abstracts or title pages)
  • Transcripts and grading scales
  • Reference letters
  • Proposed research summary
  • Thesis examiner reports (if applicable)
  • Explanations for low grades or study gaps (if needed)
• After uploading all required documents, submit your scholarship application through eVision.
• The university will review your application either continuously (rolling basis) or during scheduled assessment rounds, depending on your applicant type.

For more detailed information, please visit University of Otago Official Website.