Scholarships and the closing date for scholarship applications
Applications for all 2025 scholarships close on 8 August 2024.
All scholarships require completion of the scholarship application online. There is an option for scholarship application at the end of your general application.
Updates to the scholarship information for 2025 will be coming soon.
Otago Business Scholarships
Otago Business School offers scholarships that cover the full registration cost plus travel to and from Hands-On at Otago 2025 (up to a maximum total value of $1,500). This scholarship will be offered to those who have selected business projects in their application and are looking to pursue further study in business. The business projects offered at Hands-On 2025 are International Business and Marketing. Applications for the Otago Business School scholarship close on 8 August 2024.
Humanities Scholarships
The Division of Humanities offers scholarships that cover the full registration cost plus travel to and from Hands-On at Otago 2025. Scholarships are offered to students who are looking to further study in Humanities. The projects offered for 2025 are Education, English, Law, Media Film and Communication, Music, Politics, Theatre and Dance.
Imagine Beyond Scholarships
Scholarships are available from the University of Otago Disability Information and Support Office, for students who have a disability, impairment or medical condition. Students who have a disability, impairment or medical condition should discuss application for these scholarships with your school's Careers Adviser, who has been sent details about Hands-On at Otago. The scholarship covers the programme fee, which includes accommodation and food, and travel to and from Dunedin.
More information for students with a disability, impairment or medical condition
International Scholarships
The International Office at the University of Otago offers the International Hands-On at Otago scholarships. These are fully funded scholarships that provide a fantastic opportunity for international students currently studying at a New Zealand secondary school – entering Year 12 or 13 in 2025 – to participate in the Hands-On at Otago programme. Each scholarship covers travel, accommodation, meals and programme activities for the week.
The aim of the scholarships is to inspire and motivate international students at New Zealand secondary schools who have a passion for learning and wish to develop their knowledge and skills alongside other students who share their interests.
Pacific Islands Scholarships
The Pacific Islands Centre at the University of Otago offer full scholarships for students of Pacific Islands descent. The scholarship covers the programme fee, which includes accommodation and food, and travel to and from Dunedin. The aim of the scholarship is to inspire and motivate young Pacific students who have a passion for learning and wish to develop their knowledge and skills alongside many other students who share their interests.
Poutama Scholarships
The University of Otago offers full scholarships for students of Māori descent who wish to participate in the week-long Hands-On at Otago programme. The aim of the scholarship is to inspire and support rangatahi Māori to develop their knowledge, skills and passion for tertiary studies. The scholarship covers the programme fee, which includes accommodation and food, and travel to and from Dunedin.
Sciences Hands-On Scholarships
Hands-On at Otago Sciences scholarships are offered to students who have selected science projects in their application and are looking to pursue further study within the Sciences.
There are four scholarships available and they cover the registration and travel costs to a maximum of $1,300 each to Hands-On at Otago 2025. These scholarships offer students who are entering Year 12 or 13 in 2025, an opportunity to participate in the Hands-On programme, while experiencing one of our exciting science projects.
Taranaki Scholarship
A full scholarship to Hands-on at Otago is available to a student from Taranaki who wishes to participate in the week-long Hands-On at Otago programme. The aim of this scholarship is to provide an opportunity for students who attend High School in the Taranaki region to see what life at university is like, by experiencing living in a Residential College, studying a project and meeting close to 400 other students from all over New Zealand.
Sponsorship
Rotary, Lions club, etc.
Many students who attend Hands-On at Otago are able to obtain either full or partial sponsorship. If students require financial assistance, we suggest they contact a local service group (such as Rotary) or their School Board of Trustees. Teachers or school principals may be able to provide assistance in approaching these groups. Please note it is important to start this process when you apply for Hands-On at Otago as it takes some time and you need to have funding arranged before payment is due in October.