International Academic Excellence Scholarship

Information

These scholarships provide for high achieving international students who have demonstrated outstanding academic ability.

General eligibility criteria

Application for all International Entrance Scholarships are normally open to students who have completed secondary (high) school, or at another approved institution that grants University Entrance overseas (outside of New Zealand).

And

Are intending to enrol or have enrolled in full-time degree-level, undergraduate study at the University of Otago | Ōtākou Whakaihu Waka.

Specific eligibility criteria for this Scholarship

In addition to the above eligibility criteria, applicants must be:

• Intending to study at the University of Otago | Ōtākou Whakaihu Waka from 100-level (first year) through to degree attainment;
• Studying on campus throughout the duration of their studies.

Application process

Every eligible applicant must indicate in their application for study, through the student management system (eVision), that they would like to be considered for international scholarships at the University of Otago | Ōtākou Whakaihu Waka. 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.

Scholarship detail

The University of Otago | Ōtākou Whakaihu Waka International Academic Excellence Scholarship is a University of Otago | Ōtākou Whakaihu Waka Entrance Scholarship and is subject to the standard Undergraduate Entrance Scholarship terms and conditions, except for the following conditions which supersede the normal Entrance Scholarship terms and conditions as indicated:

• Students starting their programme in semester 2 are eligible for this scholarship (supersedes condition 3)
• Deferral of the scholarship is not possible (supersedes condition 8).

The Scholarship Terms and Conditions:

Scholarship terms and conditions

In addition to the standard Undergraduate Entrance Scholarship terms and conditions, the following provisions apply, subject to the specific provisions of the offer letter for the recipient:

• The value of the scholarship is ~$35,000 with a three-year tenure.
• Payment of the scholarship in year one will consist of a fee waiver for the cost of accommodation in a University-owned or University-affiliated residential college, as listed in the link below, at the standard University room rate.
  Official University of Otago residential colleges
• For those commencing study in semester 2 (July), half the scholarship funds will be released towards accommodation costs in a University-owned or University-affiliated residential college at the standard University room rate. The remaining half will be released in semester 1 (February) of the following year, towards University-owned or University-affiliated residential college fees.
• For those that choose not to stay in a University-owned or University-affiliated residential college in year one of tenure, no payment will be made.
• Payment in years 2 and 3 will consist of $7,000 towards tuition and student services fees, subject to satisfactory academic performance.
• Tenure in years 2 and 3 normally requires a grade point average (GPA) of 7.0 or better (A-) for the previous year, or admission to and successful progression within one of the University of Otago | Ōtākou Whakaihu Waka's professional programmes.
• Recipients may request continuation of their scholarship if their GPA is not at the required level by writing to the Manager, Undergraduate Entrance Scholarships (email entrance.scholarships@otago.ac.nz) asking that the Deputy Vice-Chancellor External Engagement approve continuation of the scholarship into year two. The Deputy Vice-Chancellor External Engagement will consider the following factors when making their decision (and may consider other things):
  • A written request received from the student, outlining why they would like some leniency in the GPA requirement. It is recommended that this request is received by 31 January.
  • Evidence of sport or cultural activity performance and associated commitments, if relevant.
  • Evidence of medical impairment, if relevant.
• The scholarship will only be formally awarded once. Students who apply for more than one programme of study may receive multiple “Offer of Place” notifications, indicating they have been accepted into their selected programmes of study and met the criteria for award of the scholarship, but only one scholarship will be awarded.
• If the student is not able to commence their studies by the enrolment date stated in their Offer of Place, the scholarship is no longer valid. If the student's enrolment is moved to a subsequent start date, they will be reassessed for the scholarship to ensure they are still eligible.
• Students sponsored by their home Government, or the New Zealand Government are not eligible for this scholarship.
• This scholarship may be held at the same time as another University of Otago | Ōtākou Whakaihu Waka Undergraduate Entrance Scholarship (UES), at the discretion of the selection panel.
• If a student’s residency status changes from international to domestic at any stage during the tenure of the scholarship, the University may suspend or terminate the scholarship and require the return of funds either in part or in full.
• Consideration may also be given, where appropriate, to change the scholarship to another award if the student no longer meets the eligibility requirements of this scholarship.
• Upon the termination of a student's enrolment for any reason, his or her withdrawal, or stopping study, entitlement to scholarship funding shall be cancelled. In such circumstances, the University may also require repayment (in part or full) of any scholarship payments already made.

Downloads

University of Otago | Ōtākou Whakaihu Waka International Academic Excellence Scholarship Regulations (PDF)