Students are reminded that having their personal and financial affairs in order to undertake the full course of study is a condition of acceptance into the medical programme.
They are also reminded that the MB ChB is a contact-intensive programme that does not leave much time for part-time work, which is not recommended.
Student allowances and loans
Most MB ChB students will be eligible for student allowance and/or student loans. These are administered by StudyLink, independently of the University. Prospective students should familiarise themselves with the options and criteria for StudyLink support.
Trainee Intern allowance
A training grant from Vote Education (administered by the University of Otago) is payable to sixth year students who have permanent residency in New Zealand and are in good standing with the University. This is not taxed, but disqualifies recipients from receiving Student Allowance. Students are advised to check their eligibility for the various grants to ensure the best support options.
Medical Trainee Intern Grant information (PDF)
Options for students who exceed their 8 EFTS
StudyLink has a lifetime limit of funding for 8 EFTS. This allows for a three-year undergraduate degree and the five years of the MB ChB but is exceeded by any extra years of study, for instance honours years. Domestic medical students who will exceed 8 EFTS in completing an MB ChB may apply for a special 8 EFTS loan of up to NZ$10,000 per year (maximum two years). The student must supply evidence of EFTS.
The loan contract requires a guarantor. The loan is paid to the student's fees account in the first instance, with a repayment date typically one year after graduation.
Applications should be submitted directly to the Manager, Otago Medical School, for consideration by the Dean, Otago Medical School.
Scholarships
While MB ChB students are eligible for general scholarships offered and administered by the University, MB ChB students may also be eligible for one or more of the many scholarships specifically for medical students. Each scholarship has its own criteria, which may be merit and hardship or a combination.
University of Otago undergraduate scholarships
Scholarships for medical students
Health Workforce New Zealand scholarships for Māori
Pacific Health Scholarships
Summer research scholarships
MB ChB students are encouraged to consider spending their summer break undertaking a research project under the direction of a Health Sciences staff member. These scholarship are worth NZ$5,000 and provide a valuable opportunity to gain research experience.
Summer research scholarships (also sometimes called summer studentships) are adminstered at School/Departmental level and broadly overseen by the Division of Health Sciences, and may be undertaken through any campus.
Dunedin studentships
Christchurch studentships
Wellington studentships
Health Research Council Māori and Pacific Summer Scholarships
Hardship support for medical students
Students who experience financial hardship during their medical studies are encouraged to investigate their options (e.g. scholarships, family assistance) and seek further information on budgeting and meal planning (e.g. www.sorted.org.nz).
Hardship grant
The Associate Deans have custody of a fund to support those students experiencing acute difficulties with daily living costs (e.g. with rent and food), but not to support participation in educational activities, such as conferences.
Applications are considered confidentially by the Associate Deans (Student Affairs) (ADSAs). This group provide consistency with responses to applications which, if approved, are then administered by the Manager, Student Affairs. The ADSAs are happy to chat at any time about financial issues and other concerns while you are at medical school.
If you would like to be considered for the hardship grant, please contact the Student Affairs Office by emailing:
Dunedin campus: oms.studentaffairs@otago.ac.nz
UOW : uow.studentaffairsadmin@otago.ac.nz
UOC : meu.uoc@otago.ac.nz
From here, you will be put in touch with your Associate Dean Student Affairs to discuss your situation and application.
Other options
Students experiencing unexpected financial difficulties may be eligible for help from other sources at the University, and in the community (e.g. WINZ, foodbanks). The most comprehensive list of these is compiled annually by the OUSA; there is also an OUMSA emergency grant. If you are a member of a professional body, e.g. Medical Assurance Society, you may also be eligible to apply for loans offered to their membership.
OUSA hardship fund
OUMSA emergency grant
Educational development - conferences / meetings
Otago Medical School, in consultation with the medical students associatons, provides financial support / sponsorship for national NZMSA student conferences. This direct funding to the event organisers reduces attendance costs for Otago students. Individual students may also apply for financial assistance to attend Australasian medical leadership and education conferences and meetings (AMSA, MSGA and some others).
Requests should be submitted to the Manager, Otago Medical School, otagomedicalschool@otago.ac.nz.