We never close - scholarship applications

More than 240 research scholarships worth more than $18 million are awarded by the University of Otago every year.

The Graduate Research School's Scholarships Office, headed by Chris Stoddart, oversees the allocation of 181 new PhD scholarships each year, and 60 research Masters' scholarships, and unlike most universities, there are no deadlines for application.

“We accept scholarship applications all year round, and research students can start at any time. In many cases, decisions are made almost immediately.”

At Otago, a Doctoral scholarship is worth $25,000 a year for three years, plus a tuition fee rebate. Research Master's scholarships provide $13,000 for one year (the thesis year) plus tuition, while coursework Master's scholarships are worth $10,000.

Further scholarship funding is available for publications arising out of theses, and there is a small amount of additional funding for those students who live in Otago's Abbey College, the only dedicated postgraduate residential college in New Zealand.

“All up, including undergraduate scholarships, the University provides more than $22 million worth of scholarships a year,” Chris says.

Competition for the scholarships is high, and top academic marks are needed for success, but applications are always welcome.

You can find out more about Otago's scholarships through the Graduate Research School or on our scholarships pages.