Am I eligible to do a Summer Studentship?
The Summer Research Scholarships are open only to students who are returning to study at a New Zealand University in the following year.
Students must not be receiving alternative scholarship support for the same project or any other project over the same time-frame.
Students who are enrolled in the research component of a Masters degree or PhD are not eligible for a Summer Research Scholarship.
Manaaki New Zealand Scholarship students receiving a stipend for living costs over the same time-frame are not eligible for a Summer Scholarship.
Preference is given to those who will be undergraduates or honours level students at the University of Otago in 2025, and have not had a Summer Studentship experience previously.
What are my obligations as a summer student?
You will discuss you working hours with your supervisor, it maybe useful to think of the Summer Studentship as a full-time job over the summer holidays. You will work out with your supervisor what your deliverables are, which may depend upon funding requirements.
Most students will deliver a written report and produce a poster for the Poster Showcase Event.
Please review the calendar for specific details
If you do not comply with the regulations and requirements of the Summer Studentship programme, your emoluments will be withheld and payments already released must be refunded to the University of Otago.
When do I start and finish and do I get a break over Christmas and New Year?
Discuss exact timings with your supervisor.
Recommended start time is 11–25 November, finishing in late-January to early-February, with a two-week break over the statutory holidays.
What am I agreeing to?
Students involved in the Summer Studentship research programme must not be receiving alternative scholarship support for the same project or any other project over the same timeframe. Students may hold only one Summer Research Scholarship for the period.
You are agreeing to:
- Undertake a 10-week full-time research project under the direction of your supervisor (allowing for holidays over the Christmas and New Year)
- Produce a high standard of project deliverables as agreed with your supervisor
- Return all data, information, results collected during the studentship to the supervisor
What support will I get during the programme?
Your supervisor will be your main point of contact during the programme.
The Summer Studentship Office organises a research support programme comprising of different workshops to help students undertake their project. You can contact the Summer Studentship Office for advice about the programme:
Email uow.summerstudentship@otago.ac.nz
List of workshops running prior to the Summer statutory holidays
| Workshop name | Workshop details |
|---|---|
| Quantitative Projects | Planning to organise your data and analysis. |
| Referencing Software Endnote | Learn how to:
We will also discuss common Endnote problems and how to avoid them. |
| Database Searching | Learn about:
|
| Qualitative Research | Brief introduction to qualitative approaches to health research. This is recommended for all students undertaking a summer project, regardless of the research methods to be used. |
| Presenting Your Research | Our in-house expert will gie you tips and tricks for developing skills to present your reseach uisng informatics, icons, good layout, and online software tools. Recommended for all stufents no matter what format your deliverable is. |
| Tips and Tricks for Word | Time-saving tips and tricks for Microsoft Word, which will assist you with the writing of your final deliverable report. |