University of Otago Doctoral Scholarship — PhD Scholarship

The University of Otago Doctoral Scholarship supports PhD and professional doctorate candidates studying at the University of Otago. Domestic and international candidates may apply throughout the year, with applications considered in four annual rounds.

The award normally supports three years of doctoral study in New Zealand, while approved distance or overseas arrangements are possible in exceptional cases. Selection focuses on academic merit, research potential, the proposed project, and the strength of the supervisory environment.

Benefits & funding

PhD recipients receive an annual stipend of NZ$34,128 for 36 months.
The award includes a domestic tuition fees waiver for 36 months.
Professional doctorate recipients receive the same annual stipend and a tuition fees waiver capped at the domestic rate for up to 36 months.
Student services fees and insurance are not covered.
The University offers up to 153 awards annually.

Eligibility

The scholarship is open to domestic and international candidates applying for a PhD or an eligible professional doctorate.
Applicants must usually be seeking their first doctoral qualification.
PhD admission normally requires a Bachelor’s degree with first- or upper-second-class honours and a qualifying research component, a Master’s degree with a qualifying research component, or appropriate equivalent research experience. The stated grade benchmark is equivalent to at least B+ at Otago.
Professional doctorate candidates must meet the admission rules for their chosen programme.
Applicants need an appropriate research project, available supervision, and departmental support.
PhD study normally takes place at the campus of the primary department in New Zealand; distance or overseas study requires specific approval.

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Education required
Bachelor · Master

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Application process

1
Identify a relevant department and contact a potential supervisor with an academic record, CV, prior research, and a proposed research area.
2
After receiving informal departmental support, submit the doctoral admission application through eVision with transcripts, a CV, and a preliminary research outline.
3
Use the eVision invitation issued during the admission process to submit the scholarship application.
4
Upload an updated CV with publications and research experience, relevant publication abstracts or title pages, and any useful optional supporting documents.
5
Ensure the departmental assessment is complete by the first day of March, June, September, or November for the corresponding quarterly round.
6
Review the admission and scholarship results in eVision and accept the offers before completing enrolment.

Program timeline

Any time of year
Doctoral admission and scholarship applications may be started.
Application and completed departmental assessment must be in place for the corresponding review round.
First day of March, June, September, and November
Scholarship applications are considered.
March, June, September, and November
First day of an agreed month after approval
A PhD candidate normally begins study, unless a later date is arranged.