The Otago Masters Scholarship, a transformative study in New Zealand initiative, invites international students to pursue coursework master’s degrees at the University of Otago, ranked #214 globally (QS World University Rankings 2025). Established in 1869 as New Zealand’s oldest university, Otago’s international scholarships New Zealand program fosters global change-makers in fields like health sciences, business, humanities, sciences, and environmental studies. Scholars embark on a transformative postgraduate journey, engaging in world-class research at a research-intensive institution in Dunedin, renowned for its vibrant campus and academic excellence.

The Otago Masters Scholarship empowers scholars to contribute to innovative research at advanced facilities, such as the Centre for Sustainability, Otago Business School, and Health Sciences Research Hub. Scholars collaborate with distinguished faculty on projects addressing climate change, global health, digital innovation, and social equity, with 90% of graduates securing professional roles in industry, academia, or policy-making post-graduation. Initiated by the University Council in 2010, the program supports a diverse community of 3,000+ international students from 100+ countries, fostering cross-cultural academic synergy and aligning with Otago’s mission to drive global societal impact.

The scholarship champions global professional networks. Scholars join a prestigious Otago alumni network, connecting with peers, mentors, and industry leaders through research symposiums, career workshops, and events like Dunedin Science Festival, Otago Global Health Conference, and International Cultural Week. This inclusive framework supports diverse perspectives, with 40% of scholars from underrepresented regions. Campus activities, such as Otago Peninsula conservation projects, Dunedin Fringe Festival, or student-led innovation challenges, enrich the research-driven experience, with 60% forming international professional ties. Otago’s partnerships with universities in Europe, Asia, and North America enhance cross-border research opportunities.

Studying in Dunedin, scholars explore landmarks like Baldwin Street, Otago Peninsula, or Dunedin Railway Station, immersing in New Zealand’s cultural vibrancy. Events like Dunedin Arts Festival, Taste Otago, or New Zealand International Film Festival deepen engagement. Otago’s modern campus, with state-of-the-art labs, digital libraries, and student hubs, supports global academic excellence, with connectivity to Christchurch, Auckland, and Sydney. Dunedin’s safe, student-friendly environment (QS Best Student Cities 2025) complements postgraduate pursuits, ideal for master’s studies.

Candidates must secure an offer for a full-time coursework master’s program (excluding thesis-based degrees, MBA, and Science Communication) and submit an online scholarship application through the eVision portal after admission. Scholars engage in impactful research, shaping global solutions. Join a global cohort to champion academic innovation, embrace New Zealand’s cultural diversity, and redefine career horizons with the Otago Masters Scholarship!

Masters Scholarships New Zealand:

Host Country:

•New Zealand

Host University:

•University of Otago

Degree level:

•Course-based masters

Study Areas:

Commerce
•Master of Business (MBus)
•Master of Business Administration (MBA) (Not Eligible for the Scholarship)
•Master of Business Data Science (MBusDataSc)
•Master of Entrepreneurship (MEntr)
•Master of Finance (MFinc)
•Master of International Business (MIntBus)
•Master of Sustainable Business (MSusBus)

Health Sciences
•Master of Nursing Science (MNSc)
•Master of Aviation Medicine (MAvMed)
•Master of Occupational Medicine (MOccMed)
•Master of Physiotherapy (MPhty)
•Master of Clinical Pharmacy (MClinPharm)
•Master of Public Health (MPH)

Humanities
•Master of Archaeological Practice (MArchP)
•Master of Arts (Coursework)
•Master of Bioethics and Health Law (MBHL)
•Master of Chaplaincy (MChap)
•Master of Education and Learning (MEdLn)
•Master of Indigenous Studies (MIndS)
•Master of International Development and Planning (MIDP)
•Master of International Studies (MIntSt)
•Master of Peace and Conflict Studies (MPCS)
•Master of Politics (MPols)
•Master of Teaching and Learning (MTchgLn)

Sciences
•Master of Wildlife Management (MWLM)
•Master of Applied Science (MAppSc)
•Master of Sport Development and Management (MSpDM)

Higher Education
•Master of Higher Education

Benefits of Otago Masters Scholarships:

• Candidates will be awarded a stipend of $10,000.

• The amount will be used to initially reduce tuition costs.

Eligibility Criteria for the University of Otago Masters Scholarship:

1. International students are eligible to apply.

2. Students from New Zealand can also apply for this scholarship.

3. Applicants must be aiming to get admitted full-time in coursework-based master’s degree programs.

4. If your master’s degree is based on a thesis, you are not eligible to apply for this scholarship.

5. Students who have already earned a master’s degree through coursework at the University of Otago are ineligible for the scholarship.

6. Applicants must pay a USD 39 registration fee.

7. For medical fields study, Applicant need to give medical examination conducted by the University (if required).

Conditions for the Scholarship:

•The scholarship will be granted for only one year.

•The scholarship must be accepted during the year it is given.

•Part-time study is not allowed.

Selection Process:

•Applications of the potential candidates will be evaluated by the concerned department first.

•The department will determine whether students are eligible for a scholarship once they have been admitted to their desired program.

•If the department determines that the student is sufficiently compatible, they will let the scholarship office knows that they plan to suggest a candidate for this scholarship.

•After that, applicants who meet all the requirements will receive an invitation from the scholarship office.

Documents required for South Korea Scholarship:

1. Recommendation letter (if available).

2. Certificate of student status/Certificate of Graduation of bachelor’s degree.

3. Academic transcript of bachelor’s program (if required).

4. Proof of Language proficiency (English)/ Medium of Instruction (English).

5. CV (if required).

6. Motivation letter/statement of purpose (if any).

7. Additional Documents for Special Circumstances.

8. Copy of Valid Passport (Photo and Information Page).

9. Passport Size Photocopy (Professional photo with White Background and size less than 2 MB).

10. University Admission Offer Letter (If Already Issued).

11. For medical fields study, Applicant who given medical examination conducted by the University (if required) need to submit examination result.

Scholarship Deadline:

• Registration deadline for 2025 has passed.

• Registration for 2026 is now open with a tentative deadline in August 2025!

Note:
We initiate the application process for current year as well as in advance for the next academic year to maximize your chances of success.