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Applications are officially open for the University of Otago International Master’s Research Scholarship 2027. Located in Dunedin, the University of Otago is New Zealand’s oldest university and ranks among the top research institutions globally. This scholarship initiative provides financial support to high-achieving international students undertaking a full-time, thesis-based Master’s degree.
Designed to foster research excellence, the award covers the candidate’s thesis component for up to 1 year of full-time study, offering a annual living stipend alongside a generous tuition fee waiver.
📊 Scholarship Summary
| Feature | Details |
| Host Country | New Zealand 🇳🇿 |
| Host Institution | University of Otago |
| Degree Level | Master’s Degree (Thesis-Based Only) |
| Annual Living Stipend | NZ$18,204 per annum |
| Tuition Fee Waiver | Capped at NZ$35,000 for 1 year |
| Award Allocation | ~4 Scholarships Annually (1 per Academic Division) |
| Review Cutoffs | March 1, June 1, September 1, & November 1 |
| Excluded Fees | Student Services Fee & Compulsory Medical Insurance |
💰 Financial Coverage & Benefits
Selected international scholars receive a comprehensive support package designed to ease living and academic expenses during their thesis research:
- Annual Living Stipend: Recipients are paid a tax-free stipend of NZ$18,204 per year (disbursed in regular monthly installments).
- Tuition Fee Waiver: The scholarship waives international tuition fees for the thesis portion up to a maximum cap of NZ$35,000 for 1 year. (Note: If your program’s tuition exceeds NZ$35,000, you are responsible for paying the remaining balance).
- World-Class Supervision: Access to state-of-the-art research laboratories, specialized faculty supervisors, and university research libraries.
👤 Eligibility Criteria & Prerequisites
To qualify for the International Master’s Research Scholarship, candidates must meet the following criteria:
- Student Status: Must be classified as an international student paying full international tuition rates.
- First Master’s Degree: Must be applying to obtain their first Master’s level qualification.
- Degree Structure: Must be enrolled in or applying for a thesis-based Master’s degree containing a substantial research component (coursework-only degrees are strictly excluded).
- Academic Standing: Candidates must hold an exceptional academic record during prior undergraduate or postgraduate diploma studies (typically equivalent to a First-Class Honours / GPA 8.0+ on Otago’s scale).
- Language Proficiency: Must meet Otago’s English language requirements (e.g., IELTS Academic overall score of 6.5 with no band lower than 6.0, or TOEFL equivalent).
📝 Step-by-Step Application Guide
- Apply for University Admission: Submit an official application for admission to an eligible thesis-based Master’s degree via the University of Otago online portal (
eVision). - Receive eVision Portal Invitation: Once you apply for your program, an invitation to apply for postgraduate scholarships will appear directly in your eVision student portal.
- Prepare Required Materials: Upload your updated CV, academic transcripts, grading scale guide, verified passport scan, and research proposal/statement.
- Nominate Referees: Provide contact details for two academic referees who can attest to your research capabilities.
- Submit Application: Submit your completed profile ahead of one of the four annual review cutoffs (1 March, 1 June, 1 September, or 1 November).
🌐 Official Application Portal
👉 https://www.otago.ac.nz/study/scholarships/university-of-otago-international-masters-research-scholarship⚠️ Important Notice
- This scholarship is for the thesis component only of a Master’s degree.
- Only a limited number of scholarships are awarded each year.
- Selection is based primarily on academic excellence and research potential.
- Applications are FREE. Never pay anyone to apply on your behalf.
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