University of Otago Academic Excellence Scholarship (2026) – New Zealand

Scholarship Description

The University of Otago Academic Excellence Scholarship is a prestigious entrance scholarship established in 2011 to support new undergraduate students who have demonstrated outstanding academic potential and leadership capabilities. The scholarship is designed to attract the highest-achieving students to the University of Otago, New Zealand's oldest and most research-intensive university.

With a total value of over $45,000 NZD, this scholarship provides substantial financial support across the first three years of study. It covers the standard accommodation fee in a Residential College plus tuition fees in the first year, and $7,000 towards tuition fees in the second and third years (subject to conditions). The University of Otago, founded in 1869, is renowned for its world-class research, vibrant student community, and beautiful campus in Dunedin.

Scholarship Location

The scholarship is tenable at the University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand. Dunedin is a vibrant student city with a rich cultural heritage, surrounded by stunning natural landscapes.

Scholarship Deadline

Applications open on 1 July and close on 15 August each year for study commencing the following academic year.

Host Institution

The University of Otago – New Zealand's oldest university (established in 1869), located in Dunedin. Otago is consistently ranked among the world's top universities and is a member of the prestigious Association of Commonwealth Universities. The university is renowned for its research excellence, particularly in health sciences, humanities, and sciences.

Level and Fields of Study

Level: Undergraduate (Bachelor's degree) – first-year (100-level papers), full-time degree-level study.

Fields: All undergraduate degree programs offered at the University of Otago are eligible. This includes Arts, Business, Health Sciences, Sciences, Law, and Medicine (subject to program-specific entry requirements).

Target Group

The scholarship is open to:

• New Zealand citizens
• New Zealand Residence Class Visa Holders
• Australian citizens or Australian permanent residents with domestic fee status
• International students who have completed Year 12 and/or have completed or are in the process of completing Year 13 at a New Zealand school, or an equivalent foundation level course at a New Zealand tertiary institution

Scholarship Duration & Amount

Total Value: Over $45,000 NZD across three years.

Year 1 (First Year):

• Standard accommodation fee in a University-owned residential college (approximately $20,000 NZD)
• Tuition fees waiver (at domestic fee status rate, if not receiving other tuition fee support)
• If not taking up accommodation in a residential college: tuition fee waiver + $5,000 contribution to general living costs

Year 2 and Year 3:

• $7,000 NZD per year towards tuition fees (comprising tuition fee waiver at domestic fee status rate and a contribution to general living costs if tuition fees are less than $7,000)
• Subject to achieving a GPA of 7.0 or better for the previous year, OR admission to and successful progression within one of Otago's professional programmes (Dentistry, Law, Medical Laboratory Science, Medicine, Pharmacy, Physiotherapy, or Surveying)

Standard Tenure: Three years, subject to satisfactory academic performance in years two and three.

Scholarship Eligibility

General eligibility criteria:

• Citizenship/residency: New Zealand citizens, NZ Residence Class Visa Holders, Australian citizens, Australian permanent residents with domestic fee status, OR international students who have completed Year 12/13 at a NZ school or equivalent foundation level course at a NZ tertiary institution.
• Enrolment status: Intending to enrol or have enrolled for the first time for first-year (100-level papers), full-time degree-level undergraduate study at the University of Otago.
• Prior study restriction: Those who have studied more than 0.4 EFTS at any University or tertiary institution at degree-level or higher are not normally eligible (exceptions apply for concurrent secondary school study).

Specific eligibility criteria:

• Academic achievement: Achieved NCEA Level 2 endorsed with excellence, or equivalent (minimum requirement).
• Leadership: Involvement in activities at school, in the community, and/or in sport and cultural pursuits in which leadership has been demonstrated.

Application Procedure

1. Apply for enrolment – Complete the first stages of enrolment at the University of Otago through eVision, the University's student management system. You must have a student ID number to access the scholarship application.
2. Access the scholarship application – Once you have begun the enrolment process, log in to eVision and access the Entrance Scholarship online application form.
3. Prepare for your application – Review the scholarship application preparation webpage to ensure you have all required information and documents ready.
4. Complete the application form – Fill out all sections of the application. For the Academic Excellence Scholarship, it is recommended that you complete the Leadership section, and it is recommended that the Extra-curricular and Academic Achievements sections are also completed.
5. Submit before the deadline – Applications close on 15 August 2026. Late applications will not be accepted.
6. Selection process – A Selection Panel reviews applications considering academic ability, demonstrated leadership potential, sporting and/or cultural involvement, and contribution to the community. The panel includes the Deputy Vice-Chancellor External Engagement, the Director of Planning and Funding, the Director of Campus and Collegiate Life Services, and other nominees.
7. Notification – Successful applicants are notified of the outcome after the selection process is complete.
8. Acceptance and enrolment – Accept the scholarship offer and complete your enrolment at the University of Otago.

Important notes: You must have a minimum of NCEA Level 2 awarded with excellence (or equivalent) for consideration. The scholarship cannot normally be held concurrently with other University of Otago Entrance Scholarships (exception: the Dux entrance scholarship). For questions, contact [email protected].

Official Website & Application Links

University of Otago Academic Excellence Scholarship – Official Page

Apply via eVision: Available through the University of Otago student management system.

Contact: [email protected] | Tel: 0800 80 80 98 (NZ) | +64 3 479 7000 (International)

Scholarship Terms & Conditions

Ongoing eligibility (Years 2 and 3): To continue receiving the scholarship in years two and three, recipients must normally achieve a GPA of 7.0 or better for the previous year, OR be admitted to and successfully progressing within one of Otago's professional programmes (Dentistry, Law, Medical Laboratory Science, Medicine, Pharmacy, Physiotherapy, or Surveying).

Request for GPA leniency: Recipients who do not meet the GPA requirement may request continuation by writing to the Manager, Undergraduate Entrance Scholarships ([email protected]) by 31 January, outlining reasons for leniency (e.g., sport/cultural commitments, medical impairment).

Concurrent scholarships: This scholarship cannot normally be held concurrently with other University of Otago Entrance Scholarships, with the exception of the Dux entrance scholarship.