The University of Otago, New Zealand’s first university and a global leader in academic research, has officially opened its 2025 Doctoral Scholarship programme. This prestigious initiative offers a fully funded pathway for both domestic and international students—including aspiring researchers from Bangladesh—to pursue high-impact doctoral studies in a world-class environment.
Founded in 1869, the University of Otago has built a formidable reputation for excellence, consistently ranking in the top 1% of universities worldwide. These scholarships are designed to attract the brightest minds, providing the financial security necessary to focus entirely on groundbreaking research across various disciplines, from Health Sciences and Bioengineering to the Humanities and Business.
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Comprehensive Funding and Benefits
The University of Otago Doctoral Scholarship is one of the most generous in the Southern Hemisphere. It is structured to cover the primary financial hurdles of international study, ensuring that scholars can maintain a comfortable standard of living while pursuing their 36-month research journey.
Scholarship Value and Coverage
The following table provides a detailed breakdown of the financial support available to successful applicants for the 2025/26 academic year:
| Benefit Category | Coverage Details | Estimated Value (Annual) |
| Living Stipend | A tax-free allowance for personal living expenses. | NZ$33,624 |
| Tuition Fees | Full waiver for both domestic and international PhD students. | Varies by programme |
| Duration | Funding is guaranteed for up to 3 years of full-time study. | 36 Months |
| Student Levy | Assistance may be available for certain institutional fees. | Varies |
| Research Support | Access to departmental funds for travel and materials. | Department-dependent |
Global Standing and Research Impact
Choosing Otago means joining a community at the forefront of global innovation. The university is particularly renowned for its Health Sciences division, which includes world-leading research in Dentistry and Biomedical Ethics.
In the most recent QS World University Rankings 2025, Otago secured the 214th spot globally. It also boasts a 5-star plus rating for teaching, research, and internationalisation. For a student from Bangladesh, this provides not just a degree, but a globally recognised credential and access to a vast network of international collaborators.
Eligibility and Application Process
Unlike many international scholarships with rigid annual deadlines, the University of Otago accepts applications year-round. This flexibility allows students to apply once they have solidified their research proposal and secured a supervisor.
Academic Merit: Applicants typically require a first-class Honours degree or a Master’s degree with a significant research component (equivalent to a GPA of 3.0 or higher).
English Proficiency: International applicants must provide proof of English language ability (e.g., IELTS: 6.5 with no band below 6.0, or a TOEFL iBT of 90).
Supervisor Support: The most critical step is finding a faculty member whose research interests align with yours. You must secure a “statement of support” from a potential supervisor before the formal application can be processed through the eVision portal.
The selection process is highly competitive, with only about 160 scholarships awarded annually. Success is predicated on the strength of the research proposal, previous academic transcripts, and the potential impact of the proposed study.