The University of Otago in New Zealand has introduced a new range of undergraduate scholarships for international students, with a particular focus on encouraging more Indian students to study in the country. Valued between NZD 15,000 (₹7.7 lakh) and NZD 45,000 (₹23.4 lakh), the awards also cover first-year residential college accommodation for top-performing students.
This initiative reflects New Zealand’s growing popularity as a study destination among Indian students. Currently, Indians account for 11% of all international enrolments, with nationwide enrolments from India rising by 34% in 2024. At Otago alone, Indian student numbers grew by an impressive 45% during the same period.
Otago Experience Student Outreach in India
To strengthen its academic and cultural ties with India, Otago is collaborating with OneStep Global to host the first-ever Otago Experience Student Outreach this September. The roadshow will take place in Delhi, Bengaluru, and Mumbai, giving prospective students and their families an opportunity to:
- Meet Otago faculty members face-to-face.
- Learn about programmes in health sciences, business, humanities, and sciences.
- Receive personalised advice on scholarships, admissions, and career pathways.
“This is a first-of-its-kind event, and it’s incredibly exciting,” said Grant Robertson, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Otago and former Deputy Prime Minister of New Zealand. “It’s a wonderful opportunity for our academics to meet students, share insights, and help them envision their academic journey at Otago.”
Strong Graduate Outcomes at Otago
The University of Otago has consistently highlighted its graduate employability as a key strength. According to official data, 95% of graduates secure employment within six months of completing their degree, with an average annual salary of NZD 87,400 (₹45.4 lakh). Otago alumni are employed at leading global organizations including ANZ, Deloitte, Fonterra, and ASB Bank, with many moving into leadership roles in business, healthcare, and government.
Associate Professor Aniruddha Chatterjee, Associate Dean International at Otago’s Division of Health Sciences, said: “Whether in health sciences, business, humanities, or sciences, our focus remains on delivering quality teaching and an exceptional student experience.”
Adding to this, Aritra Ghosal, Founder and Director of OneStep Global, emphasized: “Indian students are increasingly seeking destinations that combine academic excellence with strong career outcomes. Otago’s reputation, student support, and new scholarships make it a top choice.”
How to Apply for University of Otago Scholarships
Students can apply for the University of Otago scholarships through the eVision portal. The steps include:
- Apply through eVision – Create an account, complete personal details, contact information, and educational background.
- Indicate Scholarship Interest – Opt “Yes” for scholarship consideration while applying.
- Automatic or Invited Applications – Some scholarships, like the Global Scholarships (up to NZD 15,000), are automatic. Others, like the International Academic Excellence Scholarships (up to NZD 45,000 plus accommodation), may require a separate application.
- Submit Additional Details – If invited, complete the form under “My Scholarships and Awards” on eVision.
- Track Status – Monitor progress and accept any scholarship offer within the specified deadline.
Located in Dunedin, the University of Otago is home to more than 20,000 students and is widely regarded as New Zealand’s top postgraduate research university. With its new scholarships for Indian students, strong global rankings, and proven graduate outcomes, Otago is set to become an even more attractive destination for those seeking world-class education and international career opportunities.
