New Zealand is an attractive study destination for international students, offering high-quality education and a safe, multicultural learning environment. One institution providing a broad range of funding opportunities for overseas students is the University of Otago in Dunedin.
The University offers scholarships across pathway, undergraduate, master's, and doctoral study. Indonesian passport holders are among those eligible to be considered for several flagship awards.
Undergraduate scholarships worth up to NZD 35,000
A major opportunity for Indonesian applicants is the University of Otago Global Scholarship. It is intended for new international students beginning a full-time bachelor's degree, and Indonesia is included among the eligible passport countries.
The scholarship is worth NZD 15,000 and has unlimited offers. No separate scholarship application is required because applicants are assessed automatically during admission. Successful candidates must still actively accept the scholarship by the deadline stated in their offer letter.
The Vice-Chancellor’s Scholarship for International Students provides NZD 10,000 towards tuition fees for new international students starting full-time undergraduate study. Candidates are also assessed automatically through admission.
High-achieving students may be considered for the competitive University of Otago International Academic Excellence Scholarship, worth approximately NZD 35,000. The package comprises first-year accommodation support and tuition scholarships in years two and three. Selected candidates may be invited to submit a further application through eVision.
The International Partnership Scholarship, valued at NZD 10,000, is another option for students entering through an established articulation arrangement, such as a 2+2 pathway or credit-recognition agreement, and completing at least four semesters at Otago.
Master's scholarship opportunities
The Global Master’s Scholarship provides NZD 15,000 to eligible students from selected countries, including Indonesia, who begin an approved full-time, on-campus taught master's programme in 2027 or 2028. Eligible fields include Business, Sustainable Business, Communications, Public Health, Arts, Politics, International Studies, International Development and Planning, Planning, Peace and Conflict Studies, Science, and TESOL. Assessment is automatic during admission.
Students pursuing a research master's degree can consider the University of Otago International Master’s Research Scholarship. It offers a stipend of NZD 18,204 per year plus a one-year tuition-fee waiver capped at NZD 35,000. The Coursework Master’s Scholarship provides NZD 10,000 towards tuition for eligible coursework master's programmes, excluding the MBA.
Doctoral funding
The University of Otago Doctoral Scholarship is open to international and domestic doctoral students. It provides a stipend of NZD 34,128 per year plus a domestic tuition-fee waiver for 36 months.
Scholarships for pathway programmes
Applicants to the DipArt, DipSc, or DipCom pathway diplomas are automatically considered for a Global Scholarship or Vice-Chancellor’s Scholarship worth NZD 10,000–15,000. Foundation Studies Certificate applicants may be considered for the Te Huarahi Scholarship, starting from NZD 5,000, but must submit the designated form.
Manaaki New Zealand Scholarships
Prospective students may also explore Manaaki New Zealand Scholarships. This New Zealand Government programme offers full tertiary scholarships to eligible citizens of developing countries for full-time undergraduate and postgraduate study.
How to prepare a strong application
- Select a programme and confirm its admission requirements.
- Prepare transcripts, qualifications, English-language evidence, and identity documents.
- Submit the admission application before the deadline.
- Monitor eVision and email regularly.
- Accept any scholarship offer by its deadline.
- Budget for costs not covered by the award.
For Indonesian students, automatic scholarship assessment is particularly helpful because an admission application may also open access to funding. Scholarship values, conditions, and dates can change, however. Always consult the official University of Otago international scholarships page before applying.