Otago Polytechnic Scholarships 2026 in New Zealand

Otago Polytechnic, one of New Zealand’s top institutions for applied learning, is offering exciting scholarship opportunities for international students in 2026. These scholarships are designed to support outstanding students who wish to study full-time and gain quality education in New Zealand. If you are planning to pursue your studies abroad, the Otago Polytechnic Scholarships 2026 can help make your dream affordable and achievable.

 

Scholarship Summary

• Host Country: New Zealand
• Host Institution: Otago Polytechnic
• Level of Study: Undergraduate and Postgraduate (depending on program)
• Eligible Students: International students starting full-time study in 2026
• Application Deadline: Varies by program

 

Benefits

The following scholarships and benefits are currently available to students commencing their studies in 2026:

• International Scholarships: Tuition fee reductions for new international students who enroll full-time in eligible programs.
• Study Abroad Scholarships: Up to 30 % fee reduction for students from partner universities studying a semester or year abroad at Otago Polytechnic.
• Māori and Pasifika Scholarships: Full or partial tuition coverage for Māori and Pasifika students, including Rūnaka Scholarships that can cover tuition for up to three years.
• Special Interest Scholarships: Support for students in trades, IT, neurodiversity, or with disabilities — includes tuition discounts and extra study resources.
• Alumni and Local Community Awards: One-off grants or fee discounts to support local learners or returning students continuing their education.

 

Tuition Fees and Scholarships for 2026

Otago Polytechnic offers generous scholarships to international students enrolling in 2026. Below are the tuition fees per semester and the corresponding scholarship amounts for each program, along with the reduced fee after the scholarship has been applied.

• Bachelor of Applied Management: The program carries a credit value of 60. The tuition fee per semester is $11,550, and eligible students will receive a $3,465 scholarship, bringing the total tuition fee after the scholarship to $8,085.
• Bachelor of Applied Science: This program also has a 60-credit value with a tuition fee of $11,550 per semester. A $3,465 scholarship applies, reducing the fee to $8,085 after the scholarship.
• Bachelor of Architecture: With a 60-credit value, the tuition fee is $11,550 per semester. The $3,465 scholarship reduces the payable amount to $8,085.
• Bachelor of Design: Students pursuing this program (60 credits per semester) will pay $11,550 in tuition. After a $3,465 scholarship, the net fee becomes $8,085.
• Bachelor of Engineering: This 60-credit program costs $12,550 per semester. A scholarship of $3,765 is awarded, lowering the fee to $8,785.
• Bachelor of Information Technology: With a 60-credit value, this program’s tuition is $13,286 per semester. The $3,985 scholarship brings the total cost down to $9,301.
• Bachelor of Visual Arts: The tuition fee for this 60-credit program is $11,550 per semester. After applying a $3,465 scholarship, the payable amount is $8,085.

 

Eligibility Criteria for Otago Polytechnic Scholarships 2026

Applicants for the Scholarship must:

• Be a new international student at Otago Polytechnic (i.e. not re-enrolling at Otago Polytechnic) applying for full-time study in 2026.
• Be subject to the fees set by Otago Polytechnic for new international students commencing study in 2026.
• Have applied, and met the entry requirements for the applicant’s programme of study (as set out in the programme regulations).
• Be accepted into the programme on a full-time basis up to a minimum of 45 credits and maximum of 60 credits per semester.
• Be enrolling in 2026; if a student defers to 2027 for any reason, the scholarship is withdrawn.
• Be studying at a partner institution as part of an approved Study Abroad agreement with Otago Polytechnic. If you are unsure if there is an agreement, please ask your home institution.

International students are not eligible and cannot receive the scholarship if:

• They have permanently moved to study part-time (including commencing full-time study and then reducing this to part-time). In such a situation, the international student waives their right to the scholarship and will be liable for the payment of remaining fees for the semesters enrolled as part-time. Any withdrawal will be subject to Otago Polytechnic’s admission, enrolment, fees, and refund policies and procedures.
• They are studying on a pathway offer where the qualification eligible for a Scholarship is commenced in 2027 or later.

 

How to Apply

Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to apply for the Otago Polytechnic Scholarships 2026:

• Visit the Official Website:
  Go to Otago Polytechnic Scholarships Page.
• Choose Your Program:
  Select an eligible course (undergraduate) that matches your interests.
• Check the Requirements:
  Review both the program entry criteria and the scholarship eligibility conditions.
• Prepare Your Documents:
  
  • Academic transcripts and certificates
  • Proof of English proficiency (for international students)
  • Identification or proof of heritage (for Māori / Pasifika applicants)
  • Personal statement or motivation letter (if required)
• Submit Your Application:
  
  • You’re automatically considered once you apply for admission — no separate scholarship form is needed.
• Wait for Notification:
  Successful candidates receive confirmation via email and will see their scholarship amount reflected in their offer of admission.

 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the Otago Polytechnic Scholarship 2026 about?

• The scholarship is a partial tuition award offered by Otago Polytechnic to support new international students enrolling full-time in 2026. It helps reduce the cost of studying in New Zealand while offering quality education and practical experience.

2. Who is eligible to apply for this scholarship?

• Only new international students who are enrolling full-time at Otago Polytechnic in 2026 are eligible. Students already enrolled or studying part-time are not eligible.

3. Is the scholarship fully funded?

• No, it is a partial scholarship, meaning it covers a portion of your tuition fees. However, it greatly reduces your overall study cost.

4. What level of study does this scholarship support?

• The scholarship is available for undergraduate students at Otago Polytechnic, depending on the course.

5. Do I need a separate application for the scholarship?

• No separate application is required. You will be automatically considered once you apply for admission into an eligible program.

6. What documents are required for the application?

• Applicants typically need to provide:
  • Academic transcripts
  • Proof of English proficiency (IELTS/TOEFL)
  • Copy of passport
  • Program-specific documents (if applicable)

7. Can I defer my admission to 2027 and still keep the scholarship?

• No. If you defer your admission to 2027, the scholarship offer will be withdrawn. You must commence your studies in 2026.

8. Can I apply if I’m already studying at Otago Polytechnic?

• No, this scholarship is only for new international students, not for those re-enrolling or continuing from a previous program.

9. Does the scholarship cover living costs and travel?

• No. The scholarship covers tuition fees only. You will need to arrange your own living expenses, insurance, and travel costs.