University of Otago New Zealand Summer Research Scholarships 2025 (Fully Funded)
Are you a health sciences or biomedical student seeking real-world research experience over the summer break? The University of Otago’s Summer Research Scholarship Programme 2025–2026 offers undergraduate students a chance to engage in hands-on research in clinical medicine, public health, biomedical science, and more — all while receiving a tax-free stipend of NZD $7,000.
This prestigious programme is hosted at the Dunedin Campus and includes funding from the Otago Medical Research Foundation (OMRF), Division of Health Sciences, and other national health partners.
Degree Level
University of Otago New Zealand Summer Research Scholarships 2025 (Fully Funded) is available to undertake Undergraduate, Research level programs at University of Otago.
Available Subjects
Following subjects are available to study under this scholarship program.
- Health Sciences
Benefits
Scholarships Available for 2025–2026
1. Otago Medical Research Foundation (OMRF) Scholarships
- Open to all Sciences and Health Sciences students in Dunedin
- Supports health-related research including public health, biomedical science, and clinical medicine
- Includes specialty awards in oncology, palliative care, elderly health, and heart disease
2. Division of Health Sciences Māori & Pacific Scholarships
- 2 scholarships for Māori students
- 2 scholarships for Pacific Island students
- Must be supervised by staff from one of the Dunedin-based health sciences schools
3. School of Biomedical Sciences Māori and Pacific Peoples’ Summer Scholarships
- Focused on nurturing Indigenous researchers
- Includes additional application components outlining whakapapa or Pacific Island heritage and community engagement
4. Health Research Council (HRC) Studentships
- Valued at $7,500
- Includes:
- Ethics Summer Studentships
- Māori Health Research Studentships
- Pacific Health Research Studentships
Why Apply for Otago’s Summer Research Scholarships?
The programme is ideal for students who want to:
- Explore a career in health or biomedical research
- Get early exposure to laboratory or clinical research methods
- Enhance their critical thinking and scientific communication skills
- Collaborate with leading University of Otago supervisors and research teams
- This scholarship experience often serves as a stepping stone toward honours, master’s, or PhD-level research.
Eligible Nationalities
Open to applicants of all nationalities.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the Otago Summer Research Scholarship, students must:
- Be enrolled at the University of Otago or another NZ university in 2025 and intend to re-enrol in 2026
- Be an undergraduate student (PhD/Masters students are not eligible)
- Be based in Dunedin over the summer
- Secure a project with a Dunedin-based supervisor
- Not have previously received a centrally funded Summer Research Scholarship (exceptions apply for Māori and Pacific students)
Application Procedure
- Find a Supervisor
- Search the Health Sciences Staff Expertise Database
- Browse departmental project listings or contact researchers directly
- Prepare Application
- Use the official template
- Include cover sheet, project proposal, supervisor’s letter of support, lay summary, academic record, and proof of ethics approval (if applicable)
- Submit by Email
- Send your application as one PDF file to:
- summer.research.scholarship@otago.ac.nz
- File name format:
lastname_firstname.pdf - Deadline: Thursday, August 14, 2025 at 5:00 PM
Project Requirements & Reporting
- Projects must be feasible to complete in 10 weeks
- Students submit a final report by February 19, 2026
- Report format includes:
- Personal statement
- Lay summary (500 words)
- Scientific report (max 9 pages)
- Prizes are awarded for best reports:
- P.K. Renshaw Prize (OMRF-funded)
- Gil Barbezat Prize (DSM projects)
- Dean’s Summer Research Prize (BMS projects)
Final Thoughts
The University of Otago Summer Research Scholarship is more than a research project — it's a launchpad for your academic and professional future. With structured mentorship, competitive funding, and meaningful impact on health sciences, this programme is one of New Zealand’s most respected undergraduate research experiences.
