Scholarships
We offer a variety of scholarships to assist our students across many different study areas. Our range of scholarships gives you the opportunity to undertake the learning journey you want – no matter what your situation.
If you’re thinking of studying with us, we have a variety of scholarships to assist you.
Some of these are for any programme of study while others relate to specific qualifications or entry requirements.
Please note that you can only use one scholarship discount at a time.
Māori Students
We are currently updating the details of this scholarship and will update this webpage as soon as possible.
The purpose of this scholarship is to encourage Kāi Tahu learners of all ages and backgrounds to study at Otago Polytechnic. The scholarships also acknowledge the contribution learners make to their local community.
This scholarship will cover tuition fees for one year of study at Otago Polytechnic.
Two scholarships are available.
Who is eligible: You must be of New Zealand Māori descent, whakapapa Kāi Tahu, but do not have whakapapa connections to the four Papatipu Rūnaka (Te Rūnanga o Ōtākou, Kāti Huirapa Rūnaka ki Puketeraki, Te Rūnanga o Moeraki and Hokonui Rūnanga).
You must be enrolled as a Māori learner at Otago Polytechnuc and be studying full-time for the full year in a chosen programme at Otago Polytechnic.
You must be living in the Otago region and studying at one of the Otago campuses (Dunedin or Cromwel).
If you have previously received a fee-paying scholarship from Otago Polytechnic, you are not eligible to apply for this scholarship.
You must meet the entry criteria for your chosen programme of study.
All successful recipients will be paired with a Tuakana (Māori mentor) to guide you through your first year of studies.
Closing date for applications: 4pm, 21 March 2025
Who is eligible? Otago secondary school students who are recipients of the Mana Pounamu Young Māori Achievers Award.
This scholarship celebrates Rangatahi Māori who have shown leadership within their school or wider community.
One scholarship will be offered to each senior recipient of the Mana Pounamu Young Māori Achievers Award. This scholarship will cover the tuition fees of the chosen programme of study.
Process for application:
- Otago secondary schools will select the student they will nominate for this scholarship.
- Students are encouraged to speak directly with their principals, Māori Dean or Careers Advisors to ensure their name is put forward as a potential candidate for Mana Pounamu.
- The names of the nominated candidates and an application form will be submitted by the school to the Mana Pounamu committee.
- The nominated candidate attends the Mana Pounamu awards ceremony where they will be formally awarded the scholarship.
- The recipient returns the Student Acceptance form to tepunakaowheo@op.ac.nz
Mana Pounamu information and applications are sent to all Otago High Schools in Term One with key dates. The Mana Pounamu award ceremony aligns with Matariki each year.
The purpose of the Mātāwaka Scholarship is to encourage Māori of all ages and backgrounds to study at Otago Polytechnic, and encourage them to succeed in tertiary education by removing financial barriers to study. The scholarships also acknowledge the contribution learners can make to their local community.
The scholarship will cover tuition fees for one year of study.
Who is eligible? Prospective and current ākonga Māori who do not have whakapapa links to the four local Rūnaka enrolled in any study programme.
You must be enrolled as a domestic Māori learner at Otago Polytechnic and be studying full-time for the full year in a chosen programme.
You must be living in the Otago region and studying at one of the Otago Polytechnic campuses (Dunedin or Cromwell).
If you have previously received a fee-paying scholarship at Otago Polytechnic, you are not eligible to apply for this scholarship.
You must meet the entry criteria for your chosen programme of study.
All successful recipients will be paired with a Tuakana (Māori mentor) to guide them through their first year of studies.
Closing date for applications: 4pm on 21 March, 2025
Who is eligible? Prospective Māori students from our four local Rūnaka enrolled in any study programme.
The purpose of this scholarship is to acknowledge the contribution students make to their Rūnaka and the local community. It is offered to four students (one from each of the four local Rūnaka), for study in a chosen programme at Otago Polytechnic.
This scholarship will cover the learner's tuition fees for up to three years.
To be eligible:
- You must already be registered with one of the four local Rūnaka:
- Te Rūnaka o Moeraki moeraki.runanga@ngaitahu.iwi.nz
- Kati Huirapa Rūnaka ki Puketeraki admin@puketeraki.nz
- Te Rūnanga ō Otākou office@tro.org.nz
- Hokonui Rūnaka hokonui.office@ngaitahu.iwi.nz
- You must meet the academic entry criteria for your chosen programme of study.
- You must be a domestic student.
- You must pass your academic studies each year with a minimum of 50%.
- Your study must be continuous.
- You must be enrolled in a full-time, full-year course.
Closing date for applications: 4pm, 21 March 2025
Pasifika Students
Who is eligible
This scholarship is for Pasifika learners studying at Otago Polytechnic who show ability and character to succeed in their field of study.
Scholarship amount
This scholarship is for a reduction in tuition fees.
Terms and conditions
The scholarships are open to students studying at Otago Polytechnic in 2024 who:
- identify as Pasifika (i.e. of Pacific Island ethnic origin), and
- are permanent residents or citizens of New Zealand, and
- reside in and study within the Dunedin City area*
- are not in receipt of any other study scholarships, and
- are enrolled in a current year Otago Polytechnic programme* of at least 0.5 EFTS (i.e. at least half a full-time programme*)
*Excludes Otago Polytechnic short courses, Capable NZ, Kokiri Training Centre and Te Taketake programmes.
Selection criteria
Selection will be based on the assessed ability of the student to meet the following:
- potential to complete their study
- success in previous study
- planning for the future.
Application process
Please complete the application form and email it to litea.ikahihifo@op.ac.nz or post it to Otago Polytechnic, Private Bag, 1910, Dunedin 9054.
Download application form here >
The closing date for applications is 5pm, Friday 27 September 2024.
For more information
Please check the information sheet for more details including the selection process. If you have any questions, please email litea.ikahihifo@op.ac.nz
Who is eligible
This scholarship is split between a junior student (year 9 and 10) and a senior student (years 11-13).
Junior scholarship
One junior award will be offered to a Pasifika student at the discretion of the Principal of each secondary school in Dunedin in recognition of the learner’s achievement and commitment to the school and their Pasifika community. The recipient will be acknowledged at a Scholarship Awards Event. The recipient will also be invited with their family to a leadership brunch the week following the Scholarship Awards Event.
Download junior award info sheet and nomination form here >
Senior scholarship
One senior scholarship will be offered to a Pasifika student at the discretion of the Principal of each secondary school in Dunedin in recognition of the learner’s achievement and commitment to the school and their Pasifika community.
This scholarship entitles the recipient to a 100% reduction in course fees for a full-time, full year programme.
Download the info sheet for criteria and conditions >
Principals will select the learner who will be offered these scholarships. Learners are encouraged to advise their Principal and/or Careers Advisor of their intention to study at Otago Polytechnic to ensure that their name is provided as a potential candidate for consideration for this scholarship.
The names of the nominated candidate will be provided to Otago Polytechnic’s Director: Pasifika Achievement (litea.ikahihifo@op.ac.nz) by the School Principal.
The recipient will be acknowledged at a Scholarship Awards Event. The recipient will also be invited with their family to a leadership brunch the week following the Scholarship Awards Event.
Secondary School Students
This scholarship is awarded as part of the Celebrate Art Secondary Schools Art Awards Exhibition. Along with a range of other prizes, the supreme prize winner will be offered a one-off contribution of $2,000 (GST incl) towards your fees (once you have been accepted and enrolled into an Otago Polytechnic Level 5, Dunedin School of Art programme).
Who is eligible?
- This is open to all Year 12 and Year 13 secondary school students.
The process
- Secondary schools to select up to 10 works (max.) from Year 12 and Year 13 students.
- Artwork size to be no larger than A3.
- Please include the name of the student, the year level and school name clearly on the back of all works. Please also attach a post-it note to works with the name of the student. Please supply all works flat and not in a roll.
- Prizes will be awarded based on a set of judging criteria developed by the Art Academic team. All decisions made by the judges are final.
- Schools to drop off, deliver, or send artworks to the Dunedin School of Art.
- Postal address for deliveries: Attention: Rachel Allan, Dunedin School of Art at Otago Polytechnic, 19 Riego Street, Dunedin, 9054
- The entries will be displayed as part of an exhibition which will be held at Otago Polytechnic. An awards evening will be held for awards presentations.
Please note: The Dunedin School of Art will take all care with works submitted but cannot be held responsible for loss or damage or deliberate defacement outside of our control.
If you have any questions, please email Rachel.Allan@op.ac.nz
This scholarship is awarded as part of the Celebrate Design Secondary Schools Awards Exhibition. The 2 x $2,000 scholarships are presented to the best overall design entries in the Communication, Fashion or Product section winners.
Who’s eligible?
This is open to all Year 13 secondary school students.
The process
- Secondary schools will self-curate and send their best student work.
- Each design submission must be sent in with a separate form (see form below).
- Please name all works and include school name on all submissions.
- Works could include 2D illustrations and images, presentation boards, 3D objects, furniture, film and games (digital), accessories, and garments.
- Work from previous competitions will be accepted.
- The entries will be displayed as part of an exhibition which will be held at Otago Polytechnic. An awards evening will be held for awards presentations.
Judging criteria
- Prizes awarded will be based on the following criteria:
- Quality of execution and appropriate choice/use of materials and processes.
- Demonstration of creative process and a resolved final design outcome.
- Design outcome demonstrates consideration to a target audience.
- All decisions made by the judges are final.
Please note: The School of Design will take all care with works submitted but cannot be held responsible for loss or damage or deliberate defacement outside of our control.
Important dates
Our Celebrate Design exhibition and awards evening are held on the last week of Term 3.
If you have any questions, please email Principal Lecturer (Design): Tracy.Kennedy@op.ac.nz
Who's eligible? Otago and Southland secondary school students enrolled in any study programme.
This scholarship is to be awarded to a student who has shown leadership inside or outside the school community. One scholarship will be offered at the discretion of the Principal of each school in the Otago and Southland regions for payment of a reduction in tuition fees for a chosen programme at Otago Polytechnic.
The following conditions apply:
- Candidates must meet the academic entry criteria for their chosen programme of study.
- Where places on a course or programme are limited, normal selection criteria will apply.
- This scholarship applies to domestic learners only.
- This scholarship entitles the recipient to a one-off payment of $2,000 as a tuition fee reduction.
Process for application:
- Otago and Southland school Principals will select the students who will be offered these scholarships.
- Students are encouraged to advise their Principal and/or Careers Advisor of their intention to study at Otago Polytechnic to ensure that their name is put forward as a potential candidate for consideration for this scholarship.
- The names of the nominated candidate will be provided to Otago Polytechnic Customer Services by the school Principal (please email scholarships@op.ac.nz )
- The nominated candidate returns the Student Acceptance form signed by both the candidate and the Principal.
- Otago Polytechnic applies discretion and confidentiality when acknowledging scholarship recipients and, when appropriate, acknowledgement of the scholarship will be sent post prize-giving events.
Information and application forms are sent to School Principals by the end of Term 2. Nominations close at the end of Term 3.
The aim of this scholarship, offered by the Zonta Club or Metropolitan Dunedin, is to encourage young women from Otago to enter a recognised trade such as, but not limited to, building, plumbing, electrical and mechanics.
Who is eligible: Year 13 female students who are intending to enrol at Otago Polytechnic a trade or apprenticeship programme.
Otago Polytechnic trade areas: Automotive, Bike Mechanics, Carpentry, Electrical, Mechanical, Plumbing, Stonemasonry
Scholarship amount: $1,000
This is a merit-based scholarship. It is envisaged that it will be used for course-related costs e.g. tools or materials.
The scholarship will be awarded for the first year of the successful applicant’s study if they can provide evidence of enrolment in their chosen course.
Applications close annually on 30 September.
For more information and the application form, click here.
Sports
In 2015, Otago Polytechnic and Football South established the Football South Scholarship to help students with both sporting and academic aspirations.
Two scholarships are offered at the discretion of Football South for full payment of fees for one year of a chosen programme at Otago Polytechnic.
For further info and to apply:
- Email Stanley Hebden (Operations and Competitions Manager, Football South) - stanley@southernfootball.co.nz
In 2015, Otago Polytechnic and Otago Cricket established the Otago Cricket Association (OCA) scholarship to help students with both sporting and academic aspirations.
Two scholarships will be offered at the discretion of Otago Cricket for full payment of fees for one year of a chosen programme at Otago Polytechnic.
For further information and to apply:
- Email Steve Martin (General Manager Performance, Otago Cricket) - steve@otagocricket.co.nz
In 2019, Otago Polytechnic and Otago Hockey established the Otago Hockey Association Scholarship to help students with both sporting and academic aspirations.
Two scholarships will be offered at the discretion of the Otago Hockey Association for full payment of fees for one year of a chosen programme at Otago Polytechnic.
For further information and to apply:
- Email Andy McLean (Manager, Otago Hockey) - manager@oha.org.nz
In 2015, Otago Polytechnic and the Otago Rugby Football Union established the Otago Rugby Football Union (ORFU) Scholarship to help students with both sporting and academic aspirations.
Two scholarships will be offered at the discretion of the ORFU for full payment of fees for one year of a chosen programme at Otago Polytechnic.
For further information and to apply:
- Email Ryan Bambry (High Performance Development Manager, Otago Rugby Football Union) - ryan.bambry@orfu.co.nz
Women (she/her/they/them)
We are currently updating the details of this scholarship and will update this webpage as soon as possible.
The purpose of this scholarship is to recognise that women in Aotearoa New Zealand are under-represented in the Engineering Technology industry, particular in Civil, Electrical, and Mechanical. This scholarship has been set up to help a female student studying at Otago Polytechnic who shows ability and character to succeed in the field of engineering.
This scholarship will contribute $1,000 towards tuition fees for every year of study in the following Engineering programmes:
- Bachelor of Engineering Technology
- New Zealand Diploma in Engineering (Civil, Electrical or Mechanical).
Who is eligible: Female students studying at Otago Polytechnic in 2025 who:
- are a permanent resident or citizen of New Zealand, and
- is not on any other study scholarship(s); and
- is enrolled full-time in either the New Zealand Diploma in Engineering or the Bachelor of Engineering Technology, and
- does not have any outstanding debt to Otago Polytechnic.
Criteria for selection
Selection will be based on the assessed ability of the student to meet the following:
- potential to complete their study,
- success in previous study in NCEA, and
- planning for their future and drive for success.
Terms and conditions
All scholarships will be applied to the scholarship recipient student account to be allocated towards programme tuition fees.
If there are no programme fees payable by the recipient (i.e. due to something like Fees Free), the scholarship will be paid directly to the recipient.
If the employer pays the student’s fees, the student is only eligible for any personal contributions to course materials.
Application deadline
Completed application forms need to be sent to us by 5.00pm on Friday 7 February 2025.
You can email these to EngTech@op.ac.nz or post them to:
Engineering Technologies
T Block, Otago Polytechnic,
Private Bag 1910,
Dunedin 9054.
Who is eligible: All current students who identify as female, studying the Bachelor of Information Technology.
The purpose of this scholarship is to recognise that women in New Zealand are under-represented in the Information Technology industry in comparison to the majority of the developed world. Women represent less than 16% of the workforce in technical roles.
This scholarship is intended to assist a female student studying at Otago Polytechnic who shows ability and character to succeed in the field of information technology.
This scholarship will contribute a one-off fees reduction of $2,000.
Download this information sheet for terms and conditions, criteria for selection, what you need to do to apply and the selection process.
Download the 2025 application form to apply.
For more information contact Justine Molloy.
The aim of this scholarship, offered by the Zonta Club or Metropolitan Dunedin, is to encourage young women from Otago to enter a recognised trade such as, but not limited to, building, plumbing, electrical and mechanics.
Who is eligible: Year 13 female students who are intending to enrol at Otago Polytechnic a trade or apprenticeship programme.
Otago Polytechnic trade areas: Automotive, Bike Mechanics, Carpentry, Electrical, Mechanical, Plumbing, Stonemasonry
Scholarship amount: $1,000
This is a merit-based scholarship. It is envisaged that it will be used for course-related costs e.g. tools or materials.
The scholarship will be awarded for the first year of the successful applicant’s study if they can provide evidence of enrolment in their chosen course.
Applications close annually on 30 September.
For more information and the application form, click here.
For current students
Scholarships
If you’re already studying with us, we’re keen to help you move into further study or give you opportunities for professional and/or personal development.
What happens next?
Once you've applied for a scholarship, we will be in touch to discuss your options and confirm your scholarship status. If you have any questions or need help applying for a scholarship please get in touch with our Scholarships team.
