If you’re an eager student trying to get some hands-on research experience in health sciences, then get ready for a fully funded opportunity. The Otago university Summer Research Scholarship 2025-26 offers you a unique chance to work on a meaningful research project over the summer and earn NZD $7,000.

Open to both general Health Sciences students and Māori/Pacific Island students, this program allows you to collaborate with top researchers in Dunedin, New Zealand, between November 2025 and February 2026. Applications window is open till Thursday, August 14, 2025, so don’t wait till the last moment. Apply today!

About University of Otago

Ranked among the top 250 universities globally by QS World University Rankings, the University of Otago is New Zealand’s oldest and one of its most prestigious research institutions. Known for excellence in Health Sciences, Biomedical Sciences, and Dentistry, Otago’s Dunedin campus offers an ideal environment for summer research work with expert supervision.

Otago university Summer Research Scholarship 2025 Overview

Scholarship Name	Otago Summer Research Scholarship Programme 2025–2026
Host University	University of Otago, Dunedin Campus
Research Duration	10 weeks (Nov 2025 – Feb 2026)
Scholarship Value	NZD $7,000 (paid in 4 instalments)
Eligible Fields	Health Sciences, Biomedical Sciences, Public Health, etc.
Special Awards	Dedicated scholarships for Māori & Pacific Island students
Application Deadline	Thursday, August 14, 2025 – 5:00 PM NZST
Application Email	[email protected]

Scholarship Benefits

• NZD $7,000 in total scholarship value
• Paid in four instalments over the summer and after final report submission
• Direct involvement in real-world, supervised research projects
• You’ll be collaborating with faculty members from Otago Medical Research Foundation (OMRF)
• Priority consideration for Māori and Pacific students in health fields
• Enhancement of your academic profile, research skills, and CV
• Contribution to public health, biomedical, or clinical science research

Otago University Summer Research Scholarship 2025-26 Eligibility Criteria

The scholarship is open to students who:

• Are enrolled in Health Sciences or Sciences at University of Otago, Dunedin
• Can commit to a 10-week full-time research project between November 2025 and February 2026
• Are interested in projects related to human health, public health, or biomedical sciences
• This is also for Māori or Pacific Island students (for specific scholarship slots)
• Can secure a supervisor for the summer project
• Can meet the application and documentation deadlines

Application Process

To apply for the Summer Research Scholarship at Otago:

• Visit the official scholarship page
• Identify a potential supervisor through the Otago Health Sciences Staff Expertise Database
• Work with your supervisor to draft a project proposal
• Complete the required documents in one PDF:

1. Cover sheet
2. Application form
3. Project proposal (1000 words max)
4. Lay summary (250 words max)
5. Student background & career plans (each 250 words max)
6. Supervisor’s letter of support (signed by Head/Dean)
7. Academic record from eVision
8. Proof of ethical approval (if needed)

• Name your file: surname_firstname.pdf
• Email the final PDF file to: [email protected]
• Submit before 5:00 PM, August 14, 2025 (New Zealand Standard Time)

Key Dates to Remember

• June–July 2025 – Students approach supervisors and prepare project proposals
• August 14, 2025 – Application submission deadline
• September 2025 – Applications assessed and scholarships awarded
• November 2025 – Research projects begin (latest start: Nov 24)
• December 2025–January 2026 – Monthly payments
• February 19, 2026 – Final reports and completion forms due
• April 2026 – Final NZD $1,000 payment after successful report approval

Comparison with Other Summer Research Programs

Program	Country	Stipend	Duration	Deadline
Otago Summer Research Scholarship	New Zealand	NZD $7,000	10 weeks	August 14, 2025
DAAD RISE Germany	Germany	~€861/month + travel	12 weeks	December 2025 (est.)
Amgen Scholars Asia (Kyoto, Tokyo)	Japan	Fully funded	8–10 weeks	February 2026 (est.)
NIG Summer Internship, Japan	Japan	Fully funded	~6 weeks	January 2026 (est.)
EPFL Summer Fellowship, Switzerland	Switzerland	CHF 1,600/month	8–12 weeks	December 2025 (est.)

FAQs About Summer Research Scholarship 2025-26

1. Who can apply for the Otago Summer Research Scholarship?
   Any Health Sciences or Science student based at Otago’s Dunedin campus.
2. What types of research projects are allowed?
   Projects must be related to human health, biomedical sciences, or public health.
3. How much is the scholarship worth?
   Each award is NZD $7,000, paid in four instalments.
4. Is the scholarship only for New Zealand citizens?
   No, international students studying at Otago are eligible, provided they meet the criteria.
5. Are there specific scholarships for Māori and Pacific Island students?
   Yes, 2 slots each are reserved specifically for these groups.
6. Can I apply without a supervisor for New Zealand summer research internships?
   No, students must first identify and confirm a supervisor before submitting their application.
7. Is there an application fee?
   No, there is no application fee.
8. Do I need to submit proof of ethics approval?
   Only if your project involves ethical considerations (e.g., human subjects).
9. When will I get Summer Research Scholarship 2025, Otago university?
   Payments occur in November, December, January, and April (after final report approval).
10. What if I miss the final report deadline?
    You may forfeit your final NZD $1,000 payment if the report and completion form aren’t submitted by February 19, 2026.

Looking to make the most of your summer break in 2025?
Join one of New Zealand’s most prestigious research programs and dive deep into health science discovery. Gain valuable skills, mentorship, and NZD $7,000!
Applications are highly competitive, so don’t delay—start connecting with a supervisor today. APPLY NOW.

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