The University of Otago is excited to announce the Richard and Diana Somerville Commerce Entrance Scholarship for high potential candidates in New Zealand.
This scholarship is designed to help students who face significant financial and personal challenges, providing them with financial support to pursue an undergraduate commerce degree at the university. Valued at NZ$14,000 for one year, it is available to eligible New Zealand citizens, residents, and international students who have completed their senior secondary education in New Zealand.The University of Otago is a public research collegiate university located in Dunedin, Otago, New Zealand. Founded in 1869, it is the oldest university in New Zealand and one of the oldest in Oceania. The university is known for its vibrant student life, particularly its flatting culture, and has a strong tradition of academic excellence. It offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across various disciplines, including humanities, health sciences, business, and sciences.
University of Otago Information
Founded in 1869, University of Otago is a non-profit public higher education institution located in the urban setting of the large town of Dunedin (population range of 50,000-249,999 inhabitants), Otago. Officially accredited and/or recognized by the Ministry for Tertiary Education, Skills and Employment, New Zealand, University of Otago is a large (uniRank enrollment range: 20,000-24,999 students) coeducational higher education institution. University of Otago offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as bachelor degrees in several areas of study. See the uniRank degree levels and areas of study matrix below for further details. International students are welcome to apply for enrollment.
Eligibility Criteria
Eligible Countries: New Zealand and International students (with specified conditions)
Acceptable Course or Subjects: The scholarship will be awarded in any subject offered by the University of Otago’s Commerce Department
Admissible Criteria: To be eligible, the applicants must meet all the following criteria:
- Must be a New Zealand citizen, a New Zealand Residence Class Visa Holder, or an international student who has completed Year 12 and/or Year 13 at a New Zealand school, or an equivalent foundation level course at a New Zealand tertiary institution.
- Must be enrolling for the first time in a first-year (100-level papers), full-time, degree-level, undergraduate study at the University of Otago.
- Must be intending to enrol in one of the following degrees: Bachelor of Commerce, Bachelor of Arts and Commerce, Bachelor of Commerce and Science, or Bachelor of Entrepreneurship.
- Must not have studied more than 0.4 EFTs at any University or tertiary institution at degree-level or higher, with certain exceptions for concurrent secondary school enrolments.
- Demonstrated financial need and life circumstances presenting significant barriers to studying at university.
- Academic ability with a minimum of NCEA Level 2 awarded with merit, or equivalent.
- Potential and motivation to succeed at university.
Offered Benefits
The standard value of the scholarship is NZ$14,000 for one year. For recipients in a Residential College, the amount is paid as an accommodation fee waiver. For those living in the local community, it covers tuition and student services fees, with the remainder provided as a stipend or lump sum. Additionally, recipients are required to write or record a message of thanks to the donors, with scholarship payment contingent upon receipt of this message by the Development and Alumni Relations
Office. This scholarship can be held concurrently with other University of Otago Undergraduate Entrance Scholarships at the discretion of the selection panel.
For detailed terms and conditions, refer to the Scholarship terms and conditions.
Application Process
All applications for Entrance Scholarships are conducted through eVision, the University’s student management system. Applicants must complete the initial stages of enrollment to access the scholarship application. It is recommended to complete the Financial and/or Family Circumstances sections to be considered for this scholarship. Detailed information and step-by-step instructions are available on the ‘Apply for a scholarship’ webpage.
Application process:
- Begin the initial stages of enrollment at the University of Otago.
- Access and complete the Entrance Scholarship online application via eVision.
- Ensure you have prepared all necessary information and references as listed on the scholarship application preparation webpage.
For more information, visit the Apply for a scholarship and Scholarship application preparation webpages.
Founded in 1869, University of Otago is a non-profit public higher education institution located in the urban setting of the large town of Dunedin (population range of 50,000-249,999 inhabitants), Otago. Officially accredited and/or recognized by the Ministry for Tertiary Education, Skills and Employment, New Zealand, University of Otago is a large (uniRank enrollment range: 20,000-24,999 students) coeducational higher education institution. University of Otago offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as bachelor degrees in several areas of study. See the uniRank degree levels and areas of study matrix below for further details. International students are welcome to apply for enrollment.