Are you a student in the biomedical or health sciences hoping to get some hands-on research experience during the summer? Undergraduate students have a rare opportunity to engage in practical research in a variety of subjects, including clinical medicine, public health, and biomedical science, through the University of Otago’s Summer Research Scholarship Programme 2025–2026. They will also receive a tax-free stipend of NZD $7,000.
This esteemed program, which is held at the Dunedin Campus, is funded by the Division of Health Sciences, the Otago Medical Research Foundation (OMRF), and other national health organizations. It is intended for students who want to develop their scientific thinking and communication abilities, have early exposure to laboratory or clinical procedures, and investigate a career in health or biomedical research.
Under the direction of seasoned research teams and supervisors from the University of Otago, participants will work and acquire insightful knowledge and academic mentoring. A lot of students use this experience as a springboard for honors, master’s, or doctoral studies.
The University of Otago Summer Research Scholarship is more than just a summer project; it’s a springboard for your academic and professional growth, offering financial assistance, structured mentoring, and practical research experience in one of the most prestigious undergraduate research programs in New Zealand.
Host Country: New Zealand
University: University of Otago
Opportunity Type: Undergraduate, Research
Eligibility Country: International Students
Financial Coverage: Fully Funded
Eligibility Criteria:
- must intend to re-enroll in 2026 after having been enrolled at the University of Otago or another New Zealand university in 2025.
- Students enrolled in PhD or Master’s degrees are not eligible; you must be an undergraduate.
- During the summer research session, you must be based in Dunedin.
- must find a supervisor for a research study in Dunedin.
- must not have previously been awarded a Summer Research Scholarship with central funding (Māori and Pacific students are exempt).
Benefits:
Otago Medical Research Foundation (OMRF) Scholarships
- Open to all Sciences and Health Sciences students based in Dunedin
- Supports a broad range of health-related research, including public health, biomedical science, and clinical medicine
- Offers specialty awards in areas such as oncology, palliative care, elderly health, and heart disease
Division of Health Sciences Māori & Pacific Scholarships
- Provides 2 scholarships for Māori students and 2 for Pacific Island students
- Students must be supervised by staff from a Dunedin-based health sciences school
- School of Biomedical Sciences Māori and Pacific Peoples’ Summer Scholarships
- Aimed at supporting Indigenous researchers in the biomedical sciences
- Requires additional application materials, including details on whakapapa or Pacific heritage and community involvement
Health Research Council (HRC) Studentships
- Each studentship is valued at $7,500
- Available under three categories:
- Ethics Summer Studentships
- Māori Health Research Studentships
- Pacific Health Research Studentships
Deadline: 14 August 2025
