International Students
Welcome
International students are most welcome at Otago University Energy Studies Programme. In particular, we would like to encourage students from developing countries to investigate solutions to their own countries energy supply problems through formal study programmes, eg. Masters degrees or PhDs.
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A photovoltaic array on the Pacific Island nation of Tuvalu |
We are very conscious of the fact that in developing countries a good number of the population have no access to electricity or often to other commercial energy supply options. Emerging renewable energy alternatives such as photovoltaics and wind energy together with more traditional options using biomass or microhydro may provide some of the answers. Our staff have experience in working in developing countries and so know some of the problems that students from such areas experience both academically and in terms of social adaptation to life as a student in NZ. Bob Lloyd, the Director of the Energy Studies Programme has over 20 years experience in working in the South Pacific. If you have a good idea for a developing country project based research programme we would like to hear from you.
We have had numerous international students sucessfully undertake postgraduate research in Energy Management or Energy Studies in the past. Idau Kopi from PNG is a current Energy Studies student working on a research project that will hopefully assist his country move down a sustainable path for energy supply. Find out more about Idau and his project by clicking here.
Funding
Unfortunately we cannot provide financial support for such study but we can help you work your way through existing funding channels. Here are some links to organisations that potentially can provide scholarships, or have information on scholarships that are available:
The New Zealand Agency for International Development (NZAID) is the principal organisation within New Zealand for granting educational scholarships to developing countries.
The Commonwealth Scholarship & Fellowship Plan (CSFP) is an organisation that co-ordinates scholarships exchanges between Commonwealth countries.
The New Zealand Ministry of Pacific Island Affairs has a listing of scholarships available for people from Pacific Island countries to study in New Zealand. The listing is under 'Regional' and then 'Scholarships'.
Lower fees Just announced by the NZ Minister for Education April 2005: From 1 January 2006, any new international PhD student will be accorded domestic status for purposes of tuition fees. The same status will be accorded to their dependants at school.
At the same time, the Minister of Immigration has announced several changes to immigration policy which will make it easier for international students to work and study in New Zealand. For instance:
- International students will be able to apply to work for up to 20 hours a week during term, instead of the current 15 hours
- Anyone undertaking a course of 12 months or more will be able to apply to work full-time over the summer holidays
- Partners of students studying in areas of absolute skill shortage and partners of all postgraduate students will be able to apply for an open work permit valid for the duration of the student's course of study.
Further information
If you would like to find out more about coming to study in New Zealand at the University of Otago, there is extensive information available at the International Student information pages on the University of Otago website, including entry requirements, english requirements, courses and fees, application procedures, enrolment and much more.
Alternatively, please contact the University of Otago International Office at: