Application Deadline: July 30, 2026
About the Scholarship
The Fanny Evans Postgraduate Scholarship for Women is a distinguished scholarship offered by the University of Otago, New Zealand, to promote and strengthen the participation of women in postgraduate education and research. Established in 1990, the scholarship was created to honor the vision of supporting talented women who aspire to advance their academic and professional careers through higher education. It is financed through the William Evans Fund, which was established to provide financial assistance to deserving female scholars pursuing advanced degrees. The scholarship is specifically designed to encourage women to undertake postgraduate study in academic disciplines where female representation has traditionally been low. It also provides opportunities for women who have experienced interruptions in their education or careers such as those returning after family responsibilities, caregiving commitments, or extended career breaks to resume their academic pursuits. By reducing financial barriers, the scholarship enables recipients to focus more effectively on their research, academic development, and career progression. The University of Otago, founded in 1869, is New Zealand’s oldest university and one of the country’s leading research-intensive institutions. Renowned for academic excellence, innovation, and a vibrant research culture, the university offers a supportive environment for postgraduate students across a broad range of disciplines. Its commitment to fostering diversity, inclusion, and equal opportunities is reflected in scholarship initiatives such as the Fanny Evans Postgraduate Scholarship for Women. Recipients of the scholarship may be enrolled in either Master’s or Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) programmes. Beyond providing financial assistance, the scholarship recognizes academic merit, research potential, and the capacity of recipients to make meaningful contributions to their chosen fields. It serves as both a source of financial support and a mark of academic distinction, enhancing recipients’ professional profiles and encouraging continued excellence in research.
Scholarship Benefits
- NZ $18,204 stipend per annum (Master’s)
- NZ $34,128 per annum (PhD)
- Domestic tuition fee waiver (excludes student services fee)
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Be a woman
- Be obtaining their first research Master’s or Doctoral qualification
- Be a domestic fee-paying student
The scholarship may also be held by part-time candidates, with tenure and emolument on a pro-rata basis.
Why This Scholarship Matters
The Fanny Evans Postgraduate Scholarship for Women encourages postgraduate study and research by women, especially in disciplines where women are underrepresented, and assists women who have had a career break to return to university for updating or retraining. For women pursuing research Master’s or Doctoral qualifications in New Zealand, this scholarship provides financial support and recognition of academic excellence, helping to advance women’s participation in higher education and research.
Selection Criteria
Selection is based predominantly on academic merit and the applicant’s potential for research.
Application Process
Applicants can apply at any time. However:
- All PhD applications will be reviewed after 30 November each year for the following year’s scholarships
- Master’s scholarship applications will be reviewed in late March each year
Further information on how to apply is available on the University of Otago website at the Master’s and PhD scholarship links.
Click here to apply
For More Information: Visit the Official University of Otago Fanny Evans Scholarship Page
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