Grants & Hardship

Class Grants

OPSA operates a fund to assist student groups with exhibition, study, recreation, social, travel, and promotional grants.
Access to funds can be obtained by your Programme Representative completing a Grant Request Form (available from the OPSA Office) or on our grant claim page.


Development Grants

Grants may be made at the discretion of the OPSA Advisory Board for any student or group who may require some financial help with a special “one-off” project or event. Any application must be made in writing to the Advisory Board, attaching all relevant information.


Student Hardship

OPSA in conjunction with the Polytechnic, operates a Student Assistant Fund which can help students that may find themselves in unforeseen financial difficulty. Each case is individually assessed by a Committee in a confidential manner.

Any student facing a financial crisis or hardship, should first contact OPSA to discuss and evaluate the situation. We can then decide the most appropriate form of assistance available.

You can get a Hardship Application Form from the OPSA office or for a digital copy of the form, please email Hardship Fund.

Please don’t hesitate to contact us if you have any questions. Completed forms should be sent to OPSA’s Student Support Advisor & Advocate.


Scholarship Information 

Check with your school for any specialised scholarship funding, or you can find information with scholarships and award schemes on the givME scholarship and funding information service (accessed via Dunedin Public Library, Port Chalmers, Mosgiel, Blueskin Bay, or Waikouaiti libraries).


Maori Scholarships

Types of scholarships

  • One-off payments for living expenses
  • Full fees paying scholarships
  • Partial fee paying scholarships
  • Maori specific scholarships
  • Multiple year scholarships

Where to look?

Giveme - this database can be accessed for free from the Dunedin Public Library and online using your Dunedin Public Library card. Visit http://dunedinlibraries.govt.nz/digital-resources/by-topic/funding

Kia ora Hauora - for health related scholarships visit http://kiaorahauora.co.nz/

Otago Polytechnic Website - Visit https://www.op.ac.nz/students/scholarships/

Iwi Websites - Visit https://www.op.ac.nz/students/maori-students/scholarships/ to find the link to your iwi

Careers NZ - Visit  https://www.careers.govt.nz/courses/scholarships/

Important Information

  • You will need to register with your iwi
  • Make sure all sections of the application are correctly completed
  • Take note of the closing date and allow for postage time

Need help with this?

Contact: Te Punaka Owheo