Today, the University has announced the launch of a $1.5 million Putea Tautoko hardship fund to support students facing financial hardship due to the COVID-10 global pandemic.

Vice-Chancellor Professor Harlene Hayne says the fund is a way for the University community to support its students facing the greatest need in extraordinary times. She notes Putea Tautoko will be the largest hardship initiative in the University’s history.

ALL students will be able to apply to the fund, whether they are New Zealand or international students, full-time or part-time, undergraduate or postgraduate. Applications will be considered by several panels, all including student representation.

The panels will robustly assess hardship, using tools the University already has to assess existing hardship funds, and needs-based scholarships. The fund is launched with the support of the Otago University Students Association.

The University is also asking its wider community, including staff, alumni, and friends, to contribute to this fund. The hope is the fund can be substantially increased so the University is in the best possible position to meet what will be a very high level of student need.

Applications for the fund open in early May. Information will be made available to students in a further post and communications at that time. For more information and the full media release, head to our website at this link: https://www.otago.ac.nz/news/news/otago735853.html