The Mozart Fellowship

The Mozart Fellowship has supported New Zealand composers since 1969, offering dedicated time and space to focus entirely on compositional work. Hosted by the University of Otago's Department of Music in Dunedin, the Fellowship is one of the most significant and longstanding awards available to composers in Aotearoa.

The Fellowship is normally awarded for one year (with the possibility of a second term, up to a total of two years). Fellows are expected to live in or near Dunedin during university semesters and work full-time on their art. In 2027, the total value of the Fellowship is $97,377 NZD, covering salary paid fortnightly, plus approved travel and removal expenses.

Fellows have access to University Library resources and facilities, and may be invited — but are not required — to give lectures or perform. Suitable workspace is provided on or near campus, and the University Accommodation Service can assist with finding housing.

Eligibility: Applicants must be at least 27 years of age and meet one of the following criteria:

• Born in New Zealand and normally resident here
• Born in New Zealand, educated here, and maintaining NZ connections (even if currently overseas)
• Not born in New Zealand but resident here for the five years immediately prior to applying

No formal qualifications or professional memberships are required. The Selection Committee may, in exceptional circumstances, consider overseas composers.

Applicants simply need to outline the general nature of the work they intend to pursue — there's no requirement to complete or commit to specific works before selection. At the end of the Fellowship, no formal account of work is required, though Fellows may be invited to reflect on their experience.

Previous recipients include celebrated composers such as Gillian Whitehead, Anthony Ritchie, Chris Gendall, and Dylan Lardelli.