Otago Polytechnic
Employability Rate
94%
Upcoming Intake
Feb 2025
Tution Fee
Starts from 22,830 NZD
English Requirement
IELTS, TOEFL
Highlights
Otago Polytechnic dates back to the foundation of the Dunedin School of Art in 1870 and the Dunedin Technical School in 1889. The two merged in 1921 and in 1966 became Otago Polytechnic, which itself became part of the New Zealand Institute of Skills & Technology in 2020. It has campuses in Central Otago, Dunedin and Auckland.
More than 8,000 students study at Otago Polytechnic each year, including around 1,200 international students from around the world. Its international students study at the Auckland campus. It focuses on career-focused education and training with a range of accredited postgraduate qualifications, degrees and diplomas.
Otago Polytechnic offers a range of accommodation options for students studying at their Dunedin campus. The Student Village is Otago Polytechnic's main accommodation option, within walking distance of the campus. It offers fully furnished apartments with shared living areas, kitchen facilities, and private studio apartments. The Village also has a common room, study spaces, and outdoor areas for students to socialise. Otago Polytechnic can assist students in finding private rental accommodation in the local area so students can live with friends and family. For those who prefer a more homely environment, Otago Polytechnic offers homestay options. Students live with a local family in their home and are provided with their room and meals.
The Polytechnic has a gymnasium, sports fields, and a sports centre for students. The sports centre includes basketball, volleyball, badminton, and other sports facilities.
The Polytechnic has several libraries on campus, which provide convenient access to books, journals, databases, and other resources to support research and study.
Principles are a big part of campus life at Otago Polytechnic. Students find an emphasis on embedding Tauranga Maori and kaupapa principles into the learning that takes place there. This means exploring New Zealand's bicultural heritage but also its unique perspective when it comes to studies. As well as having many international students, Otago Polytechnic is committed to being a diverse and welcoming environment. It won the Medium-Large Organisation section of the Nghuatanga o Te Tiriti category at the 2022 Diversity Awards NZ.
Campuses
Otago Polytechnic is centred in Dunedin, with additional campuses in Cromwell and Auckland. Dunedin. Dunedin is a city in New Zealand known for its Scottish and Maori heritage and multicultural community. The student population is sizable, so there are plenty of bars and events for young people to attend. Relaxation outside of studies comes easily in surveying the breathtaking scenery they live amongst or the award-winning Victorian and Edwardian architecture. Tourist attractions include the adjoining Otago Peninsula, home to albatross colonies, sea lions and rare yellow-eyed penguins.
FAQs
The student-to-faculty ratio at Otago Polytechnic is typically 16:1.
International students must meet the English language proficiency requirements for their chosen program of study. This may include providing proof of English language proficiency through recognised tests such as TOEFL or IELTS.
Otago Polytechnic provides scholarships for international students, including the International Excellence Scholarship, the Auckland International Campus Scholarship, and the International Student Scholarship.
Otago Polytechnic is a well-known institution in New Zealand that offers a wide range of academic programs to students worldwide. The Polytechnic has several scholarships available for international students to help make their education more affordable. One of the scholarships available is the Otago Polytechnic International Excellence Scholarship, which awards up to NZD 5,000 towards tuition fees for the first year of study. Another scholarship available is the Otago Polytechnic Auckland International Campus Scholarship, which provides a 50% discount on tuition fees for students studying at the Auckland campus. Additionally, the Polytechnic offers the Otago Polytechnic International Student Scholarship, which provides a partial scholarship towards tuition fees for students in their second year of study. Furthermore, the Polytechnic has other scholarships available such as the Dunedin City Council - Otago Polytechnic Scholarship, the Ross and Glendining Scholarship, and the New Horizons for Women Trust Scholarship.
