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Otago Polytechnic (OP)
Otago Polytechnic (OP) is a leading tertiary institute in New Zealand known for its hands-on, career-focused education, personalised learning and strong industry connections. It offers globally recognised qualifications designed to prepare students for employment both locally and internationally. The institute has been given the highest national quality rating by the New Zealand government for teaching excellence and student support.
Otago Polytechnic is part of Te P?kenga – New Zealand Institute of Skills and Technology, a nationwide network of vocational education providers.
Types of Courses & Study Levels
Otago Polytechnic provides a wide range of qualifications across many study levels, suitable for diverse career goals:
Study Levels
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Certificates & Diplomas – foundational and vocational qualifications.
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Bachelor’s Degrees – undergraduate qualifications in areas such as IT, construction, business, design and more.
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Graduate & Postgraduate Programmes – including Postgraduate Diploma and Master of Applied Management.
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English Language Support & Pathways – help for students transitioning to degree study.
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Short Courses & Study Abroad Options – for exchange partners or short-term study.
The total number of programmes exceeds 150+ qualifications spanning practical, creative, technical, business and healthcare disciplines.
Number of Programs Offered
Otago Polytechnic offers 150+ qualifications and courses across multiple levels and fields — giving students flexibility to tailor their study path toward their career goals.
Highlights for International Students
Hands-On, Career-Focused Learning
Otago Polytechnic emphasises practical, real-world skills that employers value, with work placements and industry collaborations built into many programmes.
Dedicated International Campus
The Auckland International Campus offers a supportive, culturally vibrant environment exclusively for international learners.
Support Services
Students receive help with orientation, study skills, visa support, cultural transition and personal wellbeing via International Student Advisors.
Accommodation Help
Options include student village halls, homestay placements and private rentals, along with scholarship support for housing in Dunedin.
Study Abroad & Exchange
OP supports short-term exchange and study abroad programmes for international partner students, enhancing global learning experiences.
Study in Beautiful New Zealand
Campuses are located in Dunedin, a safe, lively student city, and Central Otago and Auckland, offering diverse cultural and lifestyle experiences.
Latest Updates
- 2026 Enrolments Open: OP is now accepting international applications for the 2026 academic year.
- Student Satisfaction: High outcomes for student satisfaction and support services.
- Scholarships Expanded: OP has updated international scholarship offerings for new students beginning in 2026, offering automatic consideration on enrolment.
Program
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English
New Zealand Certificate in English Language (Academic) (Level 4) Want to improve your English skills? Study English at Otago Polytechnic to prepare for further study, make new friends and experience New Zealand culture. When you study with us you will: learn English from teachers who are very patient and understanding work in small groups to practise your speaking meet native speakers and listen to guest speakers gain study skills through self-directed learning and group work. This Certificate is for upper-intermediate English speakers who want to do further English-language or subject study in an academic context. It is a nationally-recognised qualification. It can lead to academic study at Otago Polytechnic, or you can use it to transfer to other study institutes in New Zealand. Delivery options and start dates We offer this programme with two different locations. You can study on campus in Dunedin. This option has intakes each year in February and July and will take 17 weeks of full-time study to complete. You can also study on campus at our Auckland International Campus where this programme is offered by Future Skills due to a sub-contract arrangement. This option has intakes each year in February, April, July and October and will take 16 weeks of full-time study to complete. What you will learn When you finish this programme you will be able to: understand the main ideas and key supporting details of quite complex spoken and written information on familiar and unfamiliar topics take part effectively in sustained, spoken academic conversation write detailed, well-developed and quite complex academic texts. Your workload 20-22 hours a week in class, guided by your teacher 10-14 hours a week for self-directed study
