Otago Polytechnic is a practical, career-focused public tertiary institution in New Zealand, known for its “hands-on” approach to learning, smaller class sizes and strong industry links. It offers 150+ qualifications from certificates to postgraduate degrees across business, technology, health, creative arts, hospitality and more.

Why International Students Choose Otago Polytechnic

• Practical, real-world learning with industry projects

• Friendly support and smaller classes

• Pathways into employment in New Zealand and overseas

• On-campus services for international student support and visa guidance.

 

Subjects / Topics Covered

The seminar includes practical and legal topics such as:

• The Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act 2012 and enforcement bodies

• Types of licences and responsibilities

• Manager’s Certificates and host responsibility

• Age limits and intoxication rules

• Conditions, offences and penalties

• Application processes for licensing and certificates.

Discipline or Specialisation

This course sits under Hospitality / Hospitality Management / Business Compliance & Law. It is vocational training rather than a business degree subject.

 

Latest Updates / Notes

• The seminar runs only if enough students enrol — minimum enrolment numbers apply.

• International enrolments may need to coordinate carefully due to visa timing and intake scheduling

 

Business Programmes (Including Business Management & Marketing)

Bachelor of Applied Management

• Level: Bachelor degree (NZQF Level 7)

• Duration: ~3 years full-time

• Credits: ~360 NZQA credits

• Delivery: On-campus (Dunedin & Auckland International Campus)

• Intakes: February, April, July, October (flexible)

• Content: Core business areas + industry projects + internship in Year 3.

• Marketing/Sales Electives: Students can choose marketing and sales related courses which prepare them for roles such as marketing assistant, business coordinator, sales executive and similar roles.

Other Business Related Programmes

• New Zealand Diploma in Business – Leadership & Management (1 year full-time, 120 credits)

• New Zealand Diploma in Business (Marketing & Sales) – Online options available with flexible monthly intakes.

Postgraduate & Master Programmes

• Postgraduate Diploma in Applied Management (Business Management or BIS) – 1 year full-time (120 credits)

• Master of Applied Management (Business Management or BIS) – ~18 months full-time (180 credits)

  • Available on-campus in Dunedin and at the Auckland International Campus.

  • Flexible electives available, including leadership, sustainability, analytics, and marketing-related topics.

 

Career Outcomes

Graduates from business and management programmes can pursue careers such as:

• Business Manager

• Marketing or Sales Coordinator

• Project Coordinator

• Entrepreneurial business roles

• Hospitality or venue manager (with LCQ training)

 

Visa & Immigration Requirements (International Students)

To study in New Zealand, international students generally need:

• A Student Visa for full-time programmes longer than 3 months

• Proof of Offer of Place from Otago Polytechnic

• Sufficient funds for tuition + living costs

• Health insurance (usually required by immigration).