Otago Polytechnic

Otago Polytechnic (OP) — also known as Te Kura Matatini ki Otago — is one of New Zealand’s top applied tertiary institutions. It’s part of New Zealand’s national Te Pkenga network but maintains its strong regional identity and reputation for delivering career-ready education. OP focuses on “learning by doing”, combining theory with real-world practice in close partnership with industry.

Each year, OP welcomes over 8,000 international students from 60+ countries. Courses range from certificates and diplomas to postgraduate degrees — all designed to prepare graduates to thrive locally and globally.

Why Choose Otago Polytechnic?

Here’s what makes OP stand out for international students:

• Career-focused programmes: Every qualification is designed with industry input to ensure you graduate work-ready.

• Hands-on learning: Expect laboratory work, projects, case studies, industry placements and real projects.

• Industry connections: Strong partnerships with employers can lead to internships and job opportunities.

• Quality support: Dedicated international student services, including accommodation, visa support, and wellbeing services.

• Employability: OP graduates are highly sought after by employers in New Zealand and overseas.

• Recognition: What you earn here is valued internationally — and locally recognized for pathways into postgraduate study or work visas.

Global Rankings

While polytechnics are ranked differently from universities, OP is widely respected internationally for excellence in vocational and applied education.

• According to Webometrics, OP is ranked among the top 4,500 global higher education institutions (as of 2025).

This shows strong global visibility compared to thousands of institutions worldwide — highlighting OP’s relevance and value.

Study Levels & Courses

OP offers 180+ programmes across multiple levels:

• Certificates: Entry point into tertiary education and career pathways.

• Diplomas: For practical experience and job readiness.

• Graduate Certificates: Pathways for career progression.

• Bachelor’s Degrees: Full undergraduate study with professional skills.

• Graduate Diplomas: Specialised qualifications usually taken after a bachelor’s.

• Master’s Degrees: Advanced study with work placements and research components.

Major disciplines include:

• Business & Management

• Information Technology

• Architecture & Design

• Engineering

• Midwifery & Nursing

• Applied Sciences

• Tourism & Hospitality

• Animal Care

• Culinary Arts

Mode of Learning

International students can choose study formats that suit their lifestyle:

• Campus (Onsite): Traditional classroom-based learning with access to labs, libraries, and facilities.

• Online: Fully online or blended options available for certain subjects (especially business and language courses).

• Blended Learning: A mix of online and on-campus classes for flexibility and balance.

Highlights & Strengths

• Industry-Ready Graduates: OP’s programs are built with employer input and often include internships and placements.

• Sustainable Education: Recognised by the Green Gown Awards for sustainability.

• Real-World Experience: Students work on real projects for businesses, communities, and government agencies.

• Career Success: OP is widely respected by employers in New Zealand and globally.

• Supportive Environment: Personalized attention with a 1:16 faculty-student ratio and dedicated support teams.

Scholarship

Otago Polytechnic offers a range of scholarships exclusively for new international students enrolling full-time in 2025 or 2026, as well as special opportunities for study-abroad students and those living in the student village. These scholarships are designed to:

• Help reduce tuition and living costs;

• Recognise academic merit and community involvement;

• Promote inclusion of students from selected regions like Asia, Latin America and the Pacific;

• Support regional development and deliver global diversity.

Main International Scholarships (2026)

For the 2026 academic year, Otago Polytechnic offers several scholarships that reduce tuition fees for new full-time international students. For example, students enrolling in the Postgraduate Diploma in Applied Management receive a scholarship worth NZ$2,000, while those pursuing the Master of Applied Management receive NZ$4,000.

Students studying in undergraduate programmes such as the Bachelor of Construction (Quantity Surveying) or the Bachelor of Information Technology are awarded NZ$3,472 in scholarships for their first year. Similarly, those enrolling in the Graduate Diploma in Information Technology receive a tuition reduction of NZ$3,472.

To be eligible, you must be a new international student enrolling full-time in an eligible programme in 2026. You should not already be enrolled at Otago Polytechnic or receiving any government-funded scholarships such as the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade awards. Students cannot hold more than one tuition scholarship or receive recognition of prior learning that shortens their study duration. If you defer your study beyond 2026, the scholarship offer will be withdrawn.

Regional Study and Inclusivity Scholarships

Otago Polytechnic also offers regional scholarships to promote inclusivity and support students from countries in the Pacific, Southeast Asia, and Latin America. These scholarships provide tuition reductions of up to NZ$3,000 for new full-time students enrolling in eligible programmes.

Students from China and Taiwan can also receive up to NZ$3,000, which is applied as a pro-rated credit towards their total tuition fees. These awards are automatically granted based on nationality and programme enrolment.

To maximise your chances, ensure your citizenship details are correct, complete your application early, and meet the English language and academic entry requirements on time. Remember, the scholarships apply only to the year you enrol, so deferring your intake means losing the award.

Study Abroad Scholarships

Students coming to Otago Polytechnic through an approved study-abroad or exchange programme with a partner university may qualify for additional tuition discounts. These study-abroad scholarships can offer up to a 30% reduction in tuition fees for one semester or a full academic year.

Eligibility is determined automatically if you are enrolling from a partner institution, and you do not need to apply separately. Your home university’s international office usually confirms your scholarship eligibility when your exchange placement is approved.

Accommodation Scholarships

International students planning to live on-campus at Te PTauira, the student village in Dunedin, can apply for an accommodation scholarship. These scholarships help reduce living expenses by offering either a NZ$3,000 meal plan for the first semester or a NZ$2,000 discount on accommodation fees.

To qualify, you must be between 18 and 23 years old and commit to living at Te PTauira for the full academic year. This scholarship provides significant savings and enhances your student experience by allowing you to live close to campus facilities.

Special and Regional Incentive Scholarships

Otago Polytechnic also offers special scholarships for students from specific regions or academic backgrounds.

For instance, the India STEM Scholarship provides up to NZ$10,000 towards tuition fees for Indian students enrolling in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics programmes. This award recognises high academic achievement and potential in technical fields.

Additionally, there are Pacific and Pasifika Scholarships such as the Inati Community Scholarship, which support full-time students from Pacific Island nations. These awards are based on community participation, leadership, and academic merit, and they aim to encourage education and empowerment among Pasifika students.