Skip links

Otago Polytechnic College: Your Gateway to World-Class Education

Why Choose the Otago Polytechnic College?

At Otago Polytechnic, education is practical, career-focused, and designed to prepare you for the real world. Our hands-on learning approach, strong industry connections, and supportive environment empower students to build real skills, think independently, and lead with confidence. At Otago, you don’t just study—you grow, create, and succeed. Join a vibrant international community and gain qualifications that are globally recognized. Discover your potential in a place where innovation meets opportunity.

Programs and Courses at the Otago Polytechnic College

The university offers a wide range of undergraduate, postgraduate across multiple disciplines. Some of the most sought-after programs include:

Bachelor’s Degrees

  • Architectural Studies – Specialize in architectural or interior design.

  • Visual Arts / Visual Arts (Honours) – Develop your creative expression and advanced artistic practice.

  • Accounting – Build strong foundations for a career in accounting.

  • Applied Management – Gain essential business and management skills.

  • Social Services – Prepare for roles in social work and community service.

  • Construction (Quantity Surveying) – Focus on construction cost estimation and management.

  • Culinary Arts – Train in advanced cooking and kitchen operations.

  • Design (Communication, Fashion, Product) – Specialize in graphic design, fashion, or product/industrial design.

  • Engineering Technology – Learn practical engineering skills.

  • Information Technology – Focus on software development and IT systems.

  • Applied Science – Explore diverse scientific disciplines.

  • Midwifery / Nursing – Get professionally trained for careers in healthcare.

  • Occupational Therapy / (Honours) – Support individuals facing health challenges.

  • Veterinary Nursing – Train in professional animal care and nursing.


Master’s Degrees

  • Architecture (Professional) – Advanced studies in architectural design.

  • Visual Arts / Fine Arts – Deepen your creative and personal artistic development.

  • Design / Design Enterprise – Innovate through advanced design thinking and entrepreneurship.

  • Occupational Therapy – Specialize in advanced therapeutic practice.


Graduate Diplomas

  • Visual Arts / Design – Develop advanced creative and technical skills.

  • Accounting / Applied Management / Event Management – Specialize in business-focused areas.

  • Information Technology – Gain advanced IT and software development knowledge.

  • Tertiary Education – Prepare for careers in education and training.


Postgraduate Diplomas

  • Visual Arts / Design – Enhance your design and visual arts practice.

  • Occupational Therapy – Advance your expertise in therapy-based roles.


New Zealand Diplomas

  • Arts & Design (Levels 5 & 6) – Build foundational and advanced design skills.

  • Beauty Therapy / Cookery / Photography / Digital Media & Design – Master industry-relevant skills in creative fields.

  • Business (Accounting / Leadership & Management) – Develop financial and leadership expertise.

  • Construction / Engineering (Civil, Mechanical, Electrical) – Train for technical roles in the building and engineering industries.

  • Veterinary Technology / Rural Animal Care – Learn animal care in urban and rural contexts.

  • Wellness & Relaxation Massage / Enrolled Nursing – Develop health and therapeutic skills.


New Zealand Certificate Programs

  • Automotive / Electric Vehicle Engineering – Gain automotive and EV repair skills.

  • Beauty Therapy / Hairdressing / Fashion / Cookery – Train for careers in beauty, fashion, and culinary arts.

  • Construction Trade / Carpentry / Electrical – Prepare for hands-on roles in trades and construction.

  • Health & Wellbeing / Nursing / Midwifery / Exercise – Build healthcare and wellness skills.

  • Digital Media & Design / Photography / IT / Computing – Enter the tech and design industries.

  • Animal Care / Management / Healthcare Assisting – Learn practical animal handling and care.

  • Agriculture / Horticulture / Primary Industry Skills – Equip yourself for careers in land-based industries.

  • Outdoor & Adventure Education / Stonemasonry – Develop niche and in-demand skills.

  • Study & Career Preparation – Get ready for higher education or employment.

Admission Requirements for International Students

Admission requirements vary based on the level of study. Here are the general criteria:

·       English Requirement: The IELTS score requirements include an overall band score ranging from a minimum of 5.5 to a maximum of 6.5. Additionally, each individual band—Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking—should have a minimum score of 5.0 and should not exceed a maximum of 6.0 (and depend on the course).

·       Academic Requirement for Certificates and Diplomas: Applicants must meet NCEA Level 2 or its equivalent. This includes achieving at least a 55% average across four academic subjects in CBSE, HSC, or ISC, with a minimum of 60% in English, or the equivalent from other recognized education boards.

·       for Bachelor's Degrees and Selected Diplomas: For admission into bachelor's degrees or selected diploma programs, students should meet NCEA Level 3 or its equivalent. This typically means achieving at least a 70% average across four academic subjects in CBSE, HSC, or ISC, along with a minimum of 60% in English, or an equivalent standard in other boards.

Scholarships and Financial Aid for International Students

Otago Polytechnic offers a range of scholarships to help international students manage their tuition fees. Some key scholarships include:

Women in Engineering Scholarship

  • Receive $1,000 per year towards tuition for full-time female students enrolled in the Bachelor of Engineering Technology or NZ Diploma in Engineering (Civil, Electrical, or Mechanical) in 2025.

  • Eligibility: Must be a New Zealand citizen or permanent resident, not receiving any other scholarships, and have no outstanding debt with Otago Polytechnic.

  • Selection Criteria: Based on academic performance, future goals, and potential.

Women in IT Scholarship

  • A $2,000 one-off tuition fee reduction for female students currently enrolled in the Bachelor of Information Technology.

  • Awarded to a student who demonstrates strong potential, dedication, and the character to succeed in the IT field.

Student Life at Otago Polytechnic College

Life at Otago Polytechnic
Otago Polytechnic offers a hands-on, student-centered experience in a welcoming and inclusive environment.

Support for International Students
International students receive personalized support including orientation, academic assistance, visa help, and accommodation guidance.

Student Life and Activities
With diverse clubs, cultural events, and student initiatives, campus life at Otago is vibrant and community-focused.

Accommodation
Students can choose from safe, modern on-campus housing or get help finding off-campus options in Dunedin and other locations.

Explore Dunedin
Known for its student-friendly vibe, Dunedin offers a unique mix of natural beauty, historic charm, and lively cultural experiences—perfect for study and exploration.

How to Apply to Otago Polytechnic College

Applying to Otago Polytechnic College is easy and straightforward. Follow these steps to begin your journey:
  1. Choose Your Program:
    Select your desired undergraduate, postgraduate, or diploma course at Otago Polytechnic College.

  2. Prepare Your Documents:
    Gather your academic transcripts, English proficiency test results, and passport.

  3. Submit Your Application:
    Apply online through the Global Edupolis website or visit our office for in-person assistance with the application process.

  4. Wait for Your Offer Letter:
    Once your application is accepted, you’ll receive an offer letter. After that, you can proceed with enrolment and apply for your student visa.

Open chat
Hello
Can we help you?