Get advice
Tertiary study opens up a lot of opportunities and gives you both academic, and life skills. Explore the resources we have in place for you and get advice on anything and everything - from what to study, what it's like on campus and even career advice.
We're here to help
Whether you're after study advice, don't know which course to choose, or need a hand easing into tertiary education, we have loads of people who can answer your questions, show you around our campus and programmes and help you with any decisions.
Our teams are here to support you before, during and after your studies, ensuring you get the most out of your time as a student.
Customer Services
If you’re in Dunedin, you are welcome to pop into our Forth Street office any time and talk to one of our friendly and knowledgeable team at our Customer Services desk. Just as you walk in the main entrance of The Hub, you will see the desk and people to help you.
Our team can even help you apply right then-and-there! We have a computer set up and can provide guidance as you go. This is a great option if you don’t have access to a computer or an internet connection. You can also apply using your mobile phone.
Help over the phone
We have a team of helpful staff waiting for the phone to ring too! This is a great option if you’re on our website and need something explained in more detail or you can’t find what you’re looking for. Call 0800 762 786 to talk to someone in our Contact Centre.
Liaison Advisors
Steph and Carly can help answer your questions about Otago Polytechnic and help you find the study option that’s right for you.
Our Liaison Advisors know our programmes, services and campuses like the back of their hand. Take a guided tour, get help with your application or learn more about what Otago Polytechnic can do for you. Our Liaison team can even tailor your visit to include specific study areas and facilities you're interested in.
You’ll find our Liaison team visiting secondary schools and at education and career expos around Aotearoa, New Zealand. You can contact Carly, Steph and Tereinamu directly – they are always happy to help!
Classrooms don't have to be lecture theatres and study rooms.
At least not on our campuses!
We're off getting real world experience,
that will help us nail that dream job.
Design and build whatever you need for your projects,
or create and express yourself in a space you can call your own.
We have some of the best technology available,
and there's no chance you'll be overlooked in our inspiring classes.
What better way to learn the art of hospitality,
than by experiencing the food service itself, from pasture to plate.
We learn our trade by doing.
And by having state-of-the-art tools, equipment and machinery...
gets us ready for the job!
Te Pā Tauira, our Dunedin Student Village, is a home away from home.
Of course, we have flexible options to fit study around your lifestyle.
We're committed to sustainability,
to make a real difference in the world.
And we'll continue to minimise our environmental impact.
We are proud to be Rainbow Tick Certified.
And support our students and staff to be their authentic selves.
Surround yourself with like-minded people.
Get access to the best equipment,
new technologies,
and world-class teaching.
Join us for fun, friends, community and support.
Get free career advice
Not sure what you want to do? Thinking of your next step? Learn about the many career options and job opportunities that are available to you, no matter what stage of study you are at.
Career advice is available to both prospective and current students. We offer expert guidance and a friendly ear to help you make informed career decisions based on your own personal values, goals, and interests.
We can discuss career options, a possible programme of study, job applications or interviews, or any other career related topic.
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Familiarise yourself with OPBrowse our Prospectus and Parents and Whānau Guide, both are great references for you to draw from to support your loved one on their decision-making journey.
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Take an interest in their studiesTalk about their ambitions and what they’d like to study and go through the Prospectus together. If you need more support in this space, we have Career Advisors to help.
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Encourage balanceStudying for the first time often coincides with making more independent choices than ever before. It’s a good idea to promote a balanced lifestyle - a healthy dose of fun and study.
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Money mattersHave conversations about costs - both to study and live as a student. StudyLink offer student loans and allowances to domestic students.
Frequently asked questions
We know you might have some questions about studying and everything that comes with it! We’ve pulled together some common questions but reach out to us if you can’t find the answer to what you want to know.
Usually, semester one runs from late February until late June, and semester two runs from mid-July until mid-November. These dates may not apply to all programmes and there may be some variations.
Once you have submitted your application, our Academic Registry team will gather together the required information, then will pass it on to the academic staff for review. If accepted into a programme of study, you will receive an offer letter, which you need to accept (via our applications portal) to secure your place.
Domestic and international programme fees are listed on the corresponding programme pages on our website. Explore the various funding options for free fees and various government-led initiatives. StudyLink can take the financial pressure off, offering student loans for course fees and allowances.
Where possible, we’ve also included an Additional Cost section. This shows the amount of money you will need to pay for things like specialist equipment or textbooks.
Apply for student loans and allowances at the same time as you apply for your programme of study due to the length of time StudyLink can take to process. If you have a change of circumstances, simply contact Studylink and they will advise you.
StudyLink can help with:
- compulsory student fees
- course-related costs (e.g. books, laptops, etc.)
- day-to-day living costs
- other costs (e.g. disability or childcare)
Fees Free is a Government scheme that means your first year of tertiary study could be free (up to $12,000/120 credits). You qualify if you’ve never been enrolled in tertiary study over 60 credits at Level 3 or higher in New Zealand and are a domestic student.
Timetables are usually released just before your programme starts or sometimes in the first days of study. If you need to know approximately how many hours a week you’ll spend studying, check out the programme information sheet 'Your workload' section.
Our Student Success team are here to help you with any issues that pop up along the way – and yes, they’re here over the semester break and holidays! You can chat to them about your study, money worries or even personal problems. They are available on our campuses and online, to cater for all of our different study modes.
Free parking for Otago Polytechnic students is available at the Forsyth Barr Stadium car park. When you start, you’ll need to complete a Parking Form and we’ll send you a parking permit.
If you’re thinking of studying with us but feel that cost is a barrier, don’t panic! We have a variety of scholarships to help you. Some of our scholarships are for any of our programmes but some are for specific programmes.
Each scholarship may have a different application processes and deadline. Most of our scholarships are for domestic students but we do have some for international students too.
Take a tour
Take a guided tour of our Dunedin campus, tailored to include specific study areas and facilities you’re interested in.
Make an enquiry
Explore our campuses
We’d love to give you a guided tour around our campuses, so you can get a real feel for what its like to be a student at Otago Polytechnic in Dunedin, Cromwell or Wanaka.
