Otago Polytechnic: Fact sheet

Below is our fact sheet for 2024. Our academic year aligns with the calendar year. 

Student life in Otago header

Contact information

Name

Te Pūkenga - New Zealand Institute of Skills and Technology Otago Polytechnic (OP)

Postal address

Otago Polytechnic 

Forth Street, Dunedin Central

Private Bag 1910 

Dunedin 9054 

New Zealand

Phone

+ 64 3 477 3014

Website of Otago Polytechnic
Institutional Study Abroad and Exchange Coordinator (Incoming and outgoing students)

Email: studyabroad@op.ac.nz 

Phone: + 64 3 477 3014 

Cellphone: +64 21 705 976

Semester information

Academic calendar dates

Semester one: 26 February 2024 - 28 June 2024 

Semester two: 22 July 2024 - 22 November 2024

Orientation session for international students

Semester one 2025: 12 and 13 February 2025

Semester two 2025: 9 and 10 July 2025

Application information

Nomination

Students must be officially nominated by their home institution before submitting an application. 

Nomination deadlines are below:

  • Semester 2 2024 (July - November): 20 March 2024
  • Semester 1 2025 (February - June): 1 November 2024
  • Semester 2 2025 (July - November): 18 April 2025
Nomination Form

Please use our Nomination Form

Application dates

Application deadlines are below:

Semester 2 2024 (July - November 2024): 3 April 2024

Semester 1 2025 (February - June) 2025: 15 November 2024

Semester 2 2025 (July - November) 2025: 2 May 2025

Application documents required
  • Application form 
  • Verified passport copy 
  • Tertiary academic transcript (in English language) with an explanation of the grading system
  • Proof of English Language skills. IELTS B2 or higher.
  • One page letter of motivation 
  • Portfolio (for Design, Art or Architecture)

In addition

  • To apply for approval to study IT courses, a student is required to provide the course outlines (in English) of all IT courses already studied in their home programme.
Letter of acceptance

Letters of offer will be sent by email directly to the student by:

Semester 2 2024: 6 May 2024

Semester 1 2025: 29 November 2024

Semester 2 2025: 30 May 2025

Course information

The language of instruction

English

Standard full-time workload

For exchanges and study abroad of one to two semesters only. 

  • 60 NZ credits / usually four courses of 15 credits each, per semester 
  • With approval of the home institution, a workload totalling 45 credits (three courses) per semester can be allowed. 
  • The course lists will be updated in November and will be emailed to our international partners. 
Transcript of records

Transcript of records will be sent to the student within four weeks of the official end of the programme of study when possible. 

Housing, living costs and other pre-arrival information

Accommodation offered to international students

Homestay

Homestay accommodation is available. See our webpage for more information or email homestay@op.ac.nz

Student Village Accommodation 

Find out more here.

Other accommodation 

Options can be found here.

Estimated cost of living

Useful information can be found on the Study in New Zealand website.

Medical and health insurance

Students must have Otago Polytechnic approved medical and travel insurance. We prefer students to use Uni-Care insurance. You can find the details here.

Visa and work rights while studying

Please refer to immigration websites, such as:

Please apply for a student exchange visa.

Fees / Cost

Study Abroad: $8750 tuition fees per semester payable to Otago Polytechnic

Exchange: No tuition fees

Compulsory medical and travel insurance: $380 for one semester or $650 for a full year

Compulsory student levies: $656