Support
Information for parents and whānau
From choosing a programme to moving away from home for the first time, here are the answers to questions we often get from parents and whānau.
How to choose where and what to study
Guiding the potential student in your family through study and career decisions can be tricky.
Here are some questions that can help start the conversation:
- What are you interested in? Do you have a particular passion you’d like to follow?
- What are your career goals?
- Do you prefer working with people or on your own?
- Are you interested in making or repairing things?
- How do you like to learn?
- Would you prefer working indoors or outdoors?
- Where would you like to live?
- Would you like to stay local, live abroad, or travel?
- How are you going to fund your study?
Our Career Advisors can provide expert advice on study pathways and career options. Get in touch for personalised support to help you choose your next steps.
Ways to help your potential student
Campuses
We have unique campuses in Dunedin and Central Otago, plus an Auckland campus dedicated to international students.
Learn more
Why choose Otago Polytechnic?
Our people are friendly and approachable, and we work hard to create an inclusive, welcoming atmosphere. Our campuses are vibrant, comfortable places to study, and we also offer online resources to keep distance learners connected. We offer lots of ways to get involved, meet people, and make friends.
We maintain high rates of student satisfaction and success. Along with specialised subject expertise, our lecturers all receive training on how to teach well, which means they have the skills to share their knowledge effectively. Our graduates enter the workforce with confidence.
We give our learners a high level of personalised support, including study support, career advice, counselling, cultural support and more. As a result, our students have the tools they need to complete their programmes. In 2024, we were ranked 2 nd amongst all Tertiary Education Organisations in New Zealand for degree completions.
Support services
We offer personalised support to our students, including help with academic skills, career advice, and personal wellbeing. We are always happy to chat, just email or drop by the Student Success office.
What’s the difference between polytechnic and university education?
Polytechnics offer a wide variety of qualifications at all levels of learning, from certificates to degrees to postgraduate. A degree from a polytechnic is comparable to a degree from a university – the main difference is the style of learning.
In general, polytechnic education provides a focus on practical, hands-on skills with a strong career focus. At Otago Polytechnic, we provide a supportive learning environment where you get to practise what you learn, so that you develop your knowledge and grow in confidence. You’ll graduate ready to step into the workplace.
Polytechnic is a good choice
Polytechnic is a good choice for someone who knows what they would like to study, and has an idea of what they would like to do after they graduate. It also is much more practical and hands-on, providing work-ready skills that are relevant to industry.
OUSA and OPSA
Otago Polytechnic students can access services and events from the Otago University Students Association (OUSA), including clubs and societies, recreation, food, events and more. We also host plenty of fun events and activities on campus, and the Otago Polytechnic Student Association (OPSA) is completely dedicated to Otago Polytechnic students.
What’s the difference between secondary school and tertiary study?
Starting tertiary study can be a bit of an adjustment. There is more independence and freedom, which also means more responsibility. At this level, it is up to the student to show up to class and hand in assignments on time, and to ask if they need additional help.
In secondary school, students are generally in a supervised class most of the day, five days a week. At polytechnic or university, classes are less frequent – they may only be on certain days of the week, during set times. There are fewer contact hours with teachers, and more self-directed work. There may also be placements, internships, community projects or other off-campus learning activities. It is reasonable to expect to spend the same amount of time on full-time study as on a full-time job – 35 to 40 hours per week.
Polytechnic education prepares students to work with independence and confidence.
"For me personally, I think the biggest benefit has actually come with my confidence. In being able to speak up at work and to explore new ways of doing things."
Rosemary Anscombe, Bachelor of Culinary Arts student via Work Integrated Learning.
Student privacy
Unlike secondary schools, tertiary education providers cannot share information about students with anyone, even caregivers or family members, without written permission from that student. This is an obligation under the Privacy Act, which is designed to keep personal information safe and secure. If your student wants information, encourage them to approach us directly.
Accommodation
Comfortable accommodation is important, especially if you’re moving away from home for the first time. There are lots of great options available, both on and off campus.
