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Otago Polytechnic - Te Pukenga Campus

Dunedin, New Zealand

  • Cost of LivingNZ$ 16,834.2
  • Tuition Fee FromNZ$ 23,617
  • Country Rank-
  • Batch Strength8,000
  • Global Diversity-
  • Gender Ratio-

Overview

About

Otago Polytechnic, founded in 1870, is a public institution located in Dunedin, New Zealand. It is associated with the public tertiary education institution previously known as King Edward’s Technical College. In the early days, the institution began as a provider of evening classes for working professionals but later started offering day classes to secondary school students as well. This institution also introduced the country's first art school in 1921, and in 1966, the college was divided into a secondary school.

 

Otago Polytechnic is divided into three main campuses: Dunedin, Central Otago, and Auckland International. The schools of architecture, natural sciences, technology, and art are all located on the Dunedin campus with a  central library which contains  thousands of books, journals, and research papers to help students with their coursework. Two learning centres on the Central Otago campus provide computer training courses. The Auckland International campus was built specifically for international students and houses the Departments of Business & Management and Information Technology.

 

Otago Polytechnic is a great place to learn, with over 9000 students enrolled in its programmes. The research programmes and postgraduate degree offerings are top-notch, and so are the language learning courses and student exchange programmes. The student exchange programmes in particular allow students to learn a different curriculum in a different environment. And the industrial visits with faculty members are a fantastic way to gain knowledge and exposure to the industry and build work experience with internship opportunities under professionals.

 

There are also various scholarship programmes that are provided by the institution's scholarship committee and different kinds of grants and awards based on the student's needs. This institution also provides merit-based scholarships to students with great academic achievements.

 

Acceptance Rate

There is no current admission data available for Otago Polytechnic's acceptance rate. However, Otago Polytechnic has always had an open admission policy, which means that they admit any students who meet the minimal entry requirements for their programmes. Nevertheless, some Otago Polytechnic programmes may have restricted seats, and entry may be difficult based on characteristics such as academic performance, job experience, and other programme-specific criteria. 

Ranking

In terms of its ranking, Otago Polytechnic has consistently been recognized as one of the top tertiary institutions in New Zealand. It has been rated highly by both national and international ranking organisations. 

 

According to the New Zealand Government's Tertiary Education Commission, Otago Polytechnic is rated as a Category 1 provider, which is the highest possible rating for tertiary institutions in New Zealand. This rating reflects Otago Polytechnic's excellent educational performance, strong management, and financial stability. 

 

In addition, Otago Polytechnic's ranking has been high even on an international scale. In the 2022 QS World University Rankings, Otago Polytechnic was ranked in the top 50 in the world for its Hospitality and Leisure Management program. It was also ranked in the top 100 in the world for its Art and Design programme. Following is a detailed list of the latest overall rankings of Otago Polytechnic from various forums. 

 

  • Times Higher Education 2023: 301/1502
  • Center For World University Rankings 2022: 351/1994
  • Academy Ranking Of World Universities 2022: 301/1000

 

Course-Wise Rankings

 

Now that you have an idea of Otago Polytechnic’s overall ranking as an institution here's a breakdown of how it fares in different academic areas. This should give you a good sense of whether or not Otago is the right place to study your dream course.

 

Business

 

  • QS World University 2023: 151/252
  • Times Higher Education 2023: 301/1502

 

Arts

 

  • Times Higher Education 2023: 301/1502
  • US News 2020: 193/250

 

Medicines

 

  • Times Higher Education 2023: 301/1502
  • US News 2022: 147/999
  • Academy Ranking Of World Universities 2022: 101/500

 

Sciences

 

  • Academy Ranking Of World Universities 2022: 101/500

 

Humanities

 

  • Times Higher Education 2021: 201/501
  • US News 2022: 193/250

 

Law

  • Times Higher Education 2023: 301/1502
  • Academy Ranking Of World Universities 2021: 1051/300

 

Overall, Otago Polytechnic's strong reputation and excellent ranking reflect its commitment to providing high-quality vocational and applied education to its students.

Year

QS Ranks

US News Ranks

2023

-

-

Facilities

Otago Polytechnic provides a variety of facilities and services to students in order to provide them with the best learning environment possible. Otago Polytechnic facilities include a number of cafes and eateries for students to relax and connect with one another. The Dunedin campus is known to provide numerous cultural, social, recreational and practical areas too such as: 

 

  • Breastfeeding rooms
  • Interfaith halls
  • Pasifika learning room
  • Sports centre
  • Maori Centre
  • A fitness facility

 

The campus also includes a farm garden on campus where students can sit in the green, breathe in the fresh air, and even pick naturally grown vegetables for their dinner. 

 

The central Otago campus, on the other hand, is well-known for its common rooms, which serve as a great place for students to catch up with friends over a cup of coffee or some food. Overall the university has a wide variety of services and facilities to offer its students such as:

 

  • Student health centres 
  • Programme-specific classroom facilities 
  • Art barns and design studios
  • EPICentre
  • Food and hospitality training areas
  • IT game development studio
  • Trades Training Centre
  • Disability services 
  • Career services 
  • Health and well-being supports
  • OPSA student association

Notable Alumni

Gina Crampton
Gina Crampton
New Zealand netball international
Ann Culy
Ann Culy
New Zealand jeweler
Josh Dickson
Josh Dickson
New Zealand rugby union player

Courses

Admission

Otago Polytechnic Entry Requirements

 

The Otago Polytechnic entry requirements vary depending on the programme of study, level of qualification, and previous academic background of the applicant. English language proficiency, academic qualifications such as high school diplomas or certificates, and relevant work experience are all important considerations. If you're applying to an arts or design programme, you may be required to submit a portfolio to demonstrate your artistic abilities and potential. Interviews are also part of the Polytechnic entry requirement to assess applicants' health and character.

 

Here is a detailed overview of the major prerequisites of Otago Polytechnic for Indian applicants. 

 

For Undergraduate Programmes:

 

Certificates and diplomas with NCEA Level 2 entry requirements.

NCEA Level 3 entry requirements for bachelor's degrees and selected diplomas.

Minimum of 55% average in four academic subjects in CBSE, HSC, or ISC, with a minimum of 60% in English, or equivalent in other boards.

A minimum of 70% in four academic subjects in CBSE, HSC, or ISC, with a minimum of 60% in English, or equivalent in other boards.

 

For Graduate Programmes:

 

  • Applicants must have a bachelor's degree or its equivalent from an accredited university.
  • During the bachelor's course, a minimum B- or grade 7 and equivalent are required
  • And relevant work experience in a related industry.

 

It's worth noting that entry requirements for different programmes may differ, so it's always a good idea to check your course page on the website or connect with the Otago Polytechnic admissions office for specific information about the requirements for your chosen programme.

 

English Language Requirements

 

International students who wish to study at Otago must take one of the following exams and obtain the minimum score listed below:
 

Test

Minimum Score

IELTS

6.5

TOEFL IBT

79

Cambridge Test C1/C2

176

Pearson Test of English

58

 

 

Otago Polytechnic Fees

 

The following list includes some of the most popular courses along with the average annual Otago Polytechnic fees for each of them:

 

  • UG Diploma: $19,330 - 23,206 NZD
  • PG Diploma -$19,000 - 24,500 NZD
  • BBA - $20,480 NZD
  • MIM - $18,932 NZD
  • B.Tech - $24,173 NZD
  • Applied science - $22,800 NZD
  • Business & Management - $20,480 - 36,260 NZD

 

Otago Polytechnic Placement

 

Graduates from Otago Polytechnic are in high demand! The employment rate for domestic students at Otago Polytechnic in 2019 was 82%, according to a report by the New Zealand government. That indicates just six months after graduating, 82% of domestic students who earned a qualification at Otago Polytechnic were employed.

 

Otago Polytechnic placement rates may vary for overseas students as well as depending on the program and year. Additionally, in the post-COVID-19 era, this information could not accurately depict the job situation today. But one thing is certain: employers are very interested in hiring Otago Polytechnic grads. 

 

The Career Development Center or Admissions Office at Otago Polytechnic is the best place to go if you want up-to-date information about the institution's placement and employment statistics. The most precise and detailed information can be obtained from these offices.

Scholarship

To help students who are continuing their education financially, Otago Polytechnic offers a variety of scholarships to both domestic and foreign students. These scholarships can pay for living costs, tuition, and other relevant charges. Merit-based scholarships, hardship grants, and research fellowships are among the financial aid options, which vary by program and degree of study. Each scholarship may have different requirements for applicants, but in general, they must show academic excellence, financial need, and dedication to their field of study. 

 

Furthermore, some scholarships could need applicants to submit an essay, a portfolio, or other proof of their qualifications. In general, Otago Polytechnic's scholarship programmes offer students an invaluable chance to pursue their academic and professional objectives with financial assistance. Here are some top scholarships offered by Otago Polytechnic to prospective students. 

 

  • Otago Polytechnic Bachelors scholarship
  • Otago Polytechnic Postgraduate Diploma scholarship
  • Otago Polytechnic Masters scholarship

 

Applying for scholarships can feel like a daunting task, but if you’re aspiring to study in New Zealand, you can turn to UniScholars to help you apply for scholarships so you can make your dreams of studying in New Zealand a reality. You can also pick from a variety of merit-based and need-based scholarships that can fund part of your tuition fees or living expenses abroad.

Finances

Most international students must provide evidence of sufficient funds in order to obtain a visa, and many of them decide to take out student loans to pay for their education abroad. Usually, the university will offer prospective students loans and allowances to help them pay for their studies, but, Otago Polytechnic doesn't offer any student loan programmes for foreign students. If you are an Indian student, UniCreds can help you get your education loan application approved. Offering a range of collateral-free loans, UniCreds gives you the opportunity to get your loan sanctioned within 48 hours.

Accommodation

Otago Polytechnic offers a range of accommodation options for students, including on-campus and off-campus options.

 

On-campus accommodation is available at the Otago Polytechnic Student Village, which is located within walking distance of the Dunedin campus. The student village consists of fully furnished apartments with single bedrooms, shared living areas, and kitchen facilities. The village also provides a range of amenities, including study spaces, a gym, and social areas.

 

Off-campus accommodation options include homestays, private rentals, and shared accommodation. There is also Salmond college hall of Residence which is only a 15-minute walk from the Dunedin campus. Salmond College is also a great off-campus place for students to meet like-minded people and make friends. The college accepts both University students and Otago Polytechnic students - so you can navigate student life alongside your peers. 

 

Looking for student housing can be overwhelming, but UniAcco makes it easy. With a wide range of options to choose from, you can find the perfect place to live near your university. Whether you're looking for luxury studios or more budget-friendly shared apartments, UniAcco has got you covered.

Cost of Living

Dunedin is a popular destination for students in New Zealand, known for its vibrant culture and excellent educational institutions. The cost of living in Dunedin is relatively affordable compared to other cities in New Zealand, and it can vary depending on accommodation, food, transportation, and entertainment. Overall, students can expect to spend between NZD $350 to NZD $700 per week on living expenses in Dunedin, depending on their lifestyle choices. Here's a breakdown of the estimated cost of living for a student in Dunedin, New Zealand:


 

Particulars 

Cost (Monthly)

On-campus accommodation 

$1,083 NZD

Off-campus accommodation 

$900 NZD

Grocery

$19 NZD

Food

$218 NZD

Utility

$185 NZD

Transport

$45 NZD

Clothes

$206 NZD

Entertainment

$15 NZD

Total Cost of Living with Off-Campus Accommodation 

$1,588 NZD

Total Cost of Living with On-Campus Accommodation 

$1,771 NZD

Annual Cost of Living

$19,054 NZD