International Students
Whether you want to improve your English or prepare for a career, you can study one of our 180+ programmes and enjoy the fun, safe, New Zealand lifestyle while you doing it.
Kia ora and welcome
We are a leader in high-quality education with some of the best student achievement and satisfaction results in New Zealand. Our qualifications are recognised around the world and will prepare you for global career success.
Every year, Otago Polytechnic welcomes more than 8,000 students from all around the world to our campuses in Dunedin, Central Otago and Auckland - our campus in Auckland is our international campus and caters exclusively to our international students.
We offer a wide range of qualifications, from certificates to postgraduate programmes, and we have been given the highest possible quality rating from the New Zealand Government.
Aotearoa New Zealand
Aotearoa New Zealand is known for its stunning natural scenery, from mountains to lakes and coastlines. With a population of five million people, New Zealand is one of the least crowded countries in the world.
What you can expect at Otago Polytechnic
Career-focused qualifications
If getting a job at the end of your studies is important to you, then rest assured that we are very connected industry and employers. The programmes of study we offer are created with academic and industry experts for the sole purpose of making you an employable graduate.
Expert teaching
We employ teaching professionals who are experts in their field and can design bespoke programmes of learning to suit student needs. For international faculty we offer fit-for-purpose programmes in learning and teaching, industry engagement, work-based learning, advanced eLearning, English language and teaching practice in all subject matter areas taught at Otago Polytechnic.
Improve your English
In class, expect lots of discussion and learning through real-life experiences (internships) and reflection. Classes are taught in English, however we have multilingual staff available to help if you need some extra support. You will excel in our hands-on programmes that teach you transferable skills you can take anywhere. We pride ourselves on our pastrol care and high level of support that we offer all of our students
High level of support
We pride ourselves on our pastoral care and high level of support that we offer all of our students. As an international student, feel reassured that we do our best to make you feel at home on campus and have a range of support services that are always available to you.
International partnerships
Our relationships with international institutions range from informal friendships to formalised exchange and study abroad agreements, supporting our community and enriching the experiences of our staff and students.
Nomination and Application
Please note that our nomination and application processes are currently under review. These will be moving online soon. Until this happens please continue to email nominations.
Popular qualifications
Information to help you apply
Covid-19 Disruptions
New Zealand border restrictions
We know that the international educational sector has been significantly affected by Covid-19.Currently the New Zealand border is closed however there are some key dates to look forward to where international students can start entering again. Visit Immigration New Zealand’s Reopening the New Zealand border page for the latest information.
Study online while outside New Zealand
Just because the borders are currently closed, doesn’t mean you can’t study at Otago Polytechnic! We have a range of fully-online courses that give you a sought-after New Zealand qualification. Study with us from where ever you are in the world!
Once border restrictions are lifted you can apply for a student visa to continue your study in New Zealand. Evidence of your online study supports your visa application. You still must meet standard student visa requirements to get a student visa.
