New Zealand University
Otago Polytechnic
Otago Polytechnic
Why choose Otago Polytechnic
Dunedin is a vibrant student-centered city nestled along the beautiful Otago Harbour. Students make up about one-fifth of the total population, with a student community of 26,000. It is a city that takes pride in its high academic standards, driven by both local and international students.As a city built for students, it offers exceptional facilities and a fantastic lifestyle. Dunedin is also highly affordable compared to other major cities, making it an ideal choice for student living. Additionally, within just a 20-minute drive, you can reach 20 different beaches and lush forests to enjoy nature and outdoor recreational activities.
About the school
The foundation of technical and creative education in Dunedin began with the establishment of New Zealand’s first School of Art in 1870, followed by a Technical College in 1889. Built upon this rich heritage, Otago Polytechnic today offers a wide range of specialized programs in Engineering, Adventure, Building, Design, Commerce, Computing, Hospitality, Horticulture, and Health.Otago Polytechnic operates campuses in Dunedin (the second-largest city in the South Island), Queenstown, Wanaka, and Cromwell. The institution actively supports students’ career readiness and successful entry into the workforce by providing practical, hands-on learning experiences tailored to local industry needs.
Recommended programmes
Otago Polytechnic has two main campus locations, with its primary campus situated in Dunedin. This main campus houses the hospitality management department and its related facilities, which include fully operational training cafes and restaurants. Among the campus support services, the International Student Center stands out with a friendly, dedicated team always ready to assist international students with any challenges they might face. For admission into most programs at Otago Polytechnic, applicants are generally required to have an IELTS score of 5.5 or 6.0, or an equivalent level of English proficiency.Below are the details for some of our premier programs:
- Bachelor of Nursing
The Bachelor of Nursing is a three-year program based at the Dunedin campus, with an annual tuition fee of $29,000. This program offers a comprehensive and robust practical education tailored for aspiring nurses, ranging from foundational nursing practice and pharmacology to advanced simulations and hands-on clinical placements. Upon graduation, students qualify to sit the national registration exam to become a Registered Nurse (RN) in New Zealand, marking the perfect start to a professional career in healthcare. Applicants are required to achieve an IELTS score of 6.0 in each band.
- Master of Applied Management
The Master of Applied Management is an intensive 18-month postgraduate program held at the Auckland campus, with a total tuition fee of $42,885. Moving far beyond abstract theory, this course emphasizes practical, industry-aligned education that can be immediately applied to the corporate world. It is designed to propel graduates into senior management roles by cultivating strategic leadership, real-world problem-solving capabilities, and invaluable industry-connected project experience. The English language requirement for this program is an overall IELTS score of 6.5, with no individual band below 6.0.
- Bachelor of Social Services
The Bachelor of Social Services is a three-year program located at the Dunedin campus, with an annual tuition fee of $26,600. This highly practical degree allows students to pursue deep, specialized learning in their chosen focus areas, such as social work or counseling. Through extensive real-world field placements, students develop into skilled human services professionals capable of supporting individuals and local communities to drive meaningful, positive change. To enter this program, applicants must have an overall IELTS score of 6.5, with a minimum of 6.5 in each individual band.
Bachelor of Nursing (Nursing)
From core theories like nursing practice and pharmacology to advanced simulation and on-site clinical placements, this program provides the robust practical experience required for aspiring nurses. Upon graduation, you will be eligible to sit the New Zealand Registered Nurse (RN) state examination to begin your professional career.
3 Years (Dunedin Campus)
IELTS 6.5 (with no band less than 6.5)
$29,000
Master of Applied Management(Master of Business Administration (MBA))
Going beyond theory, this highly practical postgraduate program is designed for immediate application in the real business world. It empowers your career leap into executive leadership by providing critical insights into strategic leadership, real-world problem-solving, and hands-on industry-connected projects.
18 Months (Auckland Campus)
IELTS Overall 6.5 (with no band less than 6.0)
$42,885
Bachelor of Social Services (Bachelor of Social Services )
This is a practical-focused degree program that allows you to deepen your knowledge by choosing a specialization such as social work or counselling. Through hands-on fieldwork placements, you will grow into a professional human services expert equipped to support individuals and communities, and drive positive social change.
3 Years (Dunedin Campus)
IELTS Overall 6.5 (with no band less than 6.5)
$26,600
※ For detailed course start dates, english requirements, and tuition fees, please contact a SOL Education & Migration specialist.
Start your brilliant future at Otago Polytechnic, renowned for its practical education and strong industry connections!
Immersive real-world experience beyond theory, professional skills to make you job-ready from day one, and an exceptional study environment in Dunedin—New Zealand’s ultimate student city—are all waiting for you.
