About Otago Polytechnic
Otago Polytechnic is a polytechnic institution based in Dunedin, New Zealand, with an additional campus in Cromwell (Central Otago). It traces its origins to 1870, when Scottish art teacher David Hutton opened the Dunedin School of Art — described as the oldest teaching department in the polytechnic sector and New Zealand's first art school. A separate technical school opened in 1889, and the two institutions shared premises before eventually merging into what became Otago Polytechnic, formally established in 1966.
The institution describes its relationship with Kāi Tahu as a formal partnership, and frames its commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi — including equity for Māori across all areas of the polytechnic — as a stated strategic priority. It holds a Rainbow Tick accreditation.
Otago Polytechnic states five strategic priorities: organisational sustainability, staff and community culture, learner educational success, active Treaty partnership, and financial sustainability.
Schools
Otago Polytechnic is organised into the following schools:
- Capable NZ
- Dunedin School of Art
- Food Design Institute
- Human and Community Services
- Institute of Sport, Exercise & Health
- Otago Secondary Tertiary College
- School of Animal Health
- School of Architecture
- School of Business
- School of Design
- School of Midwifery
- School of Nursing
- School of Occupational Therapy
The polytechnic also operates two student-led community initiatives: the Dunedin Wildlife Hospital and Pōpopo wormporium.
Campuses
Otago Polytechnic operates four campuses across New Zealand. Three are located in the Otago region and serve both domestic and international students; a fourth is dedicated exclusively to international students.
- Dunedin — the main campus, located in Ōtepoti (Dunedin), Otago's main centre. Includes Te Pā Tauira, a student village providing on-campus accommodation.
- Cromwell — a regional campus in Central Otago.
- Wānaka — a regional campus in Central Otago.
- Auckland International Campus — located in central Auckland, this campus is open to international students only.
Many qualifications are also available partially or fully online, independent of any campus location.
Address
Where Otago Polytechnic is based, taken directly from the Ministry of Education's own address record for this provider.
Approximate location, estimated from the provider's address via OpenStreetMap — not an official Ministry-verified coordinate. View larger map →
- StreetForth Street
- SuburbDunedin North
- CityDunedin
- Postcode9054
- Territorial authorityDunedin City
- RegionOtago Region
Contact Otago Polytechnic
Find the published contact details for Otago Polytechnic, including its phone number, website and other available contact information.
- Phone0800 762 786
- Emailinfo@op.ac.nz
- Fax03-4775185
- Websitewww.op.ac.nz/
Contact details combine official Ministry of Education records with information published on Otago Polytechnic's own website, reviewed by the KuraData team on 14 September 2026.
Other institutes of technology & polytechnics in New Zealand
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Northtec Whangarei
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Southern Institute of Technology Invercargill Central
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Tai Poutini Polytechnic Greymouth South
International Students
Otago Polytechnic accepts international students across a wide range of study areas. Programmes are available at certificate, diploma, bachelor, graduate diploma, postgraduate, and master's level. Study areas open to international students include Adventure, Animal Healthcare, Art, Business, Construction, Design, Education and Culture, Engineering, Food and Hospitality, Hair and Beauty, Health, Horticulture, Information Technology, Sport, Snowsports, and Trades and Pre-Trades.
Three study areas are highlighted as particularly popular with international students:
- English Language programmes, for students seeking to improve their English
- Bachelor of Applied Management, offered with seven specialty majors
- Information Technology
A Study Abroad and Student Exchange pathway is available for offshore students wishing to study at Otago Polytechnic for one or two semesters.
International students require a New Zealand student visa. Otago Polytechnic provides guidance on the visa application process. Accommodation scholarships are available to international students living in Te Pā Tauira, the student village, and a range of other scholarships are offered across different programmes.
International tuition fees vary by programme and level. A selection of fees from the international fees table illustrates the range:
| Programme | Level | Duration | Total fees NZD (per year) |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Zealand Certificate in Avalanche Risk Management | 5 | 12 weeks full-time | $9,200 |
| New Zealand Certificate in Bicycle Servicing | 3 | 17 weeks full-time | $13,800 |
| New Zealand Diploma in Business (Accounting) or (Leadership and Management) | 5 | 1 year full-time | $23,400 |
| New Zealand Diploma in Veterinary Nursing (Companion Animal Nursing) | 6 | 2 years full-time | $29,200 |
| Bachelor of Applied Management | 7 | 3 years full-time | $23,400 |
| Bachelor of Visual Arts (Honours) | 8 | 1 year full-time | $29,600 |
| Master of Fine Arts | 9 | 2 years full-time | $29,600 |
The fees table covers tuition only and does not include required additional costs. Some programmes carry a reduced scholarship fee, which is listed separately in the full fees table.
Accommodation
Otago Polytechnic offers accommodation options across its two locations: Dunedin and Central Otago. The options available to a student depend on which campus their programme is based at.
The following accommodation types are available:
- Te Pā Tauira — a fully-furnished student village located beside the Dunedin campus
- Salmond College — an off-campus, fully-furnished hall of residence available to Dunedin students only
- Flatting — student flatting in either Dunedin or Central Otago
- Homestay — living with a host family in either Dunedin or Central Otago
- Renting — private studio, hostel, or house rental in Dunedin or Central Otago
Otago Polytechnic states that ongoing accommodation assistance and support is available to students, and that student accommodation is subject to the Pastoral Care Code.
Facilities and Services
Otago Polytechnic operates a number of named student-led and institutional facilities available to students, staff, and in many cases the public.
- AKO Café
- Beauty Clinic
- Food Truck
- Hairdressing
- Kōwhai Centre
- Manaaki Restaurant
- Massage Clinic
- Plant Nurseries
- Tapuae
- EPICentre — a multidisciplinary workshop studio available to staff and students as a research facility
- Otago Polytechnic Childcare Centre — provides early childhood education and care for children up to five years of age
- Te Pā Tauira – Student Village — operates as summer accommodation in Dunedin during the summer period
Curated by the KuraData team from Otago Polytechnic's own website, reviewed 14 September 2026.
Data source
- SourceTertiary Providers Directory — Ministry of Education
- KuraData last checked6 September 2026
- Editorial content based onOtago Polytechnic's official website — reviewed 14 September 2026