Otago Polytechnic

Established in 1890, Otago Polytechnic is the oldest institute of technology in New Zealand.International students choose to study at Otago Polytechnic because of our reputation for providing students with an exceptional tertiary education.Nationally ranked at the top of our sector, Otago Polytechnic is an acclaimed and highly regarded institute of applied research and technology.* Based on Performance Based Research Funding (PBRF) Quality Evaluation announced by the New Zealand Government’s Tertiary Education Commission (TEC), see www.tec.govt.nz for more information.

Why Choose Otago Polytechnic?

Qualifications

Otago Polytechnic offers Degree, Diplomas, Certificates and Post-Graduate programmes in a wide range of subject areas.The degrees offered at Otago Polytechnic are the same status and level as degrees offered through the university system. The difference at Otago Polytechnic is the benefit ofvaluing equally bothhands-on learning experiences and theroetical learning. Our students are encouraged to be resourceful, innovative and creative, across all areas of study. We measure our success through our graduates, who enter the workplace armed with practical skills, the ability to generate original thoughts and ideas, combined with the capacity to adapt to the ever-changing work environment.

At Otago Polytechnic, you can take hold of your future!

Experience

Academic Programmes at Otago Polytechnic

Otago Polytechnic offers qualifications and programmes in a diverse range of subject areas. Otago Polytechnic's Post-Graduate Programs and Degrees, Undergraduate Degrees, Diplomas and Certificates will qualify you to enter the career you want. Our hands-on, practical focus, combined with our small classes and dedicated lectureres means that you will excel.

Our academic faculties and schools of study include:

The School of Foundation Learning (Including English Language Instruction)

The School of Veterinary Nursing

The School of Natural Resources

English Language Entry Requirements

To study at Otago Polytechnic most programmes require a minimum of IELTS 5.5 or 6.0 or equivalent. More details on exceptions to this and on individual score requirements are provided in the programme information.

Please check the Otago Polytechnic website www.otagopolytechnic.ac.nz for each programme's specificEnglish Language entry requirements.

Or, please download our International Students Guide (click here todownloadOtago Polytechnic'International Student's Guide)for more detailed information about Otago Polytechnic's English Language Entry Requirements.

What You Need to Know

The Academic Year: There are two main semesters which begin in February and July of each year. Most programmes start in the February semester, but there is a small intake into some programmes in July.

Entry Requirements: All academic programmes have individual entry criteria. If you already have tertiary qualifications you may be able to apply for cross-credits.

Health and Travel Insurance: The New Zealand Ministry of Education requires all international students to have health and travel insurance for the duration of their programme of study in New Zealand.

International students can choose their own health and travel insurance company, but initially, the Otago Polytechnic arranges a policy with InterGlobal, and includes this cost withyour yearlytuition fee. The insurance fee will be refunded if students arrange their own insurance, and can prove the policy complies with the minimum standards required by the Code of Practice for the Pastoral Care of International Students (a copy of the policy must be supplied to the International Centre in English).

Learning Skills Centre: A free and confidential service for all students. The Centre's staff has experience in linguistics and teaching English for speakers of other languages. Students can make regular, individual appointments for assistance with written assignments and exam preparation.

Facilities for Students - On Campus at Otago Polytechnic

• The Bill RobertsonLibrary - over 80,000 books and 550 periodicals all on electronic databases offering modern study facilities;
• Computer Suites on Campus- 24 hour access with internet and free email on high specification PCs and Apple Macintosh computers;
• On campus Medical Clinic with medical and counselling staff;
• A free sports gymnasium;
• Membershipin Otago Polytechnic's Student Association (OPSA).

Accommodation

There is a wide range of accommodation options to choose from for students studying at Otago Polytechnic. International students are best to choose a Hall of Residence (student hostels) for their first year, or a home stay for at least the first two months after theirarrival in New Zealand. Those under 18 years of age will be placed in a home stay unless their parents give permission for them to live elsewhere.

Halls of Residence: There are two Halls of Residence available to Otago Polytechnic students in Dunedin: Salmond College and City College. The Halls offer the opportunity to adapt to live in New Zealand while making friends and socialising with students in a safe environment. It is important to note that the Halls haveclosing dates for accomodationapplications.

Homestay: This is where students live with a New Zealand family in their own home.It is a good option for becoming familiar with the New Zealand lifestyle and provides an excellent opportunity to improve your English. Homestayaccommodation includes:

• Full board (breakfast and dinner Monday to Friday and 3 meals a day on the weekend)
• Your own bedroom and study facilities (this includes bed sheets, blankets and towels)
• Laundry facilities
• An excellent opportunity to improveyourlevel of English
• All homestay families are screened, interviewed and selected by Otago Polytechnic.

Students are expected to provide their own toiletries, clothing, study materials, special food, lunch on weekdaysand pay for their own entertainment and personal expenses. The host family is not required to provide transport.

Rented apartments: 'Going flatting' inNew Zealand,means to share a rented apartment or house with other students. Students can rent an apartment or house and share the costs with others in the property. A tenancy agreement must be signed with the landlord and a 'bond' must be paid. Extra costs are likely to include electricity, telephone, and food. The 'bond' will be refunded at the end of the tenancy provided the property is in the same state as when first rented.

Rental properties can cost between NZ$80-100 per room. With the additional costs students can expect to pay NZ$170 per week. Some rented apartments, may be furnished,while others may not have any furniture. So, it is important to ask what is provided before getting into a rental agreement.

Most student apartments or housesin Dunedin,are close to Otago Polytechnic, but there are others further away that may be less expensive to rent. Buses run throughout the city and many areas are within walking distance of the Polytechnic. For more information abouthousing options available for rentin Dunedin, visit our authorised accomodation listing service.

Yearly Living Costs inDunedin

Accommodation and Food - NZD $10 000;
Books and Materials - NZD $2000;
Transport -NZD $600;
Entertainment - NZD $4000.

The New Zealand lifestyle is different from that of other countries. Students may find that making some adjustments to their normal routine will help them have a successful experience.

Applying toOtago Polytechnic:

Applications are free and forms can be downloaded from

http://www.otagopolytechnic.ac.nz/students/international-students

For Further Information, please contact:International Centre
Otago Polytechnic
Private Bag 1910, Dunedin, New Zealand
Tel: +64 3 477 3014Fax: +64 3 471 6870
Email: [email protected]

Website: http://www.otagopolytechnic.ac.nz

Or contact the New Zealand Embassy or High Commission in your own country.