For schools

Programmes for secondary students

Open Polytechnic can provide quality vocational and higher education programmes to senior secondary school students through a selection of our courses that can be funded through the STAR and Gateway programmes.

We also provide professional development for teachers and administrative personnel.  

We offer a number of courses that can be taken either separately to meet the specific, immediate needs of teachers or as part of a programme leading to a qualification such as a certificate or diploma. See the subjects and courses section for more information.

Most qualifications are open for admission throughout the year, and each course starts on the first Monday of the month chosen for enrolment. We will need an application for enrolment form for each student. We also need to have a signed agreement with the school that covers the responsibilities of each party.

What's available?

Open Polytechnic offers a variety of courses at Levels 1–4 on the National Qualifications Framework for students still attending school. These courses are for students wanting to prepare for pre-vocational, vocational and tertiary studies. Successful students will leave school with credits towards industry or tertiary qualifications.

The programme can also give students the opportunity to try out an area of interest or develop general skills that will stand them in good stead when they leave school.

We also offer school students access to courses at Levels 4 and 5 on the National Qualifications Framework. These are generally not unit standard-based and therefore cannot be credited towards the National Certificate of Educational Achievement, but they do give advanced students the chance to get started on higher-level educational qualifications whilst still at school.

In most cases, entry criteria apply. Diploma and degree courses will have to be studied during a set 17-week long trimester.

We recommend students take our introductory Certificate in Tertiary Study Skills before they enrol in a diploma or degree-level course.

Brochure and more information:

For more information, view the brochure below or request a brochure to be sent to you. Alternatively, you can download the brochure from the bottom of this page. If you have any questions please contact us.

Please note: The Ministry of Justice form has been replaced by the Authorisation to Disclose Information form. Please find Authorisation to Disclose Information form below.

Home schooling

To study with Open Polytechnic, a student under 16 must have a letter of exemption from the Ministry of Education (which is issued to the parents). A verified copy of this letter must be sent to us with a completed enrolment form.