Our learners are spread throughout New Zealand. They are as varied as the population of our beautiful country. A common goal they all share is to improve their knowledge and skills through online and distance learning.

More than 25% of learners who choose to study at a New Zealand institute of technology or polytechnic enrol with Open Polytechnic. They choose us because our flexible online courses let them study when and where it suits them – fitting learning around work and life.

We’re one of the largest educators of people already in the workforce. Over 95% of our learners study part-time to build skills that help them move forward in their current job, switch careers, or return to work.

Some key statistics on how many learners enrol at Open Polytechnic each year, and what they look like are below:

• 38,750 individual learners.
• 74% were in employment
• 97% studied with Open Polytechnic part time
• 7% had no school qualifications
• 69% were female
• 20% were Māori
• 86% were aged 25 years or over

I worked shift work, so I couldn’t commit to attending formal classes and with my lifestyle. I am very self-focussed which helped me make the choice to study with Open Polytechnic as I knew I could knuckle down and commit to online learning.

Sam Johnstone, Bachelor of Business (Management)

What our learners say

Each year, Open Polytechnic commissions an independently conducted survey to gain feedback from our learners on how they rate their study experience with us. The Open Polytechnic consistently receives high student satisfaction levels and feedback that learners and employers value the knowledge and skills gained from completing our courses and programmes.

Some key information from the independent survey* on our student satisfaction levels is below:

• 94% agree they are satisfied with their Open Polytechnic study
• 85% believe their employers would consider their qualification valuable
• 87% say their study will be valuable for a future job
• 80% say their study is valuable for their current job
• 87% say Open Polytechnic courses are good value for money
• 96% say their study is valuable to help them succeed/achieve their personal goals
• 94% say their study is valuable to guide their future career choices and decisions 

*Results for survey independently conducted by Verian (2024)

Everything I learned, I was able to apply straight away. Upskilling and understanding the theory has really helped me when it comes to not only my confidence but pitching my ideas. I think it is also knowing the language of marketing – it is now instilled in me and I can speak it when I am talking to clients or in the boardroom.

Jenaia Clarke, Bachelor of Business (Marketing)

Where our learners come from

Open Polytechnic learners are spread throughout the country and largely study in their own homes and workplaces. Most learners value the opportunity to study online and stay in their town or region to complete their studies, rather than travelling to an education provider to attend classes.

More details on the regions around New Zealand where our learners live are below:

• 4% Northland
• 27% Auckland
• 10% Waikato
• 7% Bay of Plenty
• 1% Gisborne
• 3% Taranaki
• 6% Manawatu/Wanganui
• 3% Hawkes Bay
• 12% Wairarapa/Wellington
• 4% Nelson/Marlborough
• 1% West Coast
• 15% Canterbury
• 5% Otago
• 2% Southland
  
  

All of these statistics were updated for 2024.

My goal is to work within Taranaki after graduation, so it has been beneficial to complete my placements here and build connections.

Roka-Reni Osborne, Bachelor of Social Work