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.
Over 25% of learners enrolling in institute of technology and polytechnic study in New Zealand choose to enrol with Open Polytechnic. That’s because our flexible online learning courses and programmes mean learners are able to fit their studies around their work and life commitments.
One of the largest educators of the current workforce, over 95% of our learners study part-time, gaining the skills they need to help them get ahead in their current career, to change careers, or to re-enter the workforce.
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 appreciated the flexibility it offered, allowing me to work at my own pace and manage my studies around other commitments
Lucy Dorn, Graduate Diploma in Teaching (Primary Education)
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)
The courses are practical, flexible, and directly connected to real-world job performance and career growth.
Eva Haussmann, New Zealand Certificate in Health and Wellbeing
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
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
I couldn't see how I could do my teaching qualification without traveling to Auckland or Palmerston North every few weeks for tutorials and practicums, until I found Open Polytechnic’s programme.
Skye Stanley, Graduate Diploma Teaching (Secondary Education)
All of these statistics were updated for 2024.