We can help you do distance learning in your own time and place and achieve your goals, wherever you may be.
International students who study with us include:
- International students living in New Zealand.
- New Zealand citizens or residents living overseas
- International students living overseas
Go to the relevant section to learn more about studying in New Zealand as an international student:
- International students in New Zealand
- Studying from overseas
- Language requirements and student support information
- Pastoral care of international students
International students in New Zealand
If you are an international student in New Zealand, with a valid work permit, you can study by distance with us part-time.
Note: We do not accept international students on a visitor or student visa.
Admission requirements if you have a valid work permit
We accept international students who are in New Zealand with a valid work permit to study part-time.
If your study is a requirement of your employment we need a letter of authorisation from your employer (on letterhead). This must confirm that you need to undertake this training as part of your job.
If the study is not a requirement of your employment you need to apply for a variation of your visa conditions (see below).
If your work visa is for less than two years you must have appropriate insurance in place to cover medical care. This is part of the Education (Pastoral Care of International Students) Code of Practice 2016, Section 16(5). You need to give us your evidence of insurance cover.
If your work visa covers a period of more than two years, this is not required.
Admission requirements with no work permit
If your study is not a requirement of your employment you must get a variation of your visa conditions before you enrol. Before you do this you must:
- apply to Immigration New Zealand for a variation of conditions on your visa
- when you apply to study you must include verified evidence of your right to study in New Zealand.
Learn more bout options to vary the conditions of your visa and how to apply for a variation of conditions:
Varying the conditions of a work visa - Immigration New Zealand website
Can I study part-time while I work? - Immigration New Zealand website
Workshops
Some courses include face-to-face workshops. If you need to travel to attend the workshop, you need to arrange and pay for your own travel and accommodation. These costs are not included in the fees charged for the course.
Fees for international students studying in New Zealand
International students studying in New Zealand pay international course fees. Fees information is in the qualification page in the table in the Choose courses tab, or on the course page.
Studying from overseas
Information for New Zealand citizens or residents or international student living overseas.
Before you apply to study:
- Check if the qualification you want to study is available to overseas students.
- Check if the qualification has any specific entry requirements that you need to meet.
Studying from across the ditch
New Zealander Nicola Barry talks about how she completed her degree in Australia by studying by distance with Open Polytechnic. Watch her story now.
Learn more
Fees for students living overseas
- New Zealand Citizens living overseas – pay domestic fees (less GST).
- New Zealand residents living overseas – pay international course fees.
- International students living overseas – pay international course fees.
All overseas students must also pay an international handling charge.
Fee information is in the qualification page in the table in the Choose courses tab, or on the course page. You can also check our study fee page.
Sitting exams from overseas
When you are studying from overseas you can also sit any examinations you may need to sit overseas. There may be costs associated with this, and you will need to organise a venue, which we will help you with.
Language requirements and student support information
English language entry requirements
We teach all our courses in English. All international students must meet the English Language Entry Requirements for the qualification you are enrolling in. All other students, if English is not your first language you need to meet our English Language Entry Requirements for the qualification you are enrolling in.
For more information check:
- The qualification and courses pages of the area you want to study
- Our English language requirements information.
Online study
Study with Open Polytechnic is online. This means you can access all your course materials and submit assignments online. You can also get online resources from the Library .
When you enrol you will get an My OP account, which includes:
- access your courses
- check your results
- access your student email
- Office 365, which includes online versions of Word, Excel, PowerPoint and OneNote.
Online learning tools and services
Learning support
Whether you are in New Zealand or overseas, we support you through your studies. Our academic and support staff are available by email and phone. You can also ask questions and join discussions with staff in your online course pages.
As well as being able to study online, you can also access our library to get readings online.
After your finish your study
When you finish your study, we can help you to continue to study at partner education provider in New Zealand. Get in touch for more information.
Pastoral care of international students
Open Polytechnic has agreed to observe and be bound by the Education (Pastoral Care of International Students) Code of Practice 2016.
See the Student rights and conduct page to get a copy of the Code of Practice. Here you will also find information about immigration, health services and insurance in the International Students section.
How to make a complaint
Open Polytechnic has a complaints and concerns process for all students.
As an international student, if you have a complaint or concern it is important that you follow this process. It will help us to work with you to resolve your complaint.
If we can not resolve your complaint or concern you can contact the New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA). NZQA will provide an independent assessment and advice about your complaint.
You can submit your complaint on the NZQA website or to the email address below:
If your complaint is a financial or contractual dispute you can also contact iStudent Complaints. They are a free and independent service, with experience helping people resolve disputes.
To contact iStudent Complaints:
- 0800 00 66 75
- iStudent Complaints website.
Got any questions?
If you have any questions about studying with us as an international student get in touch.
Related information
How we'll support your studies