Bachelor of Social Work
Open Polytechnic
Open Polytechnic is a public, government-owned tertiary institution in New Zealand that focuses on open and distance learning. It suits students who want to study at a national provider without needing a traditional campus-based model.
Open Polytechnic provides tertiary education through open and distance learning. It is described as a specialist national provider, but no subject areas or programme titles are published in the information available, so the programme catalogue should be confirmed on the official website.
International students should apply through the university’s official admissions channels and check the entry requirements on its website before starting an application. Because the published information does not give programme-specific admissions rules, required documents, or deadlines, those details must be confirmed directly with the admissions office.
The university does not publish a tuition fee for international students in the information available; confirm the current rate with its admissions office. Living costs will depend on accommodation, transport, and personal spending in New Zealand, so check local estimates separately before applying.
For a student moving from abroad, the key practical point is that Open Polytechnic operates through open and distance learning, so you should confirm how your programme is delivered and what study support is available online. Also check the language of instruction, visa requirements, device and internet needs, and whether any in-country attendance is required by your chosen programme.
There are 12 universities in New Zealand, and Open Polytechnic sits apart from a typical campus university because it is the country’s specialist national provider of open and distance learning. That makes it a different option for students who need flexible study rather than a location-based university experience.
Written from this university's catalogue entry and its cited encyclopedia summary. Figures are only shown where the institution or a cited source publishes them — always confirm fees and entry requirements with the university itself before applying.
It is a public, government-owned tertiary education institution in New Zealand.
It is located in Waterloo, Lower Hutt, near Wellington.
It operates as a specialist national provider of open and distance learning.
It provides tertiary education at a national level for 30,000 students each year.
The Open Polytechnic of New Zealand or Open Polytechnic is a government-owned tertiary education institution operating as the specialist national provider of open and distance learning (ODL). Located in Waterloo, Lower Hutt near New Zealand's capital city Wellington, Open Polytechnic provides tertiary education at a national level for 30,000 students each year.
2 programs across 2 study levels.
Open Polytechnic
Open Polytechnic
Indicative annual tuition
On request
Indicative living cost
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Fees vary by programme and are indicative. Confirm exact fees with the university before applying.
Auckland, New Zealand · Public University
Dunedin, Otago, New Zealand · Public University
Palmerston North, Manawatū-Whanganui, New Zealand · Public University
Wellington, New Zealand · Public University
Last updated 29 Aug 2026. Information is provided for guidance — verify with official sources before applying.
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