Surge in demand for Otago Polytechnic’s degree-level programmes

Demand for Otago Polytechnic’s degree-level programmes in 2019 has risen significantly.

Applications for Bachelor programmes in 2019 are up by more than 18% compared to the same time last year, while overall applications at Otago Polytechnic are up by 3%.

The budget for 2019 is for total enrolments to increase by 2.4% over the 2018 actuals.  Domestic enrolments are budgeted to increase by 4%, and more than 10% over the previous two years.

International enrolments are budgeted at more than 1400, in line with targets and a 12% rise since 2017.

“It is pleasing to note the increasing trend of applications in multi-year programmes as opposed to short duration programmes,” Phil Ker, Chief Executive Otago Polytechnic, says.

“The number of students reflects the attractiveness of our programmes, the quality of our teaching and our innovative approaches to learning.

“Otago Polytechnic’s varied programmes help to address some marked skills shortages, not only in Dunedin and Otago, but throughout New Zealand. 

“Our achievements in the face of declining sector enrolments reflect our success in servicing not only school leavers but experienced adults in the workplace.”

Otago Polytechnic is also in a strong financial position, again bucking sector trends.

“Our 2018 Otago Polytechnic group unaudited surplus is expected to be ahead of budget and forecast with a draft unaudited result of 4%.

“We are currently finalising the financial statements. The strong surplus is related to good growth in domestic and international EFTS along with returns from our revenue diversification projects.

“The financial result from the first year of operation of Te Pā Tauira (the Otago Polytechnic Student Village) was very good, with high occupancy and favourable cost variances. 

“This is a strong result given the challenges of the ITP sector,” Phil says.

Otago Polytechnic continues to innovate, including its ever-growing suite of EduBits microcredentials, and its suite of brewing qualifications, which have been crafted around its commercial Rough Rock Brewery, which was officially opened in Bannockburn in December.

Jo Brady, Otago Polytechnic Deputy Chief Executive, describes the brewery as a “flipped” model: “It’s a fully commercial brewery that supports our new suite of brewing programmes, which begin in mid-February.

“This makes it distinctly different from a traditional approach and means learners gain experience in a commercial operation,” Jo says.

The purpose-built brewery is part of a $3 million redevelopment of Otago Polytechnic’s Central Otago Campus Bannockburn site, including a new trades block that also houses carpentry and automotive facilities.

A strong, high-performing and resilient organisation, Otago Polytechnic provides “tremendous benefits” for Dunedin and Otago, including contributing more than $300 million a year to the Otago economy, according to a recent Economic Impact Report.

“We contribute to our communities in other ways, too – through student projects, sponsorships, and making our resources, including buildings and equipment, freely available,” Phil says.

“Recently, we became the first organisation in New Zealand to win the Baldrige-affiliated Performance Excellence Study Award (PESA), a prestigious organisational excellence award.”