Transforming International Education for Otago Polytechnic through a Strategic Joint Venture
March 2012
In response to the growing global demand for high-quality tertiary education, we identified international education as a key strategic growth opportunity for Otago Polytechnic. To bring this vision to life, a Joint Venture was established in 2012, aimed at expanding the institution’s reach and impact beyond its traditional campus base.
The result was the launch of a purpose-built, fully managed campus in Auckland New Zealand, offering an end-to-end education management solution. This included oversight of academic delivery, student services, compliance, operations, and international recruitment — all aligned with NZQA standards and Otago Polytechnic’s commitment to excellence.
Starting with a modest intake, the campus experienced steady and sustainable growth, reaching over 1,100 equivalent full-time students (EFTS) within six years. It offered a diverse suite of NZQA-accredited programmes, from Certificates through to Master’s degrees, in high-demand fields such as Applied Management, Quantity Surveying, and Information Technology.
This Joint Venture not only delivered significant enrolment growth and revenue generation but also extended Otago Polytechnic’s brand into key international markets. It stands as a model of successful public-private partnership, innovation in campus management, and the power of strategic internationalisation in tertiary education.