Overview
*Subject to NZQA approval.
Make a difference in people's lives. Become an Occupational Therapist and help people achieve independence, meaning and satisfaction in their daily activities.
Work Augmented Learning
This tailored delivery begins in July 2026, is for those who are already in work and has been developed to enable a flexible learning approach.
You will learn through attending one day on campus per learning week, an evening online hui once a week which will create strong links between your learning and your everyday experiences in work, engaging with online learning content and completing fieldwork experiences.
- Study locally at NorthTec's Kaitaia, Ngāwhā and Whangārei campuses.
- Earn while you learn – Continue working (minimum 15 hours/week) in your job in a health, wellbeing or social service role.
- Culturally grounded – A strong bicultural lens including marae-based learning experiences
- Flexible delivery – Combines online learning, campus days, noho marae weekends, and fieldwork.
Your workload
- one day a week on campus (for 32 weeks in year 1, and 28 weeks in years 2 and 3)
- one 3-hour online hui per teaching week. This will be in an evening.
- fieldwork placements (4 full weeks in year 1, and 8 full weeks in year 2 and year 3)
- two additional days for fieldwork in year 1 and in year 3.
- noho marae (Friday – Sunday) four times in year 1, and two times in year 2 and year 3.
- spend around 4 hours per week engaged in online learning, along with some self-directed learning.
About the Programme
This programme is delivered at NorthTec Campuses, by Otago Polytechnic tutors. To apply, you will need to complete an Otago Polytechnic Application form.
- 3-year full-time degree (part-time options available).
- 1000 hours of fieldwork across diverse settings.
- Blend of academic courses and hands-on experiences.
- Eligible for registration with the Occupational Therapy Board of NZ upon graduation.
- Entry requirements NCEA Level 3 or equivalent qualifications, and engagment in relevant mahi (paid or volunteer) for at least 15 hours/week.
Support for Employers
Otago Polytechnic will help you and your employer understand study commitments and fieldwork requirements. View the FAQ.
What is whakaora ngangahau | occupational therapy?
Whakaora ngangahau | occupational therapy is a registered health profession under the Health Professions Competence Assurance act. Kaiwhakaora ngangahau | occupational therapists work alongside people to enable them to do the things they need and want to do to lead a satisfying life, however that may look for them. Occupational therapists work in health services (in hospitals and community, physical health settings and mental health settings), correction services, hauora services, NGOs, GP practices, schools and many other places.
Entry Requirements
All applicants must:
- be at least 16 years old at the time the programme commences.
- be able to understand follow, and respond to instructions given in English.
- be physically able to complete the programme specific outcomes
All applicants must:
- be at least 16 years old at the time the programme commences.
- be able to read, write, and communicate in English at a basic level.
- be physically able to complete the programme-specific outcomes.
All applicants must:
- be at least 16 years old at the time the programme commences.
- be able to read, write, and communicate in English at a basic level.
- be physically able to complete the programme-specific outcomes.
Applicants for whom English is not a first language must have an IELTS score of 5 with no band score lower than 5; or an accepted international equivalence.
All applicants must:
- be at least 16 years old at the time the programme commences.
- be able to read, write, and communicate in English at a basic level.
- be physically able to complete the programme-specific outcomes.
Applicants for whom English is not a first language must have an IELTS score of 5.5 with no band score lower than 5; or an accepted international equivalence.
Academic requirements
There are three options for achieving the entry criteria:
- NCEA Level 3 including:
- 14 credits at Level 3 or above in each of three NZQA approved university entrance subjects, and
- 10 Literacy credits at Level 2 or above, made up of 5 credits in reading and 5 credits in writing, and
- 10 Numeracy credits at Level 1 or above, made up of:
- specified achievement standards available through a range of subjects OR
- package of three numeracy unit standards (26623, 26626, 26627 - all three required)
- A Level 4 qualification on the National Qualifications Framework (NQF) equalling at least 60 credits completed in one year.
- Successful completion of university courses/units equalling at least 50% of a first-year student workload completed in one year.
International students will be individually assessed to ensure they meet degree-level entry requirements. All students (international and domestic) for whom English is not a first language:
- must demonstrate English Language skills with an IELTS overall band score (academic) of 6.5, with no band score lower than 6.5 OR
- must provide acceptable alternative evidence of English language proficiency depending on the visa decline rate of the country you are from. Please note: All scores must be achieved in a single test completed in the preceding two years. You cannot combine scores from multiple tests.
- If you have achieved NCEA Level 3 University Entrance you are not required to provide evidence of English Language skills.
Additional criteria
- You need to provide a medical examination report which shows you have a satisfactory level of physical and emotional health as certified by a general practitioner.
- You must submit recommendations of suitability from two referees who are not family members or friends (e.g. family friends or personal friends).
- All applicants who are accepted must obtain a Comprehensive Level 2 First Aid Certificate (Units 6400, 6401 and 6402), make a health declaration, provide their immunisation status and complete the requirements of the Vulnerable Children’s Act 2014 (including police vetting).
Intakes & Applications
Dates & Bookings
This programme is delivered at NorthTec Campuses, by Otago Polytechnic tutors. To apply, you will need to complete an Otago Polytechnic Application form.
Learn online with Open Polytechnic, with regional support by NorthTec:
- Access to a NorthTec facilities – computer/meeting room access, library and student support.
- Local workshops – optional workshops where you can be supported in your online learning with others studying the same programme as you. Located in Whangārei, Ngāwhā, Kerikeri, Kaitaia, & other campuses as demand requires.
Youth Guarantee Fund*
If you are aged 16 to 24, you could study for FREE as part of the government's Youth Guarantee fund. To qualify for the Youth Guarantee fund, you must meet the following criteria:
- Complete an application for a course that is covered by the Youth Guarantee fund.
- Be a NZ citizen or permanent resident.
- Be 16 to 24 years old at the time the course starts. Learners who are 15 years old and hold Ministry approved early leaving exemption from their school may also be eligible. This exemption must be in place before the course starts.
Priority places will be given to students who:
- have not yet achieved NCEA Level 1 or NCEA Level 2; or
- have completed a Level 1 or Level 2 qualification through a Youth Guarantee provision programme.
All free study is subject to funding confirmation. Proof of residency status is required. Programme entry criteria may apply. Eligibility for student allowances or student loans may vary. Contact Studylink for more information.
* All fees and study costs found on this website are indicative course fees only and exclude the Compulsory Student Services Fee (CSSF) levy and any course-related costs. The 2025 CSSF levy is $300 per full-time equivalent student (120 credits) for programmes level 3 and above.
Unless otherwise stated, prices are in New Zealand Dollars including GST. Prices that are not explicitly indicated as International are the domestic price and may differ for International students. For programmes longer than one academic year in duration, the fees quoted are for the first year. Final study costs depends on a number of factors including the courses you select to study. All fees and study costs are subject to confirmation, including zero fees courses.
Courses and programmes may be cancelled, postponed or have their content or configuration changed from time to time (including during the academic year) at the discretion of NorthTec. See our full Terms and conditions.
Additional Information
Employment Pathways
About Te Pūkenga
Following the Government’s announcement of its intention to disestablish Te Pūkenga | New Zealand Institute of Skills and Technology, please be assured that your programme of study or training will continue as planned while we work through the details of how this change will be implemented.
We are committed to ensuring that organisational changes that need to be made to meet the Government’s expectations do not impact the delivery of our programmes and training for our learners and employers.
If you need access to learner support services or have any concerns, please contact us.
