University and Polytechnic Applications for 2026 – Key Information

By Jacqueline Irving | Posted: Thursday June 26, 2025

We continue to support students as they prepare for further education in their vocational pathway beyond our Archway.

Following the Tertiary Open Day, your son should now have begun his enrolment process. If he has not, the school holiday period is a good opportunity to get this underway. Some key links for popular tertiary providers can be found below.

Applications for Otago Polytechnic are open, and some students have already received conditional offers. Steph Kerslake, who presented at senior assembly, will return in Week 1 of next term to finalise course selections with students.

Last week, Laura Samuela, our Lincoln Liaison, spent two hours at school assisting students with scholarship, course, and Hall of Residence applications. On Tuesday, we hosted University of Otago Liaison Greg Hellier and Nick Bates, Head of College at Salmond Hall. Year 13 students were informed about how to apply for Entrance Scholarships, enrol online, and choose a Hall of Residence. 2026 Entrance Scholarships for the University of Otago open on Tuesday, 1st July, and close on 14th August. The holiday period is a great time to begin these applications.

To further support your son, we have booked course planning sessions for next term. Students need to inform their coaches, teachers, employers, or family friends if they are using them as referees on applications. Discuss with him who knows him well and can speak to his character—not just his academic, sporting, or cultural achievements. It is your son’s responsibility to ensure he submits applications before the due dates. It is important that he selects 2026—not 2025—from the drop-down menu when enrolling, as universities also have a mid-year intake for 2025. We were given a firm message that, in a competitive environment, late applications are unlikely to be considered.

Students requiring additional support with applications can find Ms Irving in Room 13 at lunchtime or email her to book an appointment.

Course Planning Dates in School Term Three

Otago Polytechnic Course Planning with Steph Kerslake Thursday 17th July 9 am – 12.30 pm at OBHS.

University of Otago Course Planning with Greg Heller Friday 18th July 9 am – 3 pm at OBHS.

The University of Canterbury Course Planning with Keegan Taie Thursday 21st August 1.30-3 pm at OBHS.

Victoria University Course Planning with Sophia Wall Thursday 28th August 1.30-3 pm.

Lincoln University Course Planning with Laura Samuela Tuesday 5th August.

The University of Auckland, UNITEC, Waikato University, and Massey University offer online meeting options for our students. Students can also see Ms Irving for assistance or to set up Google Meets during school to accommodate this.

University of Otago

https://www.otago.ac.nz/apply

https://www.otago.ac.nz/future-students/fees-and-scholarships/scholarships

https://www.otago.ac.nz/future-students/accommodation/apply-for-accommodation

Otago Polytechnic

https://www.op.ac.nz/explore/how-to-apply

https://www.op.ac.nz/explore/fees-and-scholarships/scholarships

https://www.op.ac.nz/explore/find-accommodation

Lincoln University OPEN DAY FRIDAY 18th JULY

https://www.lincoln.ac.nz/study/key-dates-2/open-day/

https://www.lincoln.ac.nz/study/apply-and-enrol/

https://www.lincoln.ac.nz/study/scholarships/