Scoop has an Ethical Paywall
No tuition cost increases for Open Polytechnic
The Open Polytechnic
Date: 14 October 2015
No tuition cost increases for Open Polytechnic fee-paying students in 2016
Fee-paying students at one of New Zealand’s largest tertiary education organisations will have no increase in tuition costs next year.
National distance learning provider, Open Polytechnic, enrols over 31,000 students throughout New Zealand and will hold its 2016 tuition fees at this year’s level.
Council Chair Murray Bain says the decision reflects Open Polytechnic’s commitment to making high quality flexible learning as accessible as possible for New Zealanders.
“We deliver world-class distance learning with tuition fees below the tertiary sector average and our goal is to continually strengthen that position for the benefit of our learners and partners.
“The tertiary sector is under funding pressure but the CPI has only increased by 0.4 per cent in the year to June 2015, and Open Polytechnic’s overall financial performance means we can hold fees for our learners.”
Mr Bain said that Open Polytechnic was also making significant investment in technology and digital transformation to enhance the student experience and expand the services it offers to other organisations.
In July Open Polytechnic launched its new iQualify online learning platform and is transitioning its courses onto the new system.
iQualify is also being sold to other organisations as a commercial product, along with content and learning design services.
“The Open Polytechnic has been focused on removing barriers to higher education and delivering a motivating distance learning experience throughout its almost 70 year history,” says Open Polytechnic Chief Executive Dr Caroline Seelig. “Holding fee increases for fee-paying students in 2016 is another example of our commitment to helping lower financial barriers to study for our mainly adult learners.”
Open Polytechnic also offers fee-free courses in a number of subjects. In 2016 these courses will have the institution’s administration fee added to recoup processing costs for student enrolments in these courses.
ENDS
PHARMAC: Pharmac Consulting On Six Medicines For New Zealanders
Athletics New Zealand: Funding Boost Propels Athletics NZ Toward LA 2028 Success
Te Whatu Ora Health New Zealand: Large Numbers Of RSE Workers Get Immunised To Protect Pacific Island Nations
Eden Park: International Venue Of The Year And Ranked 25th In Pollstar’s Top 100 Worldwide Stadiums For Concerts
Early Childhood New Zealand: Sector Responds To Regulatory Review Of Early Childhood Education (ECE)
PSA: Patients Will Die If Govt Proceeds With Plans To Halve Health IT Staff