Student Info

Here are some of the questions we hear most often from prospective students.

How will I find a flat or accommodation?

We have accommodation available in shared housing right next to Windermere Campus, plus we keep a list of other accommodation options always up to date. Head on over to the Accommodation page to find out more.

TradeMe is also a great source of flats and flatmate listings, where you can find something suitable independently.

Do you know of any scholarships that might suit me?

We sure do! There are loads of scholarships available, to suit everyone, including specific course-related ones, and scholarships for students with disabilities.

Go to our Financial Support page and check out the links on the right. There's even a link to hints and tips for making your application the best it can be.

What are the fees?

The fees vary from course to course, and in some cases they depend on whether you're studying full-time or part-time. If the fees aren't listed on the web page relating to your specific course, give our Information Centre a call. Note that all the fees listed on this site include course-related costs, unless otherwise stated.

Where are the campuses located?

Our main Windermere Campus is on the fringe of Tauranga, south of the city. Bongard Campus is in the central city. Have a look at Our Campuses page for  more details including maps and directions to all of our four sites.

I'm a bit worried about how I'll afford everything. Is there some funding or help available?

Yes. All our full-time programmes qualify for student loans and allowances through StudyLink and many of our part-time programmes qualify for student loans too.

To avoid delays and to ensure you receive your full entitlement you should apply as soon as you consider studying. Find out more on the Student Loans & Allowances page.

Student Worx can also provide information to help you meet & juggle your financial commitments, e.g. hardship assistance and budgeting advice.

Where are your graduates working now - have they got good jobs?

They sure do! Our graduates have gone on to work in some of the top businesses in the country. When you visit your programme page you'll see the profiles of one or two graduates who've done the same study as you, and there are more Bay of Plenty Polytechnic graduate stories here.

What kind of computers do you use?

Mostly we use PCs but some specialist programmes use Apple Macs like the Graphic Design team.

Do you have wireless on campus?

Yes and there are lots of hot spots, with the coverage still growing. As a student here you receive a free Polytechnic email account, internet access and online file storage. We use 'Lightwire' to connect you quickly to the internet and you automatically receive 1 gig allowance each month.

What facilities are open on the weekends?

The Aquatic & Fitness Centre, Windermere Computer Suite (A23), Bongard Computer Suite (room 114), Windermere and Bongard Libraries. Please visit the campus page for specific hours.

Can I bring my kids to class?

To minimise disruption, children aren't permitted in class but we have a fabulous on-site childcare centre for students and staff that you'll just love.

What's the policy on smoking and drinking on campus?

Bay of Plenty Polytechnic is proudly smokefree and no alcohol (outside of the Atrium Restaurant) or drugs are permitted on the campus grounds.

What fun things are there to do on campus?

There's always something fun happening here - sports, cultural and community activities, an annual ski trip, the summer beach bash, quiz nights, and - certainly a social highlight of the year – the student ball. Read all about it on the Student Life page.

If you're from out of town, check out the links on our Things to Do in Tauranga page too - there's all sorts of fun stuff going on around here.

Is there parking on site? Do I need a permit and what does it cost?

There's free, on-site parking at Windermere and 'very close by' parking at Bongard which attracts just a small, student-friendly rate. Read more about parking at Bay of Plenty Polytechnic.

I'm a bit of a night owl and like to study after hours. Is it safe to be on the campus at night?

It's as safe here as it is anywhere at night but you should use your common sense. Here are some safety tips from our very own Security team.

Got a question that's not covered here, or elsewhere on the site? Get in touch with our Information Centre - always happy to help.