Enrolment figures were still solidifying and would be cemented by the end of next week, he said at a council meeting yesterday. But the initial figures were "pleasing".
By noon on Wednesday, individual enrolments had reached 2238, 203 higher than on the corresponding day last year.
The number of equivalent full-time students (efts) - the figure used by the Tertiary Education Commission to calculate bulk funding for tertiary institutions - was 1777, up 328 (or 22%) on the corresponding day last year.
Enrolments had also increased for individual new students - 722 this year compared to 633 last year, and for returning students - 1606 this year compared to 1402 last year.
Inquiries and initial applications were also "way up" this year.
While most students enrol in the first months of the academic year, enrolments continue through the year.
Otago would be funded for 3183 efts this year, and Mr Ker was "quietly confident" that figure would be exceeded.
The polytechnic had a difficult year last year, abolishing positions or cutting the hours of almost 20 staff across four departments. Management responsibilities were also rejigged and the number of staff on the leadership team reduced by one position to 12.
Some courses began at the polytechnic this week and most students will be in class by the middle of this month.
More than 400 staff marked the first official day of the academic year yesterday with a staff meeting in the Glenroy Auditorium and breakfast in the Octagon cooked by members of the leadership team, in an annual tradition.
It is usually at the student centre.
There will be no changes at the top for the Otago Polytechnic council this year.
The council welcomed new member Rachael Walker, human resources manager for Delta Utility Services, who is the Otago-Southland Employers Association representative for 2009.