Mr Smith, who was born and grew up at Punakaiki on the West Coast, lost his sight after being injured in a car accident 10 years ago.
Today he will be among 440 people who graduate in person from the polytechnic in a wide variety of disciplines, at a 3pm ceremony at the Regent Theatre.
During his studies, Mr Smith made use of a computer which can read documents aloud, and yesterday he praised the strong support he had received from polytechnic staff and fellow students.
"It was very hard, but I've managed to do it," he said.
Blindness has not prevented him from gaining several tertiary qualifications in recent years.
He has a qualification in sound engineering from Southland Institute of Technology, and last year gained an Aoraki Polytechnic diploma in radio, through studying in Dunedin.
Otago Polytechnic School of Applied Business senior administrator, Rhonda McSkimming, said gaining the Otago Polytechnic diploma had been a "fantastic" achievement.
Mr Smith had been "very determined" , had shown a high level of academic ability, and was "good fun to have around", she said.
One of his strongest supporters during the year-long course has been his guide dog Geordie, an 8-year-old Labrador, who had also been a "massive hit" with Mr Smith's fellow students.
Throughout this year, Mr Smith has worked as a disc jockey at the Otago University Students Association radio station Radio One, running a two hour "Afternoon Delight" music show each Thursday.
His broadcasting skills reflect one of his interests, but it is in event management, including involving music, that he would ultimately like to pursue a career.
And his new qualification would help.
He said his occasionally black sense of humour had helped in interacting with other people.
Mr Smith had mixed feelings as he prepared for today's ceremony, but admitted to a feeling of relief that the study was over.
"I feel relieved but I also feel energised."
He has gained "fresh knowledge" and made new friends.
"To me it's about the journey that I've had. It was the things I've actually done and experienced along the way that are far more valuable to me.""I would never say I've climbed the mountain. I've climbed part of it."
