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Around the world in five
Asia
The rapid increase in educational agencies in China, up 242.48% since 2021, has fragmented the market, requiring universities to intensify their efforts in vetting agencies. Despite the challenges, this diversification could lead to improved services and lower costs for students and families.
North America
Canada will cap international student permits at 360,000 for two years, a 35% cut from 2023, with exclusions for master's and PhD students. This move aims to manage the rapid growth of international students, with a review of permit applications in 2025 and changes to post-graduation work permits.
South America
Argentine agencies saw a surge in students traveling abroad in 2022, primarily to the UK, Canada, and the USA. Language courses remained dominant, with rising interest in secondary and higher education sectors and more bookings for junior programs, indicating a recovery in group travel for young learners.
Europe
British students not being ‘squeezed out’ by overseas applicants, say universities
UK universities deny disadvantaging domestic students in favour of international applicants, highlighting that different entry requirements for foundation programs are not indicative of unfair practices. Data shows increased enrolment of UK students at Russell Group universities, with a balanced intake of international students, emphasizing the importance of global students for financial sustainability amidst fixed domestic tuition fees.Africa
Africa's job skills gap is widening due to tertiary education not aligning with economic needs, with most countries below the global average for higher education enrolment. Curriculum reforms are needed to include digital and entrepreneurial skills to address unemployment and enhance competitiveness.
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ATEED launches new Auckland strategy to guide visitor economy
ATEED General Manager Destination, Steve Armitage, says while more visitors are good news economically, the growth comes with challenges.
“People travel to Auckland to experience the many things our region has to offer. For some, it’s the world-class food and wine; for others, it’s the sporting, cultural and business events; or international students, who come from around the world to study at our learning institutions,” said Steve.
“It’s important that we continue to attract visitors to support and create jobs and amenities that benefit locals and visitors…so that Auckland is better off not just economically, but also socially and environmentally.”
The strategy outlines six strategic imperatives and key focus areas, and a comprehensive list of actions to deliver these, with two directly relating to international education:
- A Captivating Place: A region that entices visitors to stay longer and that locals love more than ever. Actions include developing an international student visitor plan.
- A Skilled Place: A region where more young men and women are choosing globally relevant careers in the visitor economy. Actions include developing a visitor sector training and employment strategy for youth and enhancing standards across the service sector.
Destination AKL 2025 was guided by an industry leadership group, and involved extensive consultation including interviews, workshops and discussions, as well as international benchmarking and surveys.
ENZ Chief Executive Grant McPherson, who was part of the industry leadership group, says that ATEED is showing real leadership in the way it is looking at its visitor plan.
He said this is evident in the way the strategy is based around destination management and not just attraction. This should ensure visitors are acknowledged as an asset to the Auckland region – a perspective that will reflect positively on the experience visitors go on to have in Auckland.
“International students are an important part of the visitor community and we are delighted that the strategy reflects this through the inclusion of an international student visitor plan.”
"The strategy has involved significant cross-industry collaboration to get to this point, and the plan is to keep this going. We are very optimistic about the direction Auckland is heading in and are looking forward to working with Auckland to bring it to life.”
Click here to read or download Destination AKL 2025.
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Language and culture exchange strengthens ties with South Korea
The students, from 64 schools across South Korea, were welcomed by Waiuku College and St Peter’s School in Cambridge, where they connected with local students, explored school facilities, and experienced Kiwi culture first-hand. From powhiri to classroom visits, the exchange sparked meaningful cross-cultural connections.
Powhiri at Waiuku College.
Waiuku College Director of Community and Global Relations, Antionette Walters, said the students were amazing, and willing to make the most of their experience.
“They were so happy to give anything a go – they even loved trying a New Zealand mince pie!” she said.
At St Peter’s, students toured the Equestrian Centre and Golf Academy, with Head of School Jason Speedy welcoming the group and sharing insights into the school’s campus and learning environment.
The visit followed a two-week English training programme in rural South Korea, where six experienced New Zealand teachers taught students aged Year 8–11. Selected from over 35 applicants, the teachers represented schools from Hamilton, Hawke’s Bay, Auckland, Cambridge, Wellington, and Tauranga.
ENZ representatives joined the programme’s opening event in Yangpyeong on 25 July, meeting the teachers and witnessing the enthusiasm of Korean students engaging with New Zealand’s distinctive teaching style.
Bernadette Moffat, ESOL Teacher at Silverdale Normal School and Huntly Primary School, said: “It was a privilege to represent New Zealand and see how eager the students were to learn.”
Bernadette was one of six New Zealand teachers who travelled to Korea to teach English and attended the closing ceremony where students were recognised for excellence in English.
Looking ahead, EPIS is exploring the possibility of expanding the current short visit into a four-week study experience in New Zealand from 2026, offering even deeper immersion for future scholarship recipients.
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Neuseeland still a popular destination for German High School students
Germany takes the number one spot in all of Europe for the number of international students it sends to New Zealand and the fourth largest in the world for sending high school students after China, Japan, and South Korea. In 2023, 1,417 German students were enrolled at high schools across New Zealand which represented 10% of the total number of school students in the country.
There are positive signs that this number will continue to increase in 2024. 82 high school students were recently farewelled by the New Zealand Ambassador to Germany, Craig Hawke, and Education New Zealand Manapou ki te Ao (ENZ’s) Associate Director of Engagement in Germany, Olga Elli at an event at Frankfurt Main Airport on Sunday 14 July.
The event was organised by Study Nelson, a Nelson-based education agency, that supports German students to find a high school in New Zealand, mainly in the Nelson-Marlborough area. The event was an opportunity for the students, aged between 14 and 19, to meet and engage with each other before they embark on their international study adventure. The students will spend between three and 18 months in New Zealand, depending on their programme and some plan to complete their NCEA Level 3 university entrance here.
One particularly excited member of the group included Emely Soffel, the I AM NEW scholarship winner from 2019, who due to the pandemic, had to wait five years to make her New Zealand study abroad dream come true.
Ambassador Hawke with high school student Emely Soffel, the 2019 I AM NEW scholarship winner who was not able to travel during Covid. They are pictured here with ENZ’s Associate Director of Engagement in Germany, Olga Elli.
Olga said that Germany’s strong recovery in the high school subsector can be attributed to the experienced German agent network who have had long-standing and enduring relationships with high schools back in New Zealand.
“These agents have been building strong bridges between Germany and New Zealand for several years now, some for decades, and have made positive impacts for thousands of young people.
“They have such a deep understanding of the unique offerings that our high schools in New Zealand provide and are an invaluable service to students when trying to decide where to study,” said Olga
She added “German students love coming to New Zealand especially for the opportunity to try out subjects that aren’t typically offered at German high schools. Subjects like outdoor education, fashion design, marine biology, and food technology for example, are always really popular choices.
Ambassador Hawke mingled with the students and enjoyed hearing about their chosen schools in New Zealand. In his farewell speech to the group, he wished them a warm ‘Haere rā/farewell and said, “I invite you all to make the most of the excellent educational experience on offer in our country and also the opportunity to immerse yourself in our diverse culture. I hope you all become lifelong ambassadors for New Zealand.”
Ambassador Hawke farewells the students at Frankfurt Main Airport.
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Thai delegation visits New Zealand
In light of the Thai government’s new plan to develop a skilled workforce to meet industry demand, ENZ saw an opportunity to connect RMUT with New Zealand providers.
RMUT has a network of 40 campuses across Thailand, which are most similar to New Zealand ITPs. RMUT has a particular interest in customised, short-course training in New Zealand, and would like to see the establishment of an English language centre in Thailand.
The visit showcased New Zealand’s focus on practical skills and innovation in the classroom, with ENZ setting up meetings with Auckland University of Technology, Unitec, Air New Zealand Aviation Institute, Wintec, Wellington Institute of Technology, Whitireia Institute of Technology, Massey University, Otago Polytechnic and the University of Otago Language Centre.
Jaruwan Pongjaruwat, ENZ Programme Manager – Thailand, said the visit created a comprehensive understanding of New Zealand’s education system and fields of expertise.
“The RMUT group especially enjoyed the unique cultural experience and appreciated the welcoming and friendly New Zealand people.
“We visited some classrooms and they were able to see first-hand the practical learning environment.”
The visit is already showing positive results, with one RMUT president inviting selected New Zealand institutions to visit Thailand for further discussions.
The group of RMUT representatives at Air New Zealand Aviation Institute
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Korean college adds Auckland to curriculum
From 2019, 120 Korean tertiary students from the college will come to Auckland each year, attending either the Auckland Institute of Studies (AIS), Academics College Group (ACG) or Cornell. They will spend 12 months gaining practical experience in the region as part of their three-year training course.
Koguryeo College teaches a range of courses in aviation, food science, natural energy, engineering, tourism and hospitality.
Auckland Tourism, Events & Economic Development (ATEED) International Education Manager Henry Matthews says the new partnership arose after ATEED hosted a group of visiting principals from Korea earlier this year as part of a professional development programme.
“The principals were so impressed by the warm welcome, the high standard of education institutes and great Kiwi lifestyle, they suggested to the college that Auckland would be the ideal study destination,” he said.
“For Korean students, gaining international work and study experience can put them ahead of other candidates when they’re looking for employment after their studies.”
As part of the agreement, Koguryeo College will also offer two scholarships for New Zealand and international students based here to go to Korea, learn the language and take part in the college’s various training programmes.
Korea is the fourth largest market for the international education sector in New Zealand. Some 5,000 Korean students base themselves in Auckland, contributing $167 million a year to the region. This new agreement will deliver an additional $3.5 million per year to the regional economy.
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Japanese schools look to New Zealand
Led by ENZ, the seminars provided an opportunity for schools from the Wellington and Whanganui regions to meet their Japanese counterparts and discuss how they could partner together.
ENZ’s Senior Market Development Manager – Japan, Misa Kitaoka, said while initial expectations from New Zealand providers was that the demand would primarily be for short-term group visits, the Japanese schools showed enthusiasm for a variety of programmes including group visits and long-term students.
“As awareness of New Zealand education grows in Japan, so does the demand – as seen by the school market showing year-on-year growth,” said Misa.
"Japan is a market where school-to-school relationships deliver outcomes for both parties."
From left: Christine Pugh (Wellington Region Economic Development Agency), John van der Zwan (SIEBA Executive Director), Misa, Masaru Yamada (JAOS Chairman), Yukari Kato (JAOS Executive Board member) and Richard Kyle, ENZ Business Development Manager, at the SIEBA-JAOS workshop for education agents.
“These opportunities will only continue to grow as the Japanese government accelerates plans to promote internationalisation as we get closer to the Rugby World Cup in 2019 and the Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics in 2020.”
Air New Zealand partnered with ENZ on the seminars, and will sponsor 10 Japanese schools to visit New Zealand to progress school relationships.
The seminars were also an opportunity for John van der Zwan, Executive Director of the Schools International Education Business Association (SIEBA), to provide an overview of its work and value to Japanese schools, especially if looking for a New Zealand school to receive groups through SIEBA’s placement service.
SIEBA also partnered with the Japan Association of Overseas Studies (JAOS), a peak body for Japanese agents, to answer questions from Japanese agents, and to present on what the new Code of Pastoral Care means for them.
The agents welcomed standardised templates produced by SIEBA, including enrolment forms and agent contracts, which agents said will make their business more efficient.
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APAC TVET Forum: Bringing us together
The inaugural Asia Pacific Technical and Vocational Education and Training Forum will be held online on the first two Fridays in November 2021. The event – themed “Bringing us together” – will allow people in the sector to share best practice and foster new connections despite COVID-19 travel restrictions.
The APAC TVET Forum will be opened by New Zealand’s Minister of Education, Chris Hipkins, and will feature an address by the Chief Executive of Te Pūkenga New Zealand Institute of Skills and Technology, Stephen Town.
The forum is driven by partners Te Pūkenga, Education New Zealand and Skills Consulting Group.
ENZ Chief Executive Grant McPherson says with an increasing emphasis on applied learning and work-ready graduates, the applied vocational sector in Aotearoa New Zealand has much to offer.
“A New Zealand education produces in-demand graduates with the skills and knowledge they need to join the workforce with confidence,” Mr McPherson says.
The APAC TVET Forum will bring together experts from the three sectors vital to effective technical and vocational education – government, industry and education. It will offer government-to-government, business-to-business and system-to-system content streams – bringing people together for a cross-system conversation.
There is no cost to register for forum sessions on 5 and 12 November, and there are networking opportunities and sessions on the days in between.
The international heft will come from speakers including Professor Christina Hong, President of the Technological and Higher Education Institute of Hong Kong and Marc Gomes, Group Senior Vice President and Head of Training for ADECCO Global.
The Pacific representatives include Dr Isimeli Tagicakiverata, Director of the National Training and Productivity Centre at the Fiji National University, who is presenting on upskilling, reskilling and lifelong learning as part of the system-to-system content stream.
The APAC TVET Forum builds on the strong foundations of the Sino-NZ Vocational Education and Training Model Programme, a forum for sharing best practice that is widely acknowledged as beneficial to both countries. Under this programme, Chinese and New Zealand institutions have taken turns to host the annual New Zealand-China Higher Vocational Education Conference.
China’s Central Institute of Vocational and Technical Education – a China Ministry of Education thinktank – has supported and presented at the previous conferences and will deliver a keynote presentation at the APAC TVET Forum.
Wherever we live in the world, a thriving future is what we all want. Governments, industries and educators are all working together to upskill and reskill workforces disrupted by the pandemic. The APAC TVET Forum is a chance to be part of the solution. To register or find out more, go to www.apactvetforum.com.
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Wellington celebrates international students
The winners, who came from both secondary and tertiary level, included an award-winning documentary filmmaker, a star kapa haka performer, a co-founder of the New Zealand International Students Association and students excelling in rugby, basketball and rowing.
They were selected from the following categories: academic excellence, alumni, arts and culture, community engagement, leadership and sport. Each winner received a trophy, certificate and tickets to a Wellington experience.
WREDA’s Talent, Skills and Education Manager Brook Pannell said the students’ achievements reflected extremely well on the individuals but were also a great reflection of the wider Wellington region.
"It not only speaks volumes about the students’ abilities and work ethics but also about the quality of education and mentorship they are receiving in Wellington,” he said.
At the ceremony, guests were treated to a musical performance by local international student Sojeong Kim, a violin soloist from Wellington East Girls College, as well as a rousing performance from South Wellington Intermediate School’s Kapa Haka group. Well-known playwright and actor Jacob Rajan MNZM was guest speaker.
Kapa Haka group from South Wellington Intermediate School.
Award Winners:
Academic excellence
- Vineet Kaur, Whitireia (India)
- Yucen (Ethan) Wu, Wellington High School (China)
Alumni category
- Siang Lim, Victoria University of Wellington (Malaysia)
- Yorke Yu, WelTec (China)
Arts and culture
- Yuki Sugito, Wainuiomata High School (Japan)
- Maja Zonjic, Victoria University of Wellington (Croatia, Canada)
Community engagement
- Anis Emalin Madihah Mohd Nadzri, Victoria University (Malaysia)
- Khang Phan, Massey University (Vietnam)
Leadership
- Dahee Sohn, Victoria University of Wellington (Korea)
- Ravethi (Rae) Jeyakumar, Victoria University of Wellington (Singapore)
Sports
- Sam Walsh, Scots College (USA)
- Amber Jiang, Queen Margaret College (China)
Click here for full details of the winners.
The awards were developed as part of WREDA’s Wellington International Student Growth Programme (WISGP), which has a goal of doubling the number of international students arriving in Wellington by 2025.
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Capability building in digital marketing
Conducted by George Hernandez of the Higher Education Consulting Group, the interactive, full-day workshops focussed on optimising student recruitment through all the seven stages of conversion.
Participants also assessed their internal marketing practices for each of the student conversion stages, from expression of interest to retention, and rated their practices against world standards.
Deanna Anderson, ENZ’s Business Development Manager, said the audit and assessment of marketing practices was a valuable exercise for the workshops.
“The assessment process was very useful for industry participants and helped spark some inspiration on tactics for new marketing plans for 2018,” she said.
Susie Robinson, CEO of the Higher Education Consulting Group, said the workshops highlighted the diversity of New Zealand's international student market, and the dedication of professionals working in the sector.
“A key benefit of the workshops was the realisation, for participants, that even small and cost-effective interventions can yield a big return when it comes to optimising the student recruitment pipeline.”
The workshop received encouraging feedback from participants as well.
“It was great that it [the workshop] took a holistic approach, looking at the whole student pipeline, and it really made you understand where your gaps are,” one participant wrote.
