Search
Showing 10 of 1867 results for how to register international groups
-
From the CE: Accountability and balance
ENZ has experienced a challenging operating environment in recent years, and it continues to work through changing expectations. In order to best prepare the organisation for the challenges ahead, I recently initiated an organisational restructure, the decisions of which were released to staff this week following a two-week consultation process.
I have been very clear as to what I am looking to achieve and have set out the following driving principles of:
- Clear accountability for the delivery of core services and enabling support.
- Achieving a balance between New Zealand based and offshore capability.
- Improving decision making, communication and collaboration by ensuring appropriate spans of control.
- Optimising spend, where appropriate, to meet government expectations.
- Identifying and creating opportunities for investment into the future capability needed to deliver our strategy.
- Positioning ENZ to deliver at speed, with agility and reinforce a culture of high performance.
Key changes include a realignment and reduction of Senior Leadership roles by more than half, a focus on lifting the capability and resourcing of our international teams, changes for Sector Engagement and Services with a pivot toward a stronger focus on international services, and the creation of a Strategy, Capability and Performance Group. In total 28 roles have been disestablished with 17 new roles created.
ENZ now moves into a process to fill these new roles – with leadership roles to be advertised externally shortly. The new organisational structure will come into effect on 3 February 2025.
Change is never easy and I understand how difficult this has been for our ENZ team. I am very proud of the professional way everyone has engaged with this process.
I appreciate your understanding and patience for our people as we work through the implementation of this new structure. In the meantime, your key contacts and teams will remain the same. I will be able to provide a further update in the New Year.
He taonga rongonui te aroha ki te tangata
Kindness to all people is a great treasure.
Ngā mihi nui,
Amanda Malu
Chief Executive
Education New Zealand Manapou ki te Ao -
Immigration New Zealand update
India delegation
Alison McDonald, Head of Immigration, joined ENZ Chief Executive Amanda Malu as part of the Prime Minister’s official delegation to India. Celia Coombes, Director Visa at Immigration New Zealand, responsible for the student visa product, joined Amanda and Ben Burrowes in India afterwards where they supported the New Zealand delegation at the Asia Pacific Association for International Education (APAIE) and met with the New Zealand Education Representatives in India (NZERI), a group of Indian education agents.
“Immigration New Zealand found the trip very valuable and insightful,” says Celia.
“Now we are working on how we can continue to support the growth of the education sector, particularly in India which is such an important market for New Zealand, and what needs to be done to support more applications being approved.”
New local points of contact in India and China
Immigration New Zealand has new Engagement Advisors appointed in New Delhi and Beijing. They will be a local point of contact and working to improve communication within both the education and tourism industry.
Visa processing
INZ is in a strong position for processing student visas, following initiatives put in place to make our processing more efficient. At the end of March 2025, international student visas were being decided in 10 days (two weeks) on average.
On average Te Pūkenga (New Zealand Institute of Skills and Technology) applications are being processed within 2.5 weeks, 2 weeks for University applications, 3 weeks for Private Training Establishment applications and 1.5 weeks for school applications.
INZ have already decided more than 20,500 student visa applications so far this year, and approved around 18,000 student visa applications (from 1 Jan – 31 March 2025).
To help with faster visa processing, it is key that all the information and documents needed to decide the application is provided. All the details can be found on our information sheet for students on the INZ website: Student visa information | Immigration New Zealand.
-
Message from Amanda Malu, Chief Executive
Tēnā tātou katoa,
We have been deeply saddened to hear of the tragic death of Kyle Whorrall, an international student from Waipapa Taumata Rau, the University of Auckland over this Easter weekend.
Kyle moved to New Zealand in 2021 from the United States as an international PhD student studying entomology in the university’s School of Biological Sciences.
He is fondly remembered by family, friends and colleagues as a gentle, kind soul and a dedicated entomologist who was a rising young scientist in his field.
Our thoughts and aroha remain with Kyle’s whānau and friends in the United States and New Zealand, and the wider community at the University of Auckland and Manaaki Whenua Landcare Research at this trying time.
Ngā mihi nui,
Amanda Malu
Chief Executive
Education New Zealand Manapou ki te Ao
-
New video series: Discover the inspiring journeys of New Zealand alumni
The series showcases the journeys of New Zealand alumni from across the world, highlighting the diverse paths they have taken since graduation.
Three videos have been released so far, with the remaining set to be released through the rest of this year.
Each video offers a glimpse into the personal and professional achievements of former students who have made their mark across various industries and communities.
Alumni from all levels of New Zealand’s education offering will be featured – ranging from schools to universities and vocational education providers.
These stories are designed to inspire prospective students and their families to consider New Zealand as their study destination of choice.
You can view and download the alumni videos and photos on The ENZ BrandLab. Search ‘Alumni’ to see the latest stories.
In addition, the series is supported by a new alumni blog story each month on the Study with New Zealand website and a dedicated page for Alumni stories.
Check out the series so far
Meet Yao – classical musician and cultural bridgebuilderOur first story features Chen Xiyao, a Chinese-born guzheng player and classical musician now based in Beijing. Although he earned a degree in Business Administration, it was in New Zealand where his love of music truly flourished—thanks to the support of an inspiring high school teacher. He went on to earn a Master of Arts (with Distinction) from Wintec.
From playing in a metal band to performing with Māori musicians and even entertaining former Prime Minister John Key, Yao's journey reflects the unique opportunities and cultural exchange that a New Zealand education can offer.
Today, he teaches music for Wintec in China, continuing to share his passion and talent with others.
From New Zealand to New Delhi: Suvan’s Inspirational Culinary JourneySuvan Kitchlue began his Bachelor of Culinary Arts at Le Cordon Bleu Wellington in 2015, graduating in 2018.
Inspired by MasterChef Australia in India, he chose the school for its rare offering of a culinary arts degree at that time. He thrived in the programme, calling it the “Harvard of culinary education.”
After graduating, Suvan opened a European café in New Delhi, aiming to bring refined technique and quality baked goods to a market he felt was underserved. Inspired by Wellington’s coffee culture, he also focused on elevating his café’s coffee offerings to New Delhi.
He plans to open two more café locations, and a fine-dining restaurant.
Devika Hartono: Alumni storyDevika was born in Indonesia and moved to New Zealand in 2016 on a scholarship to study Biotechnology at The University of Waikato.
Passionate about biology since high school, she sought scholarships to expand her opportunities beyond medical school or teaching. A photo of New Zealand’s stunning landscapes sparked her interest, and she was thrilled to receive both the University of Waikato International Excellence Scholarship and the High Achievement Scholarship for International Students.
After graduating, she launched Keyoura, a skincare brand inspired by the Māori greeting "Kia ora."
-
From Russia to New Zealand: "I've lived two different lives"
Home was Petropavlovks-Kamchatsy, on the far eastern seaboard of Russia, almost 7000km from Moscow, and the decision to leave was a relatively spontaneous one. “The whole experience was pretty surreal.”
He was introduced to the possibility of an education experience in New Zealand by ACG (Academic Colleges Group), which held a fair in his hometown back in 2008. “I had never heard of them visiting Russia before, let alone my hometown as it’s so remote.”
Andrey admits that at the time he wasn’t keen to stay on in Russia and “jumped at the opportunity” to come to New Zealand for a six-month stint in Year 13 at ACG Parnell College.
“Looking back on it, I really wanted to go somewhere far from home and different. I placed all my hope on it being a better place and it turned out that it was. That internal drive to explore took over and I followed my intuition.”
Student life provides connections
Having improved his English, Andrey went on to study for his Bachelor of Commerce in finance and economics at the University of Auckland, where he found his tribe. “Life in Russia did not resonate with me in the way that life in New Zealand did,” he says. “I think what was missing for me at home was the kind of openness and connectivity which is so apparent here.”
Coming to New Zealand I was exposed to other people’s perspectives and backgrounds, and I really connected with that.
"I felt a sense of belonging and that I could be who I am without judgement. Breaking away from being expected to fit a certain mould at home was a big thing for me.”
With new-found confidence and his degree completed, Andrey travelled the world on modelling contracts before “returning to the original plan” and establishing a career in e-commerce and project management.
And he has the perfect credentials for his current role at The Mind Lab, helping to launch Mission New Zealand, an online education portal aimed at international students. “It provides short courses and micro-credentials as a taster of what education in New Zealand is like and what it can provide. It’s a full circle moment for me.”
Mission New Zealand highlights what makes an education experience in Aotearoa unique through the lens of creativity, sustainability, tech innovation, and culture. “I think it puts us on the map in terms of global education.”
Looking back, Andrey says he would have loved the opportunity to access a platform like this as a student travelling to a foreign country, “to really get an understanding of what it’s like on the ground”. He says he is excited to see what impact Mission New Zealand can have.
Life-changing move
The decision to leave Russia for New Zealand has been life-changing for Andrey. He is now a citizen and knows his future lies here. “There is so much social and career mobility here and that’s exciting for me.”
He arrived determined to carve out a new path in life and he has certainly achieved that. “I have grown into a person who is more confident and assured, and not afraid to explore new opportunities.”
He now has plans to explore and better understand the significance of te ao Māori. “I want to immerse myself in that space. I love that in New Zealand there is more than one way of seeing the world. It is so important that there is an alternative perspective,” he says.
“I would like to get a deeper understanding of the tenets of te ao Māori, to see the challenges we are facing and the potential solutions through a different lens.”
His advice to students considering coming to New Zealand is to get fully immersed in the culture “and absorb it all”. “Don’t come to recreate what you had at home. If you do, you’ll miss huge opportunity for personal growth.”
Andrey says his life now looks nothing like his old life. “It’s like I’ve lived two different lives.” And he’s not done yet.
“Coming to New Zealand has drastically changed how I view myself in the world,” he says.“ Through international education you realise that your actions do matter, that you do have the potential to make a real impact. You start seeing yourself as an individual in a connected system.”
“Keep exploring is my motto for the future.”
-
New Zealand providers show global leadership at NAFSA 2025
Education New Zealand Manapou ki te Ao (ENZ), alongside representatives from eight tertiary providers wrapped up a high-impact week at the NAFSA 2025 Annual Conference in San Diego at the end of May.
Under the conference theme ‘People, Place and Partnership,’ New Zealand’s delegation was in amongst over the 8,000+ global education leaders, strengthening institutional ties and driving new collaboration opportunities.
Representatives from the University of Auckland connecting with conference delegates in the New Zealand pavillion.
The New Zealand pavilion comprised of University of Auckland, Auckland University of Technology, University of Waikato, Massey University, Victoria University of Wellington, University of Canterbury, University of Otago and Whitecliffe College.
ENZ Chief Executive, Amanda Malu, said being present at the world’s largest international education conference is not just about visibility—it’s about leadership.
“New Zealand’s education providers have a unique perspective to offer the global education community, and NAFSA is where those voices can shape conversations, forge partnerships, and spark ideas that transcend borders,” she said.
ENZ worked with NAFSA to host two sessions in the New Zealand pavilion. Both sessions were well attended, sparking discussions among conference delegates about reimagining higher education.
The University of Waikato panel session. From L to R: ENZ Director of Engagement, DuBois Jennings; Unviersity of Waikato Deputy Vice-Chancellor Māori, Dr. Sarah-Jane Tiakiwai; University of Waikato Associate Director Global Experiences, Jaydene Meadows and ENZ Acting Regional Director, Natalie Lulia.
The first session moderated by ENZ Director of Engagement North America, DuBois Jennings, featured a panel discussion titled ‘Te Ao Hurihuri Indigenous Internationalisation: Perspectives from Te Whare Wānanga o Waikato – The University of Waikato’. The session explored the concept of indigenous internationalisation, focusing on the unique approaches and programmes delivered at The University of Waikato. On the panel was Deputy Vice-Chancellor Māori Dr. Sarah-Jane Tiakiwai, Associate Director, Global Experiences Jaydene Meadows from the University of Waikato, and ENZ Acting Regional Director, Natalie Lulia.
Associate Director of Global Experiences Jaydene Meadows said the outcomes for the University of Waikato well surpassed previous years at the conference.
“This year was significant for us, deepening the roots of current relationships, while promoting new programme offerings and working to develop new business opportunities.”
The University of Otago presented the second session titled 'Indigenising our university’s name and brandmark: Ōtākou Whakaihu Waka | University of Otago'. Deputy Vice-Chancellor, External Engagement Professor Jessica Palmer and Manager, Indigenous Internationalisation, Karamea Pēwhairangi reflected on a year since the global launch of their new brandmark, the journey to being gifted a Māori name, and how the University of Otago includes indigeneity in the University’s Internationalisation Strategy.
ENZ Acting Regional Director Natalie Lulia said both sessions showcased New Zealand’s unique approach to education that integrates indigenous knowledge, and she looks forward to building on the momentum of the conference.
“NAFSA certainly set the ball rolling for increased student mobility, enhanced research linkages, and stronger people-to-people connections between New Zealand and our international partners,” she said.
-
New Zealand Geothermal training expertise powers Indonesia's renewables journey
Indonesia has vast capability to generate geothermal power but has looked to New Zealand to provide targeted technical training in order to capitalise on its natural resources and support its renewables journey.
For the past three years, Waikato Institute of Technology (Wintec) has been providing that practical training through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade’s aid programme.
The programme builds on long-standing relationships with the Indonesian geothermal industry which date back to the 1980s.
New Zealand boasts an innovative and world-leading workforce
Geothermal New Zealand Executive Director Mike Allen says Aotearoa New Zealand boasts an innovative and world-leading workforce in geothermal science, engineering, and plant construction, and that there is obvious mutual benefit in sharing our skills and expertise.
“Students who have undertaken training in New Zealand always have a positive experience and when they return home, they are great ambassadors for us.”
“The geothermal industry is good at maintaining contact with those who have received New Zealand training, and many of them come back and work in the industry here.”
Mr Allen says the MFAT aid investment in the renewable energy space has also benefitted New Zealand in consultancy contracts, new business, research collaboration, and valuable long-term relationships. “The training we provide is very good for Brand New Zealand.”
How Wintec’s international education programme is helping Indonesia
What Indonesia specifically needed from Wintec’s international education programme was training in practical operational skills for their geothermal technicians and operators.
Since 2018, Wintec has been working with technical institutes and universities to incorporate practice-based learning into their courses and has also provided staff training directly to the geothermal operators.
“New Zealand has a strong history of apprenticeships and operator and technician training programmes,” says Jo Douglas, who manages the project for Wintec.
“We took the raw material from our curriculum and repackaged it to meet their needs. We have been involved in curriculum change, training the trainers, and changing their approach so inquiry-based learning and problem-solving is encouraged. We are delivering technical short courses on a range of subject matter in order to fill skills gaps.”
The programme has been hugely successful for Wintec. It has provided a range of technical training to over 700 participants. But Covid has forced changes to how the content is delivered.
Staff developed blended online modules which have seen students doing some online learning and then coming into digital classrooms to observe practical demonstrations by tutors. “We even had a tutor who built a model geothermal cooling tower in his living room and students had to interact with the demonstration online.”
And it is not only the students who are benefiting. “It gives our tutors the chance to teach in entirely different situations, to take their core knowledge and adapt it to new circumstances and with different expectations. It challenges them and gives them the opportunity to see another perspective.”
This geothermal education story is one of many instances where New Zealand’s education providers are sharing their research, experience and education expertise with sectors or industries around the world. Facilitated by respective governments, a New Zealand education is helping other governments to help their people by addressing the country’s challenges or opportunities.
-
Stronger together: TNZ and ENZ support school sector growth through agent famil
The week-long programme brought eight agents from mainland China, Hong Kong, and Taiwan to Wellington, Marlborough and Canterbury.
The aim was to give agents first-hand experience of New Zealand’s short-term study offerings in schools, strengthen connections with regional education providers, and explore opportunities to develop tailored study tour programmes.
The famil was funded by TNZ, with ENZ collaborating with Schools International Education Business Association of New Zealand (SIEBA) to manage the itinerary and logistics.
ENZ Senior Market Development Manager (China), Felix Ye, and TNZ Trade Development Manager (Greater China), Sandy He, led the delegation of eight agents - providing on-the-ground support and sector insights.
In the year ended December 2024 New Zealand exported $1.29 billion of education related travel to China. This represented 35.8% of all exports of education related travel. For trade in education related travel China, People's Republic of ranked 1 of 140 for highest export value. [1] According to data from Stat NZ, 7.9k Chinese students holding visitor visas came to New Zealand for short-term programmes or study tours - the majority visiting during China’s school holidays in July. [2]
The agents visited St Mark’s School in Wellington, meeting with Erica Harrison, the Acting Principal, and her team.
The agents met with 15 schools across the three cities, including a mix of private, state-integrated, and single-sex schools. The journey began in Wellington with a warm welcome at Rāroa Normal Intermediate, where the group received a traditional mihi whakatau — a first-time experience for many.
Deputy Principal Dave Gillies said it was a great opportunity to showcase the school’s experiential learning focus.
“We’re excited about developing professional relationships with the agents and the opportunities that will grow from this visit,” he said.
Students from Chisnallwood Intermediate School perform a haka to welcome the group to the school.
In the South Island, the group explored a range of school offerings and regional initiatives.
In Blenheim, agents gained insights into the unique characteristics of state-integrated education at Richmond View School, Marlborough Boys' College, and Marlborough Girls' College.
In Methven, Mt Hutt College showcased its tailored short-term programme, featuring sustainability-focused tourism at Ōpuke Thermal Pools and hands-on alpine and agricultural experiences – a creative integration of local resources into learning.
The famil concluded in Christchurch, where SIEBA and Christchurch Educated gave overviews of the New Zealand school system and introduced how their initiatives support the growth of international education across the sector.
ENZ Regional Director of Greater China, Dr Ron Xavier, said study tours are a growing area of interest among Chinese agents.
“This famil gave a genuine sense of what New Zealand schools can offer — from cultural experiences to hands-on learning — and helped connect agents with educators who are eager to host students,” he said.
ENZ and TNZ plan to work closely with participating partners to develop new study tours across different regions for 2026, helping raise awareness of New Zealand as an education destination for Chinese students.
SIEBA Executive Director, John van der Zwan, is looking forward to experiencing the benefits of the study tour famil.
“Study tours have significant potential, we look forward to the outcomes of this famil increasing the exposure of New Zealand’s regional schools in the China market,” he said.
Paddling a waka on the Avon River. Beyond education, the famil also highlighted New Zealand’s unique culture and natural beauty. From visiting Te Papa and Wētā Workshop to paddling a waka on the Avon River in Ōtautahi Christchurch, agents experienced the blend of tradition and innovation that makes New Zealand a compelling destination.
[1] Tourism data | Corporate and Stats NZ
[2] https://tourismnewzealand.com/insights/tourism-data/
-
New Zealand strengthens its position as a study abroad destination for Brazilians
Figures from the 10th annual Brazilian Educational and Language Travel Association (Belta) Seal Survey 2025 show that New Zealand has climbed to the sixth most chosen destination by Brazilians studying abroad – compared to seventh place in 2024.
The survey ran from February to April this year and brought together insights from 586 education agencies and 1,780 students from across Brazil to understand trends, behaviours, and preferences in the international education sector.
At the survey launch in May, ENZ Market Development Manager, Bruna de Natale, discussed the country’s growing relevance as a study destination for Brazilian students.
Speaking at the survey launch event in May, ENZ Market Development Manager, Bruna de Natale said "The data shows that New Zealand has not only maintained its appeal but has also strengthened its position on the radar of Brazilian students, especially amid uncertainties in other markets."
Dive into the data
Language courses remain the most sought-after programs, accounting for 91% of preferences among the agencies surveyed.
Why Brazilian students are choosing New Zealand
According to the data, the main factors driving the choice of New Zealand as a destination are:
-
High quality of life and safety
-
Academic excellence with a focus on innovation
-
Ease of obtaining a student visa
-
Permission to work while studying
-
Economically and socially stable environment
In addition, the growing demand for enriching cultural experiences, closer contact with nature, and the opportunity to develop socio-emotional skills has placed New Zealand in the spotlight — particularly among students who value a comprehensive education.
Additional insights from New Zealand-focused questions
A complementary survey, also conducted between February and April 2025 with 586 education agencies and 1,780 students across Brazil, highlighted specific factors influencing the decision to study in New Zealand.
The survey revealed that 75% of respondents who showed interest in New Zealand also considered it one of their top study destinations — ahead of countries like the United Kingdom and Canada. Students associate New Zealand with high-quality education, a good international reputation for its institutions, and globally recognised qualifications.
Additionally, New Zealand stands out for offering work opportunities during and after studies, socio-emotional skill development, and access to nature and outdoor activities — these factors align with current student preferences for holistic and life-enriching study abroad experiences.
If Brazil and/or any other Latin American country is part of your business plan for the 2025/26 financial year, please contact the in-market team via Latinamerica@enz.govt.nz.
-
-
Driving student interest in Indonesia through strategic co-funded initiatives
ENZ and SUN Education delivered a jam-packed programme of student recruitment events in Surabaya and Jakarta in late May to drive student interest and connect New Zealand providers with potential partners for academic collaboration.
Surabaya
The activity began with an introductory meeting between Universitas Airlangga’s International Office and visiting New Zealand providers to explore opportunities for academic collaboration between our two countries.
The meeting was attended by representatives from the University of Auckland, Auckland University of Technology, the New Zealand Honorary Consulate in Surabaya and SUN Education.
Discussions centred on potential areas of partnership, including articulation pathways, staff exchanges, guest lectures, and joint research initiatives.
The following day, providers met with prospective students at the Study in New Zealand Exhibition in Surabaya.
The exhibition featured the University of Auckland, Auckland University of Technology, University of Waikato, UP Education, University of Otago, Le Cordon Bleu, the Southern Institute of Technology and Lincoln University.
The event attracted around 200 students and their parents.
Study in New Zealand exhibition attendees learning about tertiary education options in New Zealand.
Jakarta
Over to Jakarta, ENZ organised an exhibition featuring a strong line-up of New Zealand institutions, comprised of all eight of New Zealand’s universities alongside the Southern Institute of Technology, Le Cordon Bleu, University of Canterbury International College and UP Education.
The fair attracted approximately 250 students and parents, all eager to explore the diverse study options and world-class education opportunities that New Zealand has to offer.
To close off a busy student recruitment period, a mini exhibition was hosted at Universitas Indonesia, the top-ranked university in Indonesia.
The exhibition was specifically for LPDP Affirmative Scholars and students interested in postgraduate-level study.
As part of the event, ENZ Market Manager, Naluri Bella, delivered a ‘Study in New Zealand’ session, which attracted around 100 enthusiastic attendees.
The session provided insights into New Zealand’s high-quality education system and scholarship opportunities, helping to raise awareness and inspire future postgraduate study pathways.
ENZ’s Regional Director (Asia) Ben Burrowes said the activities were designed enhance agents’ and students' awareness of New Zealand’s world-class education offering.
“These collaborations help position New Zealand as a competitive and credible choice for Indonesian students,” he added.
