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International IT graduates connect with industry
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Work-ready programmes are a great way to connect employers with local talent
Each of the international graduates delivered a 60-second pitch to the room, followed by an informal networking session to talk further with employers about work opportunities.
The event was organised by ATEED (Auckland Tourism, Events & Economic Development).
The graduates are participating in a 12-week software development boot camp delivered by Industry Connect, an initiative that prepares graduates for the New Zealand IT market. Each student received a full scholarship, thanks to a joint funding agreement between ATEED, ENZ and Immigration New Zealand. Five graduates from the programme have already secured permanent jobs in the tech sector.
Study Auckland Manager, Nick Arnott, said through these networking events, ATEED hopes to retain the best international graduates in the region by promoting skilled employment pathways – particularly in high-growth sectors such as IT.
“It's great to see the graduates throw themselves into networking with employers, and also to see how interested the employers were in hiring diverse talent,” said Nick.
"It really showcased the human side of the work ATEED is doing to transition international graduates into skilled employment.”
CVs of international graduates

Greg Scott, ENZ’s General Manager, Industry Development said the programme is indicative of a wider change happening in international education.
“International students are starting to seek more from their education than just a qualification – career outcomes, soft skills, and work experience are more likely to sway their decision on which location and institution they should choose for study.”
Greg said the number of employers attending the networking event was a testament to the growing interest in talented international graduates.
“More and more employers are seeking people that aren’t only tech savvy but have cultural knowledge and language skills too.
“It demonstrates that Auckland's tech sector is hungry for skilled international graduates. Most likely, other sectors are too.”
Wellington embraces talents, culture, and passion of international students

While they love the great arts and culture vibe, fabulous food, and easy access to parks and hills, they choose Wellington principally for its world-class educational opportunities and diverse career prospects.

In a city where 23 percent of people are studying, international students quickly feel a sense of belonging as they are welcomed into a well-connected community of learners and achievers. As the capital city, Wellington offers sophisticated collaboration between education providers, research institutions, the business community, and Government.

Innovative programmes build long-term relationships with international students

Study in Wellington, a specialist team within economic development agency WellingtonNZ, promotes the region as a great place to study and enter the workforce, and recognises that international students have much to offer the city both during their stay, and after they have finished studying.

“International students bring their culture and their talents,” says programme lead Sarah Grant. “They bring determination, skill, and passion to our community. And they also bring a good work ethic with them.

Study in Wellington is focused on building-long-term relationships with students and alumni and has developed an innovative range of programmes tailored to each stage of an international student’s journey, and to provide channels for future collaboration.

Networking programmes key to “amazing” experience

For 25-year-old Shamanthi Jayawardena, leaving her home in Colombo, Sri Lanka, to study overseas in 2019 was a big decision and there were plenty of options. In the end she chose Wellington, saying the “cool city vibe” and reputation for safety attracted her, along with the quality of the courses available at Victoria University.

Returning home 15 months later, having completed her Master’s in Global Marketing, she reflects on an “amazing” experience in Wellington and says much of it was down to her involvement in the programmes offered by Study in Wellington, including Work Ready in Wellington, Alumni Connect and Employer Connect.

She says there’s no doubt a highlight was being involved in Employer Connect, which builds up the networking skills of graduating students and connects them with employers.

“As a project coordinator facilitator, I got the chance to meet people from diverse backgrounds, understand their needs and help design a programme that benefits both the international students and the community of local organisations.”

So successful was Shamanthi’s networking that she landed a contract role with Wellington design and digital agency Obvious and continues to work for them remotely from Sri Lanka.

The opportunity to succeed is there for all international students, Shamanthi says.

“You need to be open-minded, connect with the programmes available to you, and put yourself out there. It’s a great place to follow your passion.”

Wellington proud of its international student community

Grant is proud of the way Wellington embraces its international student community, even with closed borders.

“We are ready to welcome back students when we can and believe that we do provide a unique experience and the opportunity to really get connected with the local community, businesses, and institutions.

“In return, the students make Wellington a more dynamic and interesting city.”
International students welcomed to New Zealand
James Hargest College’s new international students meet their homestay families at the airport (the stuffed lion toy (school mascot) has all the emergency contacts in its school bag!)

Whakatane High School performed a powhiri for its new German, Austrian and Swiss students.

International students at Mount Maunganui Primary School

International students at Mount Maunganui Primary School

International students at Mount Maunganui Primary School

International students at Mount Maunganui Primary School

International students at Mount Maunganui Primary School

International students at Mount Maunganui Primary School
Student speakers at NZIEC 2018
WelTec student Angelique Viola came from the Philippines to study accounting here, leaving behind a secure job and taking a leap of faith. After graduation, her goal is to find employment as an accountant in New Zealand.
Three things I’ve enjoyed about being an international student in New Zealand:
1. My tutors were supportive and made me feel comfortable to ask them questions. It helped me cope up with my studies and boosted my confidence. Other support, like the free shuttle bus provided by my school, was also a big help.
2. It is the first time that I encountered a study break during the school semester. That one-week break helped me to cool off before the final exams.
3. The Work-Ready Wellington programme helped me learn about New Zealand’s working environment.
Three things I’ve found hard about being an international student in New Zealand:
1. Finding a part-time job related to the field I am studying.
2. The cost of transportation is quite expensive.
3. It’s challenging to find an institution that offers free seminars/training to enhance specific skills I am lacking.
The one thing that would have made the biggest difference/improvement in my experience is…
I am taking a Graduate Diploma in accounting and it would be beneficial to have on-the-job style training and to learn software such as Xero or MYOB in the curriculum. This would definitely help me in my job hunt since most New Zealand employers are looking for experienced individuals.

Yuki Sugito left Japan to study at Wainuiomata High School – party driven by the appeal of the All Blacks at the 2015 World Cup. He has become involved in kapa haka, competing in the national championships with his school group. He plans to study tourism management at the University of Otago, and also wants to teach Japanese to Kiwis.
Three things I’ve enjoyed about being an international student in New Zealand:
1. I like learning about New Zealand culture. At school, I participate in Kapa Haka and get to learn the significance of Māori traditions.
2. New Zealand school is less strict than Japan and I can relate to the teachers and build good relationships.
3. I can practice my English every day.
Three things I’ve found hard about being an international student in New Zealand:
1. Learning English is hard. In Japanese we don’t pronounce “r’s” and “l’s”. Also, the slang New Zealanders use is hard to get used to.
2. In New Zealand you have to self-manage your time. In Japan you “must” do things, in New Zealand you “should” do things, but no one makes you do it. You have to be motivated to achieve.
3. The NCEA system is different and hard. The system in New Zealand means if you don’t get your credits you can’t go to university. In Japan, the universities don’t operate like this.
The one thing that would have made the biggest difference/improvement in my experience is…
The classes for each subject in school are longer than in Japan. I wish New Zealand had at least a 10-minute break between classes. In Japan, classes are 50 minutes long with a small break in between which makes you feel recharged to learn the next subject.

Jingxin 'Ada' Wang is originally from China, and studied a master’s degree in accounting at Victoria University of Wellington. She enjoys travelling and has embraced hiking since being in New Zealand.
Three things I’ve enjoyed about being an international student in New Zealand:
1. Excellent international student insurance – I don’t need worry about any accidents.
2. Help from the international students centre, they give you the best advice no matter what issues you struggle with. There are also lots of discounts for international students such as gyms, barbershops and restaurants.
3. I went to a Work-Ready course organised by Wellington Council, which made it easier for me to find employment after graduating.
Three things I’ve found hard about being an international student in New Zealand:
1. The Kiwi accent was very hard to understand at the beginning, and it was difficult for people to understand my own accent.
2. It’s hard to find delicious and authentic Chinese food in New Zealand.
3. Winter is my nightmare, and the weather here is always so rainy, windy and cold!
The one thing that would have made the biggest difference/improvement in my experience is…
I wish I had more support from my university about New Zealand etiquette and taboo. International students need to mingle into New Zealand culture and society and know the appropriate way to speak and to behave.
From the CE: Holiday greetings!
Education providers and agents, other NZ Inc agencies, and our own passionate and committed international teams, enabled New Zealand to retain an active presence in our key partner countries while the borders were closed – creating online events and promotions, finding innovative ways to enable students who were caught overseas to continue their studies online, and working hard to sustain and develop vital relationships. At the same time, we worked with you to look after international students remaining in New Zealand, and to enable selected students to travel here through the cohort processes.
Reduced restrictions in some countries created some very useful opportunities for travel and direct personal engagement in the first half of the year.
New Zealand’s successful participation at NAFSA in the United States at the end of May was a major highlight – it included a high profile role for Education Minister Chris Hipkins, the launch of Te Pūkenga’s international strategy as well as participation by all eight of New Zealand’s universities, and the launch of the sector’s new global marketing campaign, I AM NEW.
This award-winning campaign, which showcases unique aspects of a New Zealand education, has so far achieved a total reach of 184 million people – generating 52.7 million engagements across Facebook, TikTok, YouTube, Instagram, WeChat, Weibo and Bilibil, attracting a high level of interest at offshore events and positive media coverage.
Minister Hipkins’ visit to NAFSA was the start of an education-focussed trip to the United States, Brazil and Chile. The value of this first trip and the ones that followed later in the year cannot be overstated – they have sent a strong message that New Zealand is open for business and ready to welcome international students once again. Subsequent visits to Asia by Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern and by Minister Hipkins again included meetings with key politicians, officials, education providers, agents, alumni and other stakeholders, and gained significant media coverage in the region.
Over recent months we’ve seen a steady increase in the number of international students here. New Zealanders also have the opportunity to experience international education in Asia and Latin America once again, with the resumption of the Prime Minister’s Scholarships.
These have been welcome developments, but there is still a way to go to rebuild student numbers enrolling with institutions in New Zealand. It’s also increasingly clear that the long-term future of international education needs to be much broader than student mobility. Education New Zealand Manapou ki te Ao was already working with the sector on innovation pre-Covid, and the pandemic has highlighted the importance of this diversification work, to support greater resilience and long-term sustainability. The refreshed New Zealand International Education Strategy 2022-30 and the 2020 Strategic Recovery Plan for International Education have set the framework for our work in this area during the year.
Finally, as we head towards the holiday break, I’d like to thank everyone for your support this year. I look forward to working with you again in 2023 to rebuild an international education sector that is sustainable, resilient, and innovative, and of high value for students, providers, and all of New Zealand.
Ehara taku toa i te toa takitahi engari he toa takitini - It is not the strength of one person alone, but the strength of many that contribute to our success.
Grant McPherson
From the Acting CE: Forward together
Tēnā koutou katoa

Last week we took time internally to reflect on our work over the 2023/24 financial year. So much excellent work has happened over the past twelve months – it was wonderful to come together virtually as an organisation to celebrate the achievements.

There are good reasons to celebrate. International students are returning to New Zealand. The latest enrolment figures show that there were 69,135 international student enrolments with New Zealand education providers in 2023. This represents a 67 per cent increase compared to the full year in 2022 and 60 per cent of annual enrolments in 2019.

This is positive news for our education sector and good for our communities.

A key part of our strategy is to partner and connect and to be an enabler of international education for New Zealand, so I thought I would share with you some recent engagements with that in mind.

This past month I had the pleasure of speaking at the opening plenary session of the annual SIEBA (Schools International Education Business Association) conference in Auckland. The theme of the hui was Global Threads Local Ties. The school sector is very important to New Zealand’s international education offering. It is the second largest sub sector after universities, representing about 20 percent of the value of our entire industry and it is where we find the highest economic value and the greatest opportunity to pathway through to other New Zealand providers.

Likewise, in early August I was pleased to welcome to our Wellington office a delegation of twenty indigenous students visiting from the University of Toronto. Canada is one of New Zealand’s closest and longstanding international partners and it is pleasing to see indigenous-to-indigenous cooperation between both countries increasing. We are really noticing growing interest in this overseas as you will read in this article here. - Indigenous Internationalisation a hot topic

Turning our attention to the next 12 months, in June the ENZ Board approved our business plan for this financial year (1 July 2024 to 30 June 2025). The plan has four clear priorities:
- To grow and diversify the number and value of international students studying with New Zealand
- Partner and connect to be the trusted voice and enabler of international education for New Zealand
- To deliver sector growth through services that are valued by the sector, international students and New Zealand Inc partners, and
- Optimise ENZ to be a more efficient and effective Crown Agency.
When it comes to delivering valued sector services, the upcoming New Zealand International Education Conference (NZIEC KI TUA) in August will be provide an excellent opportunity to come together as a sector to listen, learn, discuss, contribute, and network with specialists and colleagues.

If you haven’t yet registered, I encourage you to check out the conference website. This year it will be held from 6 to 8 August 2024 at Tākina Convention Centre in Wellington.
We have a stellar line up of speakers and it promises to be an engaging and informative event.

Whaowhia te kete mātauranga

Fill the basket of knowledge.

Ngā mihi nui,

Dr Linda Sissons

Acting Chief Executive

Education New Zealand Manapou ki te Ao
Updated timeframe for the re-opening of New Zealand's borders
Note: The information in this story was correct at the time of publication, however, some steps in New Zealand's border reopening plan have now been brought forward. Click here to check the current border reopening steps.
“To slow the rapid spread we have seen overseas, we are pushing out the start of non-MIQ travel until the end of February 2022”, COVID-19 Response Minister Chris Hipkins said.
You can read the full announcement from the Government here.
The Government has not yet announced the date from which any specific group of foreign nationals, such as international students, will be able to travel to New Zealand or apply for visas to do so.
Until then, New Zealand’s current border settings will remain in place. Most people outside New Zealand cannot apply for a visa unless they have a border exception. There are limited border exceptions for international students.
New Zealand suspended most offshore visa applications from August 2020 and that suspension currently extends to August 2022. The Government may decide to lift the suspension, in whole or in part, before August 2022 – in line with its decisions on the stages of the border re-opening.
It is Education New Zealand’s view that it is better for international students, education providers and agents to wait for certainty on border entry conditions before making new plans or commitments to students.
At this stage, in most cases, if international students who are now in New Zealand leave, they will not be able to return to the country for the start of the 2022 academic year. They will need to wait to apply for visas and to travel to New Zealand until the dates the Government sets for them to do so.
At Education New Zealand we understand how much international students and education providers have been through during the COVID-19 pandemic. We will keep students and providers up to date with the Government’s decisions as they are announced.
We are looking forward to welcoming international students back to New Zealand.
More information
Find out more about visas from Immigration New Zealand if:
Find out more about New Zealand’s response to COVID-19:
Around the world in five
EUROPE
Erasmus study abroad programme to extend beyond EU by 2021
As Brexit looms and more countries look to join the international higher education sector, the Erasmus exchange programme, which allows EU students to study within other EU regions, is set to allow other countries to participate.
Read more

JAPAN
ID system to track international student workers
Japan will start tracking international residents’ work status via its national ID system, allowing it to better enforce labour rules such as the 28-hour-per-week limit for work by international students.
Read more

CANADA
International recruitment keeps growing, but stakeholders concerned
The international student flow to Canada hasn’t slowed down after a record-breaking 51,020 study visas in 2017, but stakeholders are concerned that the sector needs to focus on outward mobility as well.
Read more

US
Report: US introduces restrictions for some Chinese visas
The US government is moving to limit the period of validity for visas issued to some Chinese students and researchers in specified technology fields.
Read more

NETHERLANDS
Courses and degrees in English are fine as long as standards don’t suffer
Institutions can offer more courses and degrees in English as long as it leads to an improvement in standards and Dutch students are not forced out, the country's education minister said amid concerns over the growing number of international students
Read more
Revised code of practice for international education providers
The code outlines ten outcomes sought from education providers for the care and support of international students.
The New Zealand Qualifications Authority will administer the code and impose sanctions against education providers who breach it.
New Zealand was one of the first countries in the world to adopt a code of practice in 2002. This new code will ensure New Zealand remains a world leader in the pastoral care of international students.

The international education sector has been growing strongly. To sustain this growth, it is imperative that we ensure international students receive a high quality education and have a positive, well-supported experience whilst studying in New Zealand.

A new International Student Contract Dispute Resolution Scheme (DRS) has also been established to resolve contractual and financial disputes between international students and education providers.
The new dispute resolution scheme will provide a faster and more effective forum for resolving contract and financial disagreements between students and providers. More information on this can be found here.
Both the code and the disputes resolution scheme come into force on 1 July 2016.

The revised code and the dispute resolution scheme are part of the Education Amendment Act 2015 and follow extensive consultation across the sector.
Further information about the revised code can be found here.
Letter from the CE: $4.28 billion valuation a great result
This places international education (onshore and offshore delivery) as New Zealand’s fourth largest export industry, and puts us well on the way to achieving our goal of a $5 billion economic value by 2025.
This achievement belongs to our education providers for delivering high-quality education programmes, the government bodies who work together and keep student well-being at the heart of the industry, and the Kiwis who welcome young people from around the globe into their homes and communities. This is what keeps bringing students to our shores.
As we know, economic contribution is just one aspect of international education, with the social and cultural benefits (though harder to quantify) being equally important.
International education connects New Zealanders with the world in a personal and meaningful way, and provides a global perspective to our institutions and communities. International students bring a rich cultural diversity, and allow Kiwi students to learn about the world by bringing the world to them. Students are exposed to different ways of thinking and looking at things, helping them to become more outward-looking and accepting of other cultures.
Of course, international education is a two-way flow. While New Zealanders are increasingly aware of the benefits of having international students here, there is ample opportunity for young Kiwis to go out into the world and experience the benefits of international education for themselves. This, I hope, will be a growing focus for the industry.
The new valuation is a clear reflection of New Zealand’s successful approach for both providers and students. It also demonstrates that great things that can happen when we work together. Let’s keep working together for the benefit of all.
Grant McPherson
Chief Executive, Education New Zealand

The Economic Impact of International Education Report for 2015/16 and its key findings can be found here.