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Allocation priorities for student visa applications
Immigration New Zealand (INZ) has changed the way they allocate international student visa applications from students in New Zealand, so they have more flexibility and can process these applications more efficiently during the summer processing peak.
INZ’s allocation priorities change from time to time to reflect current demands and will be posted on their website. You can view these allocation priorities here.
Tuition fee receipt reminder
When a student is in New Zealand (onshore) and submits an application for a student visa, it is a requirement to provide a tuition fee receipt with the application at the time of submission.
The approval in principle process is not available for students who are in New Zealand. Any onshore application should include evidence a student:
- has paid their tuition fees in full for one year or one programme (whichever is shorter); or
- that they are exempt from paying tuition fees and their education provider has confirmed this.
If the receipt is not provided with the application, then it has an impact on the processing and the application takes longer to be processed. For more information, you can find INZ's Student visa application information sheet for continuing international students here.
International education data
Every year, INZ publish data on the offshore student visa approval rates and application volumes for education agents by market. They also publish the overseas student visa application decision data broken down by country.
Updated data for 2024 has now been published: View this data here
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Around the world in five
Here’s a round-up of news from key international education markets.

GLOBAL
Times Higher Education release world university rankings for 2020
New entrants have shaken up the latest rankings, with universities in cosmopolitan hubs such as Switzerland and Hong Kong coming out on top.
CHINA
Wendy Pye Publishing awarded Best New Partner of China’s leading foreign language publisher
The educational books publisher received the prize in recognition of their work with China’s Foreign Language Teaching and Research Press for its Sunshine English series for school students in China, a first for a New Zealand publisher.
NEW ZEALAND
Applications open for International Student Wellbeing funding
The Ministry of Education is calling for applications for its latest International Student Wellbeing funding round. The theme for this year’s applications is inclusion and diversity.
CHILE
Chilean Minister for Science, Technology, Knowledge and Innovation inspired by NZ policy
In early August, New Zealand dignitaries (including the New Zealand Ambassador to Chile, Linda Te Puni) met with Chile’s Andrés Couve to discuss New Zealand’s public policy on science. Minister Couve considers the Curious Minds initiative a role model for other nations.
CANADA
Canadian Government announces CA$150 million international education strategy
The five-year strategy will seek to diversify where international students in Canada come from.
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Building relationships in Brazil and Chile
The visit was an opportunity to highlight that New Zealand is reconnecting with the world, increase the visibility of New Zealand’s education offering, strengthen bilateral and system connections, and boost the visibility of New Zealand as a preferred destination for students from Brazil and Chile.
During the visit, Chris Hipkins highlighted New Zealand’s unique, high-value education offering, met with counterparts to support bilateral relationships, and connected with education agents, alumni, and New Zealanders based offshore. He also made clear that New Zealand valued the depth of the education relationship in each country, and his interest in continuing these relationships.
The New Zealand delegation included Grant McPherson, Chief Executive of Education New Zealand Manapou ki te Ao (ENZ); Lisa Futschek, ENZ’s General Manager International; Freddy Ernst, Senior Policy Manager International Education from the Ministry of Education; and Jacque Bernstein, Senior Private Secretary. In Brazil and Chile, Chris Hipkins was also accompanied by Matthew O’Meagher, Director for the LatAm Centre of Asia-Pacific Excellence and ENZ in-country representatives Amy Rutherford, Javiera Visedo, and Bruna de Natale.
There was a significant media coverage following the visit, including an interview with O Estado de São Paulo, a major nationwide Brazilian media outlet, and a television interview with Pablo Cuellar from Mega Channel, Chile, to promote New Zealand education.
“We would love to see more Brazilians coming to study in New Zealand,” Chris Hipkins said during one of these interviews.
Brazil visit
Minister Hipkins with Ronaldo Aloise Pilli – Vice-president / Board of Trustees FAPESP (on his left) and Carlos Américo Pacheco – Executive Board Executive Director FAPESP.
The programme in Brazil included meetings with Patrick Tranjan, São Paulo State Under Secretary of Education, to discuss São Paulo-New Zealand education cooperation and present New Zealand as an education destination for high school students, and with Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (São Paulo Research Foundation, FAPESP) to demonstrate high level New Zealand Government support for growing New Zealand-São Paulo research engagement.
Chris Hipkins and delegation meeting representatives from São Paulo State Universities: USP (Carlos Gilberto Carlotti Junior, Provost), UNICAMP (Marcos Travassos Romano, Pro-Rector of Research) and UNESP (Amadeu Moura Bego, Adviser to the Dean of Undergraduate Studies)
Chris Hipkins also attended an event with New Zealand education agents, alumni, institutions, and business contacts, and visited the University of São Paulo (USP) which included a meeting with key stakeholders from the Council of Deans of São Paulo State Universities.
“It is absolutely brilliant that our Government is demonstrating such strong support to grow research engagement between our two countries, and that our Minister considers agent engagement and alumni as being key to futureproofing our industry,” Ms Futschek says.
Minister Hipkins and Alexandre Argenta, BELTA President, holding the Piko Iti gifted during the reception in São Paulo for agents and alumni.
The visit to São Paulo was a recognition of the value of international education relationships, and the potential for New Zealand to grow our education partnership with Brazil. Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, Brazil was New Zealand’s largest source of international students from Latin America. Institution-to-institution relationships are particularly strong, with longstanding partnerships and research collaborations. The Prime Minister’s Scholarships for Latin America are a valuable part of this relationship – of the 400 New Zealanders funded through these scholarships, 109 have been for study in Brazil.
During his visit, Chris Hipkins noted the warmth shown towards New Zealand by Brazilian universities, and the benefits of developing a dual focus. All universities mentioned their growing education engagement with New Zealand institutions, and their wish to further develop this cooperation.
USP’s willingness to consider a “New Zealand Corner” in their International Office demonstrates the success of the investment ENZ has made in its internationalisation focus on Brazil. This work, which began in 2016, has been aimed at developing relationships with highly ranked Brazilian universities.
“New Zealand and Brazil have many issues in common to work on, which they both care about, such as climate change, renewable energy, agriculture, indigenous education. We can gain a lot by exchanging experiences in this regard,” Chris Hipkins said.
Chile visit
The programme in Chile included meetings with new Education Minister Marco Ávila to discuss education cooperation, especially around intercultural education, and to sign a refreshed Education Cooperation Arrangement (ECA); with the new Minister of Science, Technology, Knowledge and Innovation, Flavio Salazar, to discuss potential areas of cooperation, scholarships, and reciprocal education engagement opportunities; and with the Board of the Council of Rectors of Chilean Universities (CRUCH) to witness the signing of an ECA between ENZ and CRUCH that will promote international education and exchange.
Minister Hipkins witnessing the Education Cooperation Arrangement being signed by Chief Executive Grant McPherson, Education New Zealand Manapou ki te Ao, and Rector Oscar Corrales, Universidad de Valparaíso in Chile.
Chris Hipkins also attended the Chilean Kiwi Alumni Board dinner and an edtech engagement event at the Universidad Diego Portales (UDP). He also hosted the 50th anniversary of the establishment of New Zealand’s first diplomatic post in Latin America (in Santiago), to reinforce the strong bilateral relationship between New Zealand and Chile.
Some key discussions included cooperation, scholarships, student and research mobility, and reciprocal education engagement opportunities. Indigenous exchange and opportunities to support capability and capacity development of young, emerging indigenous leaders were also of very high interest.
“Some of the key takeaways from this visit were the emphasis on diversity, equity, and inclusion, indigenous-led international education engagement, and internationalisation,” says ENZ Regional Director Amy Rutherford. “It is exciting to see the opportunities for collaboration in these areas.”
On his return to New Zealand, the Minister highlighted diversity, equity and inclusion, education agent engagement and alumni engagement as being key to the future of bilateral education relationships in the region.
New Zealand providers are invited to contact Javiera Visedo, ENZ’s Director of Engagement Latin America at latinamerica@enz.govt.nz for further information on the visit, or to discuss plans for engagement in the region.
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International students help Kiwi kids become ‘Asia-ready’
The Foundation’s recent report, Losing Momentum – School Leavers’ Asia Engagement, shows that fewer than 10 percent of senior secondary school students are ‘Asia-ready,’ and more than half said they are not confident to engage with Asians, even in New Zealand.
Mr Draper says one solution may be to put in place a system where international students from Asia can engage with Kiwi students in a planned and structured way.
In the International Student Experience report by Study Auckland and ENZ, one of the challenges highlighted was international students’ lack of engagement with New Zealand students. International students said cross-cultural connection would make their experience more satisfying and enjoyable, particularly through structured events and organised socialising.
“They want opportunities to engage with New Zealanders and we want that as well for our young people – so let’s engage them in ways that would benefit both them and their Kiwi peers,” says Mr Draper.
“I can’t think of a better way to improve New Zealand students’ confidence to engage with Asian cultures than to have their Asian mates share their cultures with them.”
The Foundation holds ‘Experience Asia’ events in schools across the country where international students teach local students about their culture, such as how to make dumplings, how to play a traditional Asian musical instrument, or teaching martial arts.
Mr Draper says New Zealand school leavers’ lack of confidence in engaging with Asian peoples and cultures is concerning given that New Zealand’s present and future – economically, culturally and socially – are tied to Asia.
“All indicators show that Asia will play a critical role in young New Zealanders’ careers, their personal relationships, and their life experiences. Developing Asia-related competencies will be a necessity for their future,” he says.
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Supporting PTEs to grow internationally
The recent 2024 ITENZ Conference in September provided the ideal platform for Sharon-May McCrostie, Acting General Manager of Sector Engagement for Education New Zealand Manapou ki te Ao (ENZ) to highlight some of ENZ’s work to support Private Training Establishments (PTEs).
Strengthening New Zealand’s reputation as a preferred destination for international students studying with PTEs by taking a collaborative approach with the subsector has been key, said Sharon-May.
“This includes how ENZ works with PTEs to develop the subsector by organising roadshows, in-market education fairs, events and webinars. We also have a strong pipeline of activity ahead, working with PTEs through strategic marketing, partnerships, capability building, with a focus on delivering high-quality educational experiences,” added Sharon-May.
The team at the ENZ booth during the 2024 ITENZ conference. From left Business Development Manager, Jane Yang, Coordinator Sector Engagement, Isabella Gunadjaja, Acting GM Sector Engagement, Sharon McCrostie, and GM Māori, Ed Tuari. Ed kick-started conference proceedings with an energising mihi whakatau.
During her presentation, Sharon-May highlighted four key points:
- Expanding recruitment efforts in key markets such as India, China, Viet Nam, Latin America, and the Philippines, will be incredibly important in the diversification of the international student base. This will also be vital in achieving the New Zealand government’s goal to double export earnings from international education to $4.4 billion by 2027 and meeting the student enrolment target of 85,000 by 2024/25 (up from 69,000).
- ENZ conducts targeted marketing campaigns that aim to boost visibility and awareness of a New Zealand education. Providers can leverage ENZ marketing support in their international journey through tools like BrandLab for developing promotional materials and AgentLab for connecting with education agents.
- ENZ provides valuable market insights through IntelliLab, offering data on trends, student preferences, and enrolment statistics to help providers make informed decisions.
- Lastly, to improve the student experience, ENZ provides resources such as NauMai NZ and conducts an annual Student Experience Survey, giving providers insights into how they can better meet the needs of international students.
Sharon-May ended by confirming ENZ’s commitment to the subsector.
“We are committed to providing ongoing support for PTE providers through research, resource and capability building. We look forward to continuing our efforts in supporting the growth of this very important part of New Zealand’s international education eco-system,” said Sharon-May.
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Kiwi scholars to gain international skills
The scholarships, funded by the New Zealand Government and administered by Education New Zealand, support recent graduates or current students to undertake study, research or internships at institutions in Latin America and Asia, including Brazil, Mexico, China, India and Japan.
Awardees in this round (2019-2020 Round Two) are in fields including languages, law, business, health, sustainability and the arts. They will attend for periods ranging from four weeks to one year.
The scholarships enable a wide range of educational experiences, including: a cultural exchange and internship programme for Māori and Pasifika graduates in Vietnam; a group of arts and design students who will attend a course on the economic and cultural significance of modest fashion at the Islamic Fashion Institute in Indonesia; and an internship with an Indian charity supporting the health and education of street children in Jaipur.
‘’A key aspect of international education is sending New Zealand learners out to the world to gain all-important global skills and experience,’’ says ENZ’s Director Student Experience and Global Citizens, Partnerships and Marketing, Sahinde Pala.
“When they return, they bring new perspectives and expertise with them, helping to grow New Zealand’s international networks and inter-cultural awareness.’’
Most awardees undertake programmes that can be credited back to their New Zealand qualification. Similarly, international internships are usually part of their home institution’s work integrated learning programme, Sahinde says.
Background
PMSA and PMSLA support the Government’s International Education Strategy: to build a thriving and globally connected New Zealand through international education.
A total of 2,399 young New Zealanders have taken part since the programme was launched in 2013, initially for Asia (PMSA), and extended to Latin American (PMSLA) in 2016.
The full list of PMSA and PMSLA recipients from this round is on the Education New Zealand website: PMSA recipients and PMSLA recipients. Information on past PMSA and PMSLA recipients can be found here.
How to apply
There are two rounds of PMSA and PMSLA scholarships offered each year, in August and March.
Applications for the next PMSA and PMSLA round (2019-2020 Round Two) open from mid-January 2020 and close on 30 March 2020. More information on the application process can be found on our website. Institutions are encouraged to contact ENZ to discuss potential group applications.
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Education links recognised during Prime Minister’s Trade Mission to Malaysia and Republic of Korea
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon’s recent Trade Mission to Malaysia and the Republic of Korea involved a wide range of education-related events. They proved the perfect opportunity to recognise New Zealand’s education cooperation with both host countries while also raising New Zealand’s education brand awareness. The events also highlighted the strong people-to-people connections that were started through international education and continue through links to alumni and the industries they have gone on to work in.
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon speaking at the New Zealand-Korea Education Partnership Ceremony in Seoul held on 5 September.
Representing our sector during the Mission was Professor Grant Edwards, Vice Chancellor of Lincoln University, and John van der Zwan, Executive Director of Schools International Education Business Association (SIEBA). Education New Zealand Manapou ki te Ao (ENZ) and NZ Inc agencies worked closely with the sector delegates on the education components of the Mission which included two education-related arrangement signings, education representatives at the two Gala Dinners, the Green Room with Influential Alumni event in Kuala Lumpur, and the New Zealand – Korea Education Partnership Ceremony in Seoul.
Professor Grant Edwards of Lincoln University with Prime Minister Christopher Luxon at the signing of a MOU with Universiti Putra Malaysia.
Joining the Mission for the education elements of the programme was ENZ’s Acting General Manager – International, Mr Ben Burrowes. Mr Burrowes said that having education representatives and dedicated education components feature strongly on the Prime Minister’s agenda supports the education sector with our brand awareness and elevates New Zealand’s reputation in these two important source countries for international students.
"During the series of events, Prime Minister Luxon highlighted the strong connections between our people that have been nurtured through education.
“At one of the alumni events in Malaysia which featured Malaysian alumni who are now influential leaders in politics, business, science, and education, Prime Minister Luxon spoke of the importance of such alumni networks in fostering these connections,” said Mr Burrowes.
While in Korea, ENZ’s Acting General Manager International, Ben Burrowes, provided an appreciation gift to our school sector partner, Seoul Metropolitan City Office of Education to recognise their commitment to supporting young learners through global citizenship initiatives.
Professor Edwards said that he found the discussions on trade and education with Malaysia and the Republic of Korea highly valuable.
“Lincoln University signed two significant agreements during the trip: firstly, we signed an MoU with Universiti Putra Malaysia to advance research collaboration in agriculture and food security, and then a second MOU with the Korea Agency of Education, Promotion and Information Service in Food, Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (EPIS) to support student training in specialised agricultural education programmes.
“The new agreements will broaden Lincoln University’s collaborations with international institutions and further expand Aotearoa New Zealand’s global education partnerships,” said Professor Edwards.
Professor Grant Edwards of Lincoln University with Prime Minister Christopher Luxon at the signing of a MOU with the Korea Agency of Education, Promotion and Information Service in Food, Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (EPIS) in Seoul.
Representing the school sector for the Republic of Korea leg of the Mission, John van der Zwan of SIEBA provided remarks at the education event on fostering school cooperation and participated in local education site visits after the Trade Mission programme concluded. Mr van der Zwan also visited a local education agency and a school in Seoul where he taught twenty years ago.
Executive Director of SIEBA Mr John van der Zwan speaking at the New Zealand-Korea Education Partnership Ceremony.
Mr van der Zwan said that the Trade Mission was a special opportunity to join with the Prime Minister to promote the New Zealand school sector for international education.
“Our schools are seen as world-leading, providing excellent education to students from the Republic of Korea. The education event organised by ENZ and attended by the Prime Minister was a highlight for SIEBA with important connections made with education officials looking to strengthen people-to-people links with schools in New Zealand,” said Mr van der Zwan
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Learn New Every Day – new global brand campaign launched to attract international students to New Zealand
The new campaign called Learn New Every Day, delivers a student’s point of view of the first-time experiences international students could encounter in a single day when they study with New Zealand.
ENZ’s General Manager of Marketing and Communication, Geoff Bilbrough, said that 'Learn New Every Day’ is designed to cut through in a very competitive market.
“We wanted to capture the essence of what it is really like to study with New Zealand, taking the perspective of a learner as they encounter new experiences, and convey the excitement and emotion as they go through their day.
“What makes the campaign more memorable is its high energy, positive, contemporary feel. And the first-person point of view approach is unique to the category,” Geoff said.
Geoff went on to say, “The scenes and scenarios in the campaign reflect our core values of a high-quality education and employability/future opportunities. These messages are woven through the campaign through imagery and action involving learners in a range of environments across all parts of New Zealand’s education sector, alongside the well-known adventure and social experiences. The featured imagery reflects what we know international students are looking for in a New Zealand education.”
Learn New Every Day was pre-tested and performed well in in-depth one-on-one interviews with students and parents from China, South Korea, India, and Viet Nam. Feedback was also sought from across New Zealand’s international education sector, who also responded positively to the concepts, their relevance to the young learner, and the clarity of the idea.
ENZ’s Global Brand Manager, Nick Sinclair, said that the campaign involved a mix of current international and domestic students from primary, secondary, and tertiary institutions.
“We had a wonderful time interacting with the international students while capturing these ‘first-experience’ scenes. They were really excited about the opportunity to take part in the decision-making process for other students and their parents as they choose their overseas study destination.
“The campaign communicates what we strongly believe is New Zealand’s competitive edge in the international education market. A New Zealand education experience is as much about the adventure, social experiences, and our unique culture and landscapes, as it is about the high-quality study opportunities that we offer”.
The campaign will run for at least 18 months. It is running initially in China, India, South Korea, Thailand, Viet Nam, and Japan targeting students aged 16 to 24 and their parents across all sectors including high school, university, Te Pūkenga, English language schools and private training establishments. Campaign assets include videos of various lengths, digital banners, and assets for the creation of off-line collateral such as banners, and other materials, in English and the local languages of our target countries.
As well as featuring across paid digital media in these countries, the campaign features on all 10 Study with New Zealand websites, in all communications with prospects that sign up to Study with New Zealand, and across all other ENZ channels.
All images and other campaign collateral can be found on ENZ’s Brand Lab here - Home | Education NZ Brand Lab | The ENZ Brand Lab
For media enquiries contact:
Stephanie Morison,
Senior Communications Advisor
Education New Zealand Manapou ki te Ao
+64 223020104, Stephanie.morison@enz.govt.nz
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Competition winners and interns enjoy trip of a lifetime
A separate competition was launched in India called ‘Fashion for Fleming’, requiring fashion students to design a t-shirt for ENZ’s Brand Ambassador, Stephen Fleming. The competition encouraged students from India to incorporate creative designs showcasing the unique values of both countries. The winner received a two week internship at AUT’s Fashion School.
As well, over the past couple of months, two students from Viet Nam and India, and one each from Indonesia and Malaysia undertook all-expenses paid internships at various institutes in New Zealand.
We’ve received some outstanding feedback from the interns and the respective institutions, both during the internships and after the students returned home. Here’s a taste of what they said:
Armeet Narang, a student from Symbiosis Institute, Pune won a four-week internship at Avondale College
"My experience in New Zealand as an intern is something I will cherish in the future. The people, culture, food, and the work ethic is very much different than in India, something that left me speechless. It was robust and fresh, something I believe every student needs in their college life. Perhaps, what left me astonished was the education system over there, so much more developed. Avondale College and the staff at the International Department were so warm and welcoming I settled right in. It was too good to be true for me. My homestay parents were simply perfect. A month after my return, I still miss that place - the weather, the food and the people. Such an opportunity is sure to open many doors for me, and I cannot be grateful enough.” - Armeet Narang
“Avondale College welcomed the opportunity to host an intern from India and we were most pleased with the successful candidate when he arrived. Armeet immediately became one of the team at the Avondale College International Department, and set up his work station in the reception office - a signal to us he was here to integrate with the students, learn how a busy office worked, and to offer a new perspective.
Initial discussions on how Armeet could add value included doing a SWOT analysis, reviewing current strategies of NZ Schools active in the Indian market, and developing a marketing strategy and plan for Avondale College to implement. Having a particular interest in use of media and digital channels, Armeet launched into a review of the current Avondale College website and Facebook usage and developed a best practice model to head towards.
Armeet took every advantage of getting out and about in Auckland and the North Island. His trip culminated in attending the All Blacks game against Australia. His first rugby match he described it almost as good as an IPL match. From our perspective the internship was a huge success with learnings from both Armeet and institution. Many thanks to ENZ for the opportunity. We are solid advocates for such projects.” - Chris Klaassen, Director of International, Avondale College
Nguyen Hoai Thuong, Vietnam won a four-week internship at Palmerston North Girls High School
“What I love most about New Zealand is that people are very friendly. I didn’t feel like I was in a foreign country, but at home, as a family member. The environment in New Zealand also captured my attention, since people have good awareness of environment protection, and it did have an impact on me after coming back to Vietnam. I also learnt a lot from my colleagues, not only marketing knowledge, but also their passion. They inspired me and made me realise that once you pour all your heart into doing something, anything can be meaningful and memorable. I really hope that one day I can go back to NZ, to learn more and explore more, and most of all, to see again the people giving me the best time of my youth.” - Nguyen Hoai Thuong
Pham Phuong Lam, Vietnam won a four-week internship at Academic Colleges Group
“The one-month internship at ACG was an unforgettable experience. Auckland is a small, multi-cultural city that has made me feel welcome since my very first day. I love the people here, they are friendly, open and very kind. Working in ACG is my first working abroad experience. My colleagues always support and give me good advice to know more about international marketing. ACG has many education institutions that has helped me gain an overall view of New Zealand education, which is famous for critical thinking development and taking good care of international students.” - Pham Phuong Lam

Competition winners: Intern Edo with Vice Chancellor Stuart McChutcheon and Deputy Vice Chancellor Jenny Dixon.
Edo Dwi Prayogo, Indonesia won a four-week internship at The University of Auckland
“I was surprised how easy the Vice Chancellor was to talk to. I feel so lucky to have this whole opportunity. This is my first internship, and I’m having so many new experiences. I’m really enjoying the work environment – it’s so interesting to learn how an organisation reaches international markets, and to be involved in that.” - Edo Dwi Prayogo
“Having Edo with us for a month has been fantastic. He has made an excellent contribution to the team and we have benefitted from the insights he has provided into the Indonesian market and Indonesian culture.” - University of Auckland International Marketing Manager Shane Ball
Kong Kah Weng (Eric), Malaysia won a four-week internship at Choose New Zealand Education Alliance
Life here is completely different compared to Malaysia. What I have noticed so far, New Zealand is much more structured, less polluted, westernised, the standard of living is higher, buildings are flat, less traffic congestion, convenient public transportation and the city is filled with outrageously beautiful natural scenes.
My first day working with Novo Education was remarkable, work culture here is very different. Working hours can be flexible; capability, trust and responsibility are amongst the key qualities of being a good staff. I have been catching up and learning many different tasks as an intern. In fact the work environment moulds you towards a positive working culture.
I have got to know some friends here doing their undergraduate program at a polytechnic institution. In Malaysian’s mind, polytechnics are lousy. This perception does not apply to New Zealand surprisingly. Instead, they offer various types of programmes, well recognised locally and internationally up to postgraduate level. On top of it, they cost less than university.
Lamb and beef taste like heaven! Many other local productions like diary, chocolate, chips and wine are a must try. My honest opinion, I think I feel in love with this country and things around.” - Eric Kong
“Novo Education has been delighted to host the ENZ prize winning student from Malaysia, Eric Kong, as an intern for 4 weeks. Eric visited the campuses of Choose New Zealand members in Auckland, New Plymouth, Whitianga, Greymouth and Christchurch, and is even more enthusiastic about New Zealand education than before he arrived, and was very active in posting positive comments on social media. In turn he has provided us with some insights and research into potential niche markets in Malaysia, and we feel quite excited about future opportunities there.
We wish him very well in his continuing studies. Thank you to Education New Zealand for the opportunity to participate in this internship programme, and we can certainly recommend it to any other institution in the future. ” - Bruce Cleland, Chairman, Choose New Zealand Education Alliance
Somsurvo Chatterjee, a student from NIFT, Kolkata won a two-week internship at the AUT University’s Fashion School
“I am learning new, innovative ways of garment designing at AUT, which will help me incorporate new design elements when I go back to Kolkata. I am enjoying the student life and culture in Auckland, people on campus have been very friendly and the students from the fashion department organised a surprise picnic for me at the studio which means a lot considering I am in a new country. I will cherish my time and learnings at AUT for life. - Somsurvo Chatterjee

Winner of the ‘Fashion for Fleming’ design competition Somsuvro Chatterjee with his winning design for Stephen Fleming inspired by the Christchurch Cardboard Cathedral.
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New Zealand continues to protect and care for international students during lockdown
Providers, host families and supporting networks have been setting up additional support for international students to ensure they feel connected and safe.
Education New Zealand is pulling together some of the great things that have been taking place across the sector. Here are just a small number that we have heard about so far.
- Otago University has a dedicated information page for students, with students registering with Ask Otago. They can then request daily phone calls to check in and see how they are doing. University recreation centre staff are also offering virtual fitness classes.
- University of Auckland has been supporting the COVID-19 response by undertaking modelling work that informs the Prime Minister’s Chief Science Advisor and working directly with the Auckland District Health Board to help with testing capacity by using their facilities and people.
- Rotorua English Language Academy (RELA) is teaching online classes to 30 students from nine different countries. Many students are worried about their families back home so in addition to support during class time, staff make individual phone calls and arrange fun activities such as the recent Easter video competition on WhatsApp. Friday full-school assemblies and farewell speeches continue to lift students’ spirits with the RELA tradition of singing ‘Now is the Hour’ – managed by the school’s director playing on the piano at home while students sing over Zoom.
- Several Northland schools have been working closely with Study Northland to support the 150 international students in their care. The international students are being well supported by their schools and homestay families by keeping them busy and making them feel like an integral part of the family.
- SIEBA is doing an amazing job supporting the school sector. The small SIEBA team has been working around the clock to provide advice and guidance to schools, including publishing residential care emergency guidance to help schools navigate these tricky areas. On top of all that, SIEBA is raising key issues with the Ministry of Education and alerting government agencies to emerging challenges.
- Massey University’s international support staff are running virtual one-on-one support sessions which can be arranged by the students themselves. The university, like other universities, is making personal phone calls to all students to ensure they feel supported. Massey also has a range of wellbeing resources available and the recreation centres have taken their services online.
- Aspire2 International has launched a number of online learning solutions that have all gained NZQA accreditation. This means English, hospitality, IT and business students can transition from face-to-face to remote learning quickly in order to complete their qualifications.
We want to hear more about the great work the sector is doing to support international students within New Zealand both in enabling their learning but also supporting their wellbeing.
Please let us know what your organisation has been doing and we will look to share this wider. Send your stories to industryteam@enz.govt.nz.