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International education front and centre during Prime Minister’s trade mission to SEA
From 14 to 20 April, New Zealand Prime Minister Rt Hon Christopher Luxon led a delegation of New Zealand business and government leaders to Singapore, Thailand, and the Philippines. Included in the delegation was Tracey Bridges, Board Chair of Education New Zealand Manapou ki te Ao (ENZ), who joined a small group of education sector representatives, as well as other New Zealand Inc partners, including New Zealand Trade and Enterprise and New Zealand Story.
ENZ’s offshore teams based in Singapore and Thailand played a pivotal role in organising and supporting the international education events, ensuring international education was front and centre throughout the visit.
Tracey said that it was pleasing to see that our sector received significant attention throughout the visit and that it played an important part in the New Zealand export story.
“Being part of this delegation gave ENZ the opportunity to reinforce the significant economic, social, cultural, and diplomatic value that international education brings to New Zealand.
“It was also a wonderful opportunity to underscore the importance of people-to-people links in strengthening bilateral relations. The delegation particularly enjoyed meeting so many New Zealand alumni and hearing how their New Zealand education has had a profound impact on their personal and professional success,” added Tracey.
Positive attention on our sector was achieved from the start when Massey University’s Vice-Chancellor Professor Jan Thomas signed an Enhanced Collaboration Agreement with Singapore’s PSB Academy’s Executive Chairman Viva Sinniah. This collaboration is a first for a New Zealand university and marks a significant expansion beyond traditional offshore teaching partnerships.
From Singapore, the delegation moved on to Thailand, where ENZ facilitated further international education events. Massey University signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Office of the Basic Education Commission (OBEC) under the Thai Ministry of Education. Under the MoU, Massey University in collaboration with ENZ will host in-market English training workshops for more than 100 Thai teachers under the supervision of OBEC in June 2023. This took place during a joint press conference at the Thai Government House, witnessed by the Rt Hon Christopher Luxon and Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin.
ENZ Thailand, in partnership with Rajamagala University of Technology Phra Nakhon (RMUTP), then hosted New Zealand Member of Parliament Mr. Paulo Garcia, along with 27 delegates at the RMUTP campus for several cultural performances and tours. Later that afternoon, the ENZ Thailand team hosted a New Zealand Alumni Network event inviting the education representatives on the delegation, media representatives and 25 alumni who have all made substantial contributions to the bilateral relationship between New Zealand and Thailand.
ENZ’s Regional Director Asia (excluding China), Ben Burrowes said that Prime Minister Luxon engaged enthusiastically with the alumni and was able to see first-hand the role that international education plays in strengthening people-to-people connections around the world.
“During this event Prime Minister Luxon presented the Distinguished Service Awards to acknowledge the New Zealand Alumni Association in Thailand and the invaluable support it gives to international education.
“In addition to this Award, the Prime Minister presented an Eminent Alumni Award to a graduate who has made outstanding contributions to furthering bilateral ties between our two countries,” said Ben.
The Thai leg of the itinerary finished with a cocktail reception commemorating the Prime Minister’s visit. Over 400 guests representing various New Zealand Inc agencies, key local stakeholders from government agencies, educational institutions, private corporations, and education agents attended the event, reinforcing the close education ties between New Zealand and Thailand.
Lastly, the delegation travelled to the Philippines which for many members was their first visit. The time was effectively used here to engage with a number of ENZ’s key stakeholders invited to New Zealand Inc engagements across the programme.
At the close of the trip, Prime Minister Luxon said "the commercial announcements and deals between the delegation on the trip and counterparts in Singapore, Thailand, and the Philippines represent the growth of long-term, strategic partnerships.
"These relationships bind our countries closer together and deliver increased prosperity for all those involved."
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Malaysian students and NZ universities strengthen ties in series of education events
From 13 to 20 May, the Education New Zealand Manapou ki te Ao (ENZ) team in Malaysia supported a series of international education events across the country. The activities were co-funded with education agencies and were organised to raise awareness of the quality of New Zealand’s universities and the breadth of education opportunities for Malaysian students.
The initiative kicked-off with a series of education fairs held at MARA Colleges in Kuala Lumpur, Ledang, and Lenggong from 13 to 16 May. MARA (Majlis Amanah Rakyat) is the Malaysian Government Scholarship Provider and supports Malaysian students to pursue higher education at home or abroad. At these fairs, ENZ and participating New Zealand universities partnered with IDP to engage with diploma students from MARA who are looking to continue their bachelor's degrees overseas.
ENZ’s Market Manager for Indonesia and Malaysia, Naluri Bella (3rd from left), and education representatives delivered a session at Mara College in Lenggong, Perak, Malaysia.
ENZ followed this event by co-hosting another education fair in Kuala Lumpur with AECC Global Malaysia from 17 to 19 May. This event attracted approximately 100 enthusiastic students interested in pursuing undergraduate and postgraduate programmes at New Zealand universities.
Crowd at the Education New Zealand fair with AECC Global Malaysia on 18 May 2024 in Kuala Lumpur.
Prospective international students from East Malaysia were then offered the opportunity to learn more about studying in New Zealand at an information session in Kuching from 19 to 20 May. This session was held in collaboration with the city's leading education agency, MMS, and gave students valuable insights into New Zealand's academic landscape, empowering them with the knowledge to make informed decisions about their future education.
Study in New Zealand Information session at MMS office in Kuching, East Malaysia, 19 May 2024.
ENZ’s Regional Director, Asia (excluding China) and Acting General Manager of International, Ben Burrowes, highlighted the importance of conducting such events in Malaysia.
“Running student recruitment activities like these in Malaysia are a core part of ENZ’s strategy to promote diversity within New Zealand’s international student community.
“They also serve to foster cultural exchange and mutual growth, strengthening the enduring ties between our nations that were originally established through the Colombo Plan,” said Ben.
ENZ’s Market Manager for Indonesia and Malaysia, Naluri Bella, added that it was positive to see so much interest in learning more about studying in New Zealand from students right across the country.
“In an effort to broaden the reach of our recruitment efforts, ENZ and agents also connected with international schools in Malaysia. Our PR activity also gained traction with local media who shared details of our information sessions.
“This approach really underscores our commitment to fostering educational exchanges and facilitating pathways for Malaysian students to pursue higher education in New Zealand,” said Naluri.
School visit at Sayfol International School in Kuala Lumpur, 17 May 2024.
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NZ among top 10 preferred educational destination for Brazilian students
According to the latest survey by Belta (Brazilian Educational & Language Travel Association), New Zealand ranks seventh on the list of preferred educational destinations for Brazilian students. The survey interviews 836 students and 569 international education agents along with companies who work in the international education sector in Brazil.
Respondents who chose New Zealand said their choice was based on New Zealand’s excellent positions in various international rankings for quality of life, education, civil rights protection, government transparency, and women's safety/rights. Other factors are being able to study and work during the study programme, and New Zealand’s natural beauty and cultural attractions.
International education professionals attended the Belta survey launch event. Photo credit: Belta
According to the survey, the main objective of students participating in a study abroad program is to fulfil the dream of experiencing different countries and cultures (39.6%); the second is the interest in language studies (27.2%).
The majority (77%) of those who said they went abroad to learn a new language chose English when travelling. The quality of education is another reason cited by respondents who chose New Zealand. All universities in New Zealand are ranked among the top 2% in the world by major international indices, such as QS World Universities and THE – Times Higher Education.
Bruna de Natale, Education New Zealand Manapou ki te Ao (ENZ) Market Development Manager in Brazil, said, “The Belta survey is the most important source of consistently updated international education data in Brazil. It is very encouraging that Brazilians continue to perceive New Zealand as a safe, trusted and quality education to develop their academic and professional goals.,”.
The data from the Belta Survey 2024 reinforces the international Better Life Index, which measures variables that constitute the quality of life in countries of the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). In this survey, New Zealand is ranked as one of the best countries in the world to live in.
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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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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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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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Busy season for international education in India
The week after Prime Minister Christopher Luxon’s trade mission to India, Education New Zealand Manapou ki te Ao (ENZ) hosted the New Zealand – India Education Connect 2025 and flew the flag for higher education in New Zealand at the Asia Pacific Association for International Education Conference 2025 (APAIE).
New Zealand – India Education Connect 2025
ENZ hosted the New Zealand-India Education Connect focused on NZ universities strengthening academic and research partnerships with India. The event coincided with APAIE 2025 and was designed to align with India’s National Education Policy 2020 and support the Viksit Bharat 2047 vision.
H.E Patrick Rata welcoming attendees of the New Zealand-India Education Connect.
The inaugural session at the Connect event served as a valuable platform to provide an update on the recent high-level bilateral engagements between New Zealand and India during the Prime Minister's visit. It also highlighted the continued prominence of education as a key theme across these discussions.
The event started with high-level bilateral updates by New Zealand’s High Commissioner to India, Patrick Rata, followed by an education overview by ENZ’s Chief Executive, Amanda Malu. Immigration New Zealand also attended and provided a market update as well as conducted a workshop with a selection of Indian education agents.
The programme was strategically designed to provide university representatives with expert intelligence and insights to support the development of their India engagement strategies, aligning with the evolving priorities and demands within the Indian context.
Panel discussions featured senior government officials and sector leaders, who shared perspectives on the increasing significance of deepening education sector collaboration between New Zealand and India. They also highlighted the opportunities presented by India’s National Education Policy 2020 to further strengthen these bilateral ties.
Following the New Zealand – India Education Connect programme and ahead of APAIE, ENZ hosted its NZ Networking Reception which was attended by more than 100 guests.
APAIE 2025
Running in tandem with New Zealand-India Education Connect, ENZ coordinated the New Zealand pavilion at the 2025 APAIE Conference, held in New Delhi from 24-28 March.
The pavilion featured 11 NZ institutions including, all eight New Zealand universities alongside representatives from the Southern Institute of Technology, Whitecliffe College, and Ignite Colleges. The pavilion also had in-attendance key representative from Immigration New Zealand to support providers and stakeholders.
This is the first time APAIE has been held in India that resulted in phenomenal engagement from Indian stakeholders, especially coinciding with this year’s theme on ‘Cultivating Global Citizens for the Future: The Higher Education Imperative in the Asia Pacific and Beyond’.
New Zealand featured strongly across eight panels, with ENZ Chief Executive Amanda Malu contributing to three panel discussions on Indigenous Perspectives in the Internationalisation of Higher Education; a regional update from New Zealand and Laos; and National Strategies for International Education: Three Perspectives from Asia-Pacific. The wider New Zealand speakers led critical conversations on international collaboration, indigenous knowledge, and sustainable education practices.
Director of Engagement for India, Jugnu Roy, said the New Zealand pavilion was buzzing across the three days of the conference.
“APAIE 2025 was an incredible opportunity to connect with global colleagues, exchange ideas, and gain fresh perspectives on the future of international education. The conversations offered plenty of inspiration and practical insights to take away,” she said.
APAIE aims to advance education through enabling greater cooperation between institutions to enrich and support international programmes, activities and exchanges; and to promote the value of international education within the Asia-Pacific region.
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Around the world in five
United Kingdom
International education leaders in the UK have expressed concerns about new proposals to place a levy on the income that institutions earn from international student fees.
Global
A new global survey makes it clear that the more restrictive visa policies that have been introduced in leading destinations over the last 18 months continue to have a profound impact on international student mobility.
India
New research reveals that career advancement is the primary motivation for Indian students choosing to study abroad.
Europe
In the wake of Trump’s moves, the EU is hoping to offer a political safe haven for US scientists and academics.
Australia
Following the recent federal election in Australia, the makeup of Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s new ministry is beginning to take shape.
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Former international student represents Aotearoa in Ecuador
With his career as an agronomist under way, Juan Pablo came to New Zealand on an MFAT-administered scholarship in 1988, wanting to build on his agricultural qualifications. After taking English courses at Victoria University Wellington Te Herenga Waka, he completed a two-year Diploma in Rural Studies at Massey University Te Kunengaki Pūrehuroa.
His time in New Zealand had such a profound impact on his life that he returned home determined to establish lasting bonds between the two countries. And there is no doubt that his appointment reflects just how much he has achieved.
Juan Pablo says he had dreamed of coming to New Zealand long before he got here. He had read ‘Grass to Milk’, Campbell McMeekan’s 1960s account of New Zealand’s dairying management practices which was well-known among dairy farmers in Ecuador. “I read the book and decided this is the place I want to go.”
Learning from the best
Very few students travelled to New Zealand from Ecuador at that time, most went to the United States for further education, he says. “Many people asked me why I was going to New Zealand, and people still ask me about it today. I tell them I went because I wanted to learn from the best.”
Juan Pablo says he was inspired by his lecturers, especially the late Professor Colin Holmes, a respected researcher, mentor, and advocate of the dairy industry.
“I came from an education system where the teacher held all the knowledge, where it was always black or white. In New Zealand it was totally different because learning was inquiry-based. Critical thinking was the method of developing knowledge.”
He says his experience was transformative on both a personal and professional level.
“The things I saw and learned, the New Zealand way of doing things, and the care and respect people had for each other had a powerful effect on me.”
Over the decades since Juan Pablo’s education experience in Aotearoa, he has built a highly-regarded career in Ecuador, founding and leading primary industry companies, accepting numerous board appointments, representing Ecuador in international free trade agreement negotiations, and being recognised with multiple honours for his contribution to the livestock and dairy sector.
Enduring ties to New Zealand
But he never forgot his ties to New Zealand, working tirelessly to strengthen the bilateral relationship and boost both business and education opportunities. He initially established a company to import agricultural products from New Zealand. When he later secured the role of General Manager of the Cattlemen’s Association, he passed on all his business contacts, and the organisation has been importing electric fencing components and seeds from New Zealand companies ever since.
“In 1988, we brought some cattle in from New Zealand for a breeding programme. Now many farms in Ecuador, including the ones I oversee, have cattle from New Zealand stock. And in the 1990s I helped to establish an education programme with Massey, which saw lecturers come to Ecuador to take short courses in dairy management.”
“When it comes to dairy farming, almost everything I know I learned in New Zealand - pasture management, milk production systems, electric fencing, animal welfare – and farmers have applied these practices successfully in Ecuador,” Juan Pablo says.
“New Zealand is top of mind for every farmer here. When you talk about New Zealand here, everybody knows about its reputation in agriculture. Going to New Zealand is on the wishlist for many people.”
Honoured to represent Aotearoa
Juan Pablo says he was deeply honoured to be asked to be New Zealand’s Honorary Consul in Ecuador, a role which is all about connections and creating opportunities which benefit both countries.
“I am very proud, and I’m happy because I now have the chance to advocate for Aotearoa,” he says. “The better the relationship with New Zealand, the better it is for Ecuador too. We must focus on what we have in common and make the most of it.”
He firmly believes international education is at the heart of relationship-building and collaboration between countries, even more than tourism and business. “You learn the values of a nation through education. Time spent studying in New Zealand will make you a better person.”
“International students will become New Zealand’s ambassadors to the world.”
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New Zealand shines at the 35th annual EAIE Conference
Education New Zealand Manapou ki te Ao (ENZ), in collaboration with all eight New Zealand universities and UP Education, demonstrated a commitment to international education and partnership.
The conference’s theme 'Go Create!' set the tone for a flurry of meetings and engagements between New Zealand representatives and international partners centered on innovation and collaboration in international education.
The New Zealand Pavilion proudly unveiled the refreshed Education New Zealand brand, featuring a sleek, modern design that aligns with the iconic New Zealand Government fern. This updated visual identity reflects the quality, ambition, and global impact of New Zealand’s international education offering.
The pavilion also showcases imagery from the new global campaign, "New Zealand Taught Me", which highlights how knowledge is nurtured across the country. Through powerful alumni stories, the campaign illustrates the transformative experiences international students gain in New Zealand.
From L to R: ENZ Chief Executive Amanda Malu, New Zealand Ambassador to Sweden HE David Taylor and ENZ Associate Director of Engagement Europe Olga Elli at the New Zealand pavilion.
A key event of the week was the New Zealand networking function, hosted by New Zealand Ambassador to Sweden and the wider Nordic region, HE David Taylor. ENZ representatives and visiting New Zealand institutions utilised the opportunity to connect and share with partners from across Scandinavia.
EAIE is one of the most significant global gatherings for international educators, government agencies, and academic leaders. It provided a valuable opportunity for New Zealand education institutions to engage with peers, present their offerings, and foster meaningful partnerships all in one place.
ENZ Chief Executive, Amanda Malu, said EAIE was a powerful reminder of the opportunities that lie in international education.
" From reconnecting with long-standing partners to exploring new possibilities, the energy and interest in New Zealand education was truly exciting,” she said.
