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The X-factor: What makes an experience exceptional
Led by Hayley Shields, ENZ’s Director Student Experience, and Jason Cate from TNS New Zealand, a breakout session at NZIEC 2018 did a deep dive into the key findings of the student experience in New Zealand, including economic wellbeing, education experience, social inclusion and health and wellbeing.
Hayley and Jason revealed the highest impact driver of student experience in New Zealand is education quality, followed by lifestyle, environment, and work and career.
“New Zealand’s key strength of education quality specifically relates to the sub-driver of teacher quality – the level of individual respect and recognition students receive from their teachers, and the contribution this makes to personal growth,” said Hayley.
The research also shows that there are multiple drivers and sub-drivers impacting the student experience, including where the student is from, where they are studying, and at what stage of their study journey they are.
“This suggests that New Zealand should continue to support the cultural integration of students and graduates in New Zealand and focus on social inclusion initiatives.
“The longer students are in New Zealand, the more important relationships with locals are.
“Improving experiences that may lead to full time work and career development was also a strong theme and the key experiential weakness in the study. Students expect to be able to access meaningful work experiences as part of their study experience in New Zealand,” Hayley said.The presentation concluded with some key messages for industry to consider:
- Market what is unique and special about the New Zealand education experience as it is a differentiator.
- Consider the key student experience drivers when designing student experience strategies.
- Take a student-centred approach to design and delivery of the student experience.
- How can the international education sector partner with communities to deliver a quality international student experience?
Hayley said it is important to keep in mind that the quality of the student experience directly impacts the New Zealand international education brand.
“The research confirms that student experience is central to international students’ motivations – both in coming to New Zealand and having a long-term positive affiliation with our country.
“A successful student experience generates advocacy for New Zealand and will ensure the sustainability of the sector,” she said.
The ‘Understanding the International Student Experience in New Zealand’ report can be found on Intellilab here.
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Around the world in five
US
New international student numbers decline for the first time
The number of new international students in the United States declined by 3 percent in 2016-17 – dropping for the first time in 12 years according to the Institute of International Education’s Open Doors survey.
CANADA
Publicly-funded healthcare available for New Brunswick students
International students in the Canadian province of New Brunswick will now be eligible for publicly-funded healthcare if they are studying full time in post-secondary education.
AUSTRALIA
Locked out: Australian study visas and international students with disabilities
International students with significant health needs or disabilities could be restricted from studying in Australia because of regulations around who pays for the cost of their care.
AFRICA
Pan African University to offer virtual education
A new virtual higher education option will soon be launched to offer distance education to students from 54 countries in Africa, taught in both English and French.
JAPAN
Improving equity and efficiency in Japanese higher education
The Japanese government is considering major reform to higher education by moving to an income-contingent loan scheme, whereby students enter university at little-to-no immediate cost and pay off their tuition later.
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International education matters
These values are at the core of international education and they are more important now than ever.
Over the past five days, these values have been clearly demonstrated by our Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern who describes New Zealand as a proud nation of more than 200 ethnicities and 160 languages.
“We were not chosen for this act of violence because we condone racism… (or) are an enclave for extremism. We were chosen for the very fact that we are none of these things; because we represent diversity, kindness, compassion, a home for those that share our values, a refuge for those who need it.”
These values are embedded in our education system.
The New Zealand International Education Strategy 2018-2030 also reflects these principles. A key goal is to grow global citizens – to ensure both domestic and international students have the skills and capabilities to live, learn and work globally.
While our country grieves, we have been heartened by the outpouring of love and support within New Zealand and from around the world. It has been encouraging to see student-led compassion at work – Campus Watch initiatives, social media engagement and practical help with transport and food.
Last year, the University of Canterbury’s Student Volunteer Army (SVA) welcomed student leaders from Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in the US, scene of a deadly school shooting, to discuss student-led mobilisation in the face of extreme challenge. When Friday’s attack happened, the US students were quick to reach out to their Christchurch peers. This is a testament to international education’s ability to foster meaningful and life-long connections.
ENZ will continue to promote New Zealand internationally as an inclusive and welcoming study destination – why? Because international education changes hearts and minds.
Kia kaha, Kia maia, Kia manawanui – be strong, be steadfast, be willing.
Grant McPherson, Chief Executive of Education New Zealand
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From the CE: International education in the spotlight
Kia ora koutou,
I’ve recently returned to New Zealand following a productive visit to Viet Nam with the Prime Minister’s Trade Mission. It was highly encouraging to see international education front and centre of so many conversations. Beyond attracting Vietnamese students to New Zealand, the education relationship between our countries is evolving into deeper collaborations involving education institutions, businesses, and governments.
The visit also showcased outstanding examples of educational partnerships across the spectrum of New Zealand’s international education sector, from universities and private training establishments to EdTech companies, highlighting the breadth of collaboration opportunities.
Overall, the Mission was a valuable opportunity to raise awareness of New Zealand as a top-tier education destination offering a safe and welcoming environment.
International education was also a component of Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Rt Hon Winston Peters’ official visit to China. As part of his programme, the Minister had a warm meeting with Chinese alumni of New Zealand universities. From the report back, it was clear that the New Zealand study experience had left the alumni with a lasting, positive impression.
Coming up in May, ENZ will be going into the field for the 2025 International Student Experience Survey. This survey covers a range of topics relevant to the sector, including student decision-making, arrival and orientation, the education experience, living experience, people and connections, and perceptions of value for money.
Last year’s survey had 86 percent of international students reporting a positive overall experience of their time in New Zealand, and 41 percent of students giving an ‘excellent’ rating, the highest percentage yet! In case you missed deep diving into specific aspects of the student experience, you can browse through them here.
I’ve started packing my bags again, as this weekend I will be joining the Prime Minister’s Trade Mission to India. I’ll be staying on for a further week in Delhi for APAIE 2025. I look forward to updating you in my next column.
Ngā mihi nui,
Amanda Malu
Chief Executive
Education New Zealand Manapou ki te Ao
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Around the world in five
CHINA
Plan to introduce universal preschool education
The Chinese government aims to introduce universal preschool education by 2035, including specific goals to make affordable preschool education available for all children by 2035.
FRANCE
New international student recruitment strategy revealed
The French government has revealed a new strategy to help attract half a million international students by 2027, including a global marketing drive.
GLOBAL
The new rules of digital marketing
Agents and educators are reporting a steady increase in the number of students recruited via digital channels, with a third of agents indicating that digital channels now generate 30-60 percent of all new business.
KOREA
Institutions look abroad for revenue, prestige
The number of international students in Korea has increased by 67.5 percent in the last four years to 142,200 students due to active student recruitment, particularly by universities.
UNITED ARAB EMIRATES
Dubai bucks global trend as international students soar
The number of students at Dubai International Academic City (DIAC), the largest community dedicated to higher education in the Middle East, has witnessed a surge in 2018/2019.
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Canterbury launches Strategy Leadership Accord
The Accord represents a commitment to grow the social, cultural and economic value of international education in the region over the next 10 years.
The strategy vision is that Canterbury is a “a globally connected region for international education with education and training that leads to enhanced student opportunities and outcomes with enduring benefits for the community”.
This will be achieved through:
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Strong industry leadership via the Accord
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Building partnership with government, iwi and other sectors
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Building a regional value proposition and strong international partnership in key markets
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Developing flagship programmes in areas of regional strength
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Developing pathways through school, higher education and employment in areas of regional strength
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Enhancing the student experience through developing a regional qual-mark for international education providers
At the launch function this week, Michaela Blacklock, General Manager for Business and Sector Development at Canterbury Development Corporation (CDC) noted:
“CDC believes that Christchurch’s international connectedness is critical to growing a strong economy which contributes to a better quality of life for people living in the region. We recognise both the economic and social benefits to Christchurch and Canterbury from a strong international education sector.”
The Leadership Accord has appointed Murray Strong as the Independent Chairperson, charged with overseeing the implementation of the strategy.
“It is important that we build on the industry cohesion and momentum gained during the post-earthquake period, which may be lost if there is no medium-term strategy to provide focus - the real work starts now.” says Murray Strong.
The strategy development process was funded by Education New Zealand and facilitated by Canterbury Development Corporation, the Christchurch City Council economic development agency.
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From the CE: Steady progress continues
Since New Zealand’s borders reopened at the end of July I am pleased to note that we are making steady progress, although this can’t yet be fully quantified. The number of students with valid student visas who are in New Zealand is heading in the right direction, reaching 16,515 as at 16 October 2022. It’s important to note that these statistics are only part of the story. Students who travel to New Zealand for short courses of study from visa waiver countries or on working holiday visas aren’t included. It will be some time before reliable statistics are available on the total number of international students enrolled with New Zealand education providers this year. Anecdotally, though, we are hearing from schools, and from English language providers and others across the sector, that they are seeing gradually increasing numbers of international students enrolling or applying to them, which is good news.
Study Abroad Month has just drawn to a close in the United States and attracted a high level of interest and positive feedback, including some commitments for study abroad enrolments at New Zealand universities from the start of 2023. In the US we also recently signed our first ever education cooperation arrangement to be written in both te reo Māori and English, with the Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation. You can read more about these and our other recent activities around the world in this issue of E-News.
In the Asia region, we are heading into our busiest season of international education events during October and November:
- Seoul: Study Abroad Fair 2022 COEX, the largest event of its kind in South Korea, including an agent seminar and a Kiwi Alumni event, on 20-23 October
- Tokyo: Japan partner reconnecting series on 25-26 October
- Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City: Agent seminars and New Zealand Fair on 28-31 October
- Bangkok: Agent seminar and New Zealand Fair on 4-5 November
- Beijing: China Education Expo, the leading international education event in China, on 11-12 November.
Education Minister Chris Hipkins, accompanied by a small education delegation from New Zealand, was in Seoul promoting New Zealand as an international education destination in time to attend the study abroad fair and associated events, before continuing on to Indonesia and is now in Singapore – we will cover these activities in a future issue of E-News.
As we work to raise interest in studying with New Zealand and ensure positive experiences for international students, ENZ is working closely with other NZ Inc agencies. In this month’s E-News, we are pleased to publish the first in a series of regular updates from Immigration New Zealand, to provide timely access to the latest infomation on changes and trends.
Our partnership with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT), that will see ENZ take over operational management of the Manaaki New Zealand Scholarship Programme, comes into effect on 1 November 2022. A transition team is in place, which will include several key staff members coming across to ENZ from MFAT, to support a successful handover for this important scholarship programme.
Whangaia ka tupu ka puāwai – that which is nurtured will blossom and grow.
Kia ora
Grant McPherson
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From the Chief Executive: Celebrating 2025 – A year of growth for international education
Kia ora koutou,
As we wind down the year and get ready for a well-deserved Christmas and end-of-year break, I am reflecting on a year that has been transformative for international education in New Zealand.
This year, we moved from recovery to a focus on sustainable growth. The launch of the International Education Going for Growth Plan, set a bold vision for the next decade. On the back of this plan, we strengthened education partnerships across borders, showcased New Zealand’s unique education offering on the global stage, and saw international student enrolments and student satisfaction climb steadily. These achievements belong to all of us, education providers, education agents, educators, and the communities who make this sector vibrant and resilient.
What stands out most for me is the spirit of collaboration. From prime ministerial trade missions in Viet Nam, India and China, to global conferences, from regional engagement to innovative campaigns, the sector has shown what’s possible when we work together with purpose and ambition. International education is not just an export, it’s a bridge between cultures, ideas, and opportunities, and that bridge is stronger than ever.
Last week, it was with mixed emotions that that I shared my decision to step down as ENZ Chief Executive on 6 February 2026 to take up the role of Secretary for Children and Chief Executive of Oranga Tamariki. This decision comes from a deeply personal commitment to improving outcomes for tamariki and young people, a passion that has guided much of my career. While I am excited for this next chapter, leaving ENZ is bittersweet. Leading Manapou ki te Ao has been a privilege and a highlight of my professional life.
I want to reassure you: ENZ is in a strong position. The organisational reset we’ve achieved, the clarity of our strategy, and the capability of our people mean the sector is well placed to continue its upward trajectory. The Board has already begun the process to appoint a new Chief Executive, and I have every confidence that the transition will be seamless.
Thank you for your partnership, your trust, and your unwavering commitment to international education – here’s wishing you have a wonderful time with your whanau and friends over the holidays.
I leave knowing that the future of this sector, and its contribution to New Zealand, is bright.
Kei ōu ringaringa te ao
The world is yours.
Ngā mihi nui,
Amanda Malu
Chief Executive -
Around the world in five
Canada
Why international students could be a critical factor in bolstering Canada’s economic resilience
As Canada navigates strained relations and an escalating trade war with its largest economic partner, international education could be a critical factor in bolstering Canada’s resilience.
China
Push to speed up open-source AI adoption by universities
The government is intent on speeding up development and adoption of open-source AI by higher education institutions, including setting up a government-led open-source collaboration platform, according to new plans shared by the Ministry of Education.
Australia
International student policy in the spotlight during Australian election
Immigration will figure prominently as an issue in this election cycle, including policies related to international students.
United States of America
Sector leaders step up legal pressure on US government
The President’s Alliance, along with 86 US institutions, has submitted a statement supporting the American Association of University Professors’ legal challenge against the administration’s student visa revocations and detentions.
United Kingdom
UK staff and course cuts ‘putting off prospective students’
News of constant job losses and course closures across the UK sector is causing lasting damage to universities’ reputations and may inflict further financial harm by hitting student recruitment numbers, academics have warned.
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From the CE: Student visas reopen 31 July; changes to immigration settings
Firstly, there is the encouraging news that student and visitor visa processing will reopen on 31 July 2022, rather than in October as previously announced.
This is a welcome step forward and sends a strong signal that New Zealand is fully reopening to the world. Given the significant challenges faced by our international education sector over the past two years, I know this news will come as a relief for many of you.
Secondly, the government has announced changes to immigration settings arising from its immigration rebalance work. Key changes for our sector include post study work rights for international students and other student visa settings.
The recent border exception for up to 5,000 international students (cohort 4) will continue as planned, with the first students on track to begin arriving in New Zealand soon.
Post-study work rights from 11 May 2022
- International students studying bachelor’s or post-graduate courses or higher will continue to receive Post-Study Work Visas.
- Students studying non-degree courses at Level 7 and below (excluding bachelor’s degrees), will only be eligible for post-study work rights if the qualification is relevant to an occupation on the new Green List, which will replace the existing skills shortage lists. These work rights will only allow them to work in that occupation.
- The duration of work rights will reflect the duration of study undertaken in New Zealand, except for Masters and PhD students who retain the current setting of 3 years.
- International students will no longer be able to apply for a second post-study work visa.
- Students with a student visa application underway to study a qualification currently eligible for a post-study work visa and that student visa is subsequently granted; students who get a visa through the current border exception for 5,000 students; and students who already hold a student visa for a programme of study that results in a qualification that is currently eligible for a post study work visa, will be considered under the old settings if they apply for a post-study work visa within the next three years.
- There are no changes to in-study work rights for student visa holders.
Living costs and fees from 31 July 2022
- The amount of funds that students are required to demonstrate they have access to, so they can cover their living expenses while in New Zealand, will increase. For tertiary and English language students, the funds required will be $20,000 pa, and for primary and secondary school students it will be $17,000 pa. These funds are prorated for study less than a year. The current setting is $15,000pa for both. Note: This change does not affect the living costs requirements for students in cohort 4.
- Students will be required to pay tuition fees of one year or the first programme (whichever is the shorter) upfront. Note: This change does not apply to cohort 4 students.
You can see a summary of these changes including a fact sheet on international education on the Immigration NZ website here.
You can see a summary of the immigration changes on the Immigration NZ website here.
You can read the Prime Minister’s announcement here.
Grant McPherson
