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Around the world in five: News round-up 3 March 2016
THAILAND
The Bangkok Post reports on the pace of progress to reform the education system in Thailand, the impact of this on Thai people and the Thai economy, and the flow on effects of intense competition for international schools in Bangkok. The article states Thailand may now be ready to increasingly look to foreign partners to make progress; the Education Ministry is reported to be working with Cambridge University to reform English language teaching and assessment and talking to education officials in Finland.

GLOBAL
Research in to the regional differences in motivations, goals and behaviours of students seeking to study internationally culminated in FPP Edu Media producing a report that provides insights in to which messages and education offerings resonate in which markets. Download the report here.

JAPAN
This month the Japan Business Federation, Keidanren, has brought forward the national start date for its companies’ rigorous graduate hiring processes, with mixed views to date on the impact for Japanese students studying abroad. From this year the association has advised members to begin interviewing students from June for job offers in October. Encouragingly, Keidanren’s guidelines have suggested companies make allowances for students abroad when hiring. The PIE News provides more detail.

SAUDI ARABIA
The recently appointed Minister Mohammed Al Isa has signaled that the Ministry [link in Arabic] will review a long-standing ban on foreign universities being established in Saudi, and commented that private education will ‘drive the future of the education sector’.

MALAYSIA
The Malaysian government has reported that it is on track to meet its goal of attracting 200,000 international students annually by 2020. Earlier this month it announced that all university students will be required to pass English language, currently taught as a second language, in order to graduate from university. The government expects a focus on English languages skills at all levels of its education system will make Malaysia a more attractive international education destination. Read more in The PIE News.
Apply early and get ahead of the student visa peak
Immigration New Zealand (INZ) is approaching a peak period for student visa processing, which typically occurs between October and March as international students who are overseas prepare for the first half of the 2026 academic year.

Get your application in early

During peak periods, applications may take longer to process. To ensure timely visa decisions, prospective international students who are overseas are encouraged to submit their applications around 3 months before the intended travel date, as this provides the best chance of receiving a decision in time to begin study in New Zealand.

Late submissions risk missing the start of study and may result in declined applications if key documents are missing.

Students who are offshore and apply very early (for example, 6 months or more), may receive an approval in principle, allowing them to provide confirmation of study, funds transfers and tuition fee payment closer to their study commencement.

Check the recent processing times for student visa applications.

Student visa wait times

Changes to student visa work rights

Visas granted on or after 3 November 2025 will include a condition allowing up to 25 hours of work a week during term time, including those approved after that date from earlier applications.

If your visa is granted before 3 November 2025, the current 20-hour a week work limit will still apply. If you would like to work more hours after that date, you will need to apply for a variation of conditions to update your visa.

Upcoming changes to student visa work rights

To support a smoother and more transparent application process, INZ has moved international student visas to a new enhanced Immigration Online system.

The new form is tailored to each applicant’s situation. It asks only relevant questions and provides clear guidance throughout. It also provides real-time status updates and email notifications, giving students and their advisers greater visibility of application progress and clarity around any required actions.

While the new form may take slightly longer to complete, the additional information collected upfront is expected to reduce overall processing time.

Applying on enhanced Immigration Online

Students applying for the following visa types will be automatically directed to a redesigned, dynamic application form:
- English Language Student Visa
- Exchange Student Visa
- Fee Paying Student Visa
- Pathway Student Visa
- NZ Government Scholarship Student Visa
- Foreign Government Supported Student Visa
Applications submitted on or before 17 August 2025 will continue to be processed, and students will retain access to upload documents and respond to Immigration New Zealand requests until a decision is made.

Draft applications not submitted by 17 August 2025 can still be completed and submitted until 17 September 2025.

After 17 September 2025, all remaining drafts will be deleted, and a new application using the enhanced form will be required. The new student visa application forms on enhanced Immigration Online include built-in guidance to support applicants. It helps ensure they understand what is being asked and provides easy access to information to help them answer questions accurately.

Help us process your application faster

To avoid delays, students should ensure their application includes all required documentation. INZ may not contact applicants if key documents are missing, and incomplete applications may be declined.

INZ understands that some students may face delays in obtaining final academic documentation required for their application.

We recommend you apply as soon as you have the required documentation or contact your education provider to see if a conditional Offer of Place is available, so you can submit your student visa application and get the process underway.

If you do apply late, your application may not be processed in time for your study in New Zealand.
Letter from the Acting CE: After Christchurch
As Grant McPherson said last week, the tragedy in Christchurch was an assault on the values that New Zealanders hold dear – values of international friendship, tolerance, care and a global outlook. These values are at the core of international education and they are more important now than ever.

While our country grieves, we have been heartened by the compassion we’ve seen across New Zealand – Campus Watch initiatives, vigils, social media engagement and practical help with transport and food, much of it led by students.

We are heartened that the outpouring of support and concern from New Zealanders over the last 12 days has been so visible internationally.

At ENZ, we are continuing our close contact with education providers, international teams and government partners, as well as monitoring and evaluating the latest intelligence and media coverage. We will continue to respond to industry and market needs for information, reassurance and practical support including messages to current and prospective students and families.

Over the next few weeks, we will be incorporating messages of care and support into all our activities and approaches.

ENZ is committed to promoting New Zealand internationally as an inclusive and welcoming study destination, where manaakitanga is shown to all students who join us here.

John Goulter, Acting Chief Executive of Education New Zealand
Around the world in five
United Kingdom
British Council examines future of English language learning
English will remain the world’s most widely spoken language over the next decade driven by employment and higher education trends, and teachers will continue to be at the heart of learning despite the rise of AI and automation, according to a new publication by the British Council.

United States
New forecast warns that US is falling behind in the global race for talent
A new HolonIQ analysis focused on the US and its competitive position relative to other leading study abroad destinations finds that within the total global international education market, the US is losing share of foreign students to Australia, Canada, and the UK.

Canada
Dalhousie University - New study abroad course takes 14 Indigenous students to Aotearoa-New Zealand
A group of Indigenous students from Dalhousie have embarked on a two-week study tour of New Zealand that will transport them deep into the country's rich Māori history and culture.

India
Dishonest players in India are 'damaging' industry reputation
Education counsellors across India say duplicitous players in the international education market are having a seriously negative impact on the sector, with one senior counsellor describing the situation as “supremely unethical”.

Netherlands
Netherlands outlines plans to control international student flows
The Dutch education minister has written to universities to outline plans for controlling international student numbers, including a central management system, tools for ministerial intervention, strengthening of the Dutch language and targeted instruments on programmes to control flows.
Photo story – New Zealand education showcased in China

New Zealand speakers take the stage

Minister for Universities and Minister of Science, Innovation and Technology, Hon Dr Shane Reti delivering welcome remarks at New Zealand-China Education B2B Session. As part of the China Annual Conference for International Education (CACIE), the B2B Session attracted over 117 visitors to engage in productive dialogues with participating New Zealand tertiary institutions aiming to build collegial partnership.

Minister for Universities and Minister of Science, Innovation and Technology, Hon Dr Shane Reti and REN Youqun, Vice Minister of Education of China witnessed the signing of Letter of Intent between Universities New Zealand and China Education Association for International Exchange (CEAIE) and Education New Zealand and China Centre for International People-to-People Exchange (CCIPE) at the 2nd New Zealand High-level Education Forum. The letters of intent between Chinese and New Zealand government agencies places existing collaboration within a more formal framework, allowing both sides to work more effectively together to advance shared education cooperation goals.

Minister for Universities and Minister of Science, Innovation and Technology, Hon Dr Shane Reti delivering remarks at CACIE Night, a key plenary event at the conference. In his remarks, he recognised New Zealand’s role as Country of Honour at CACIE and celebrated the deep and enduring education ties between New Zealand and China.

ENZ Chief Executive Amanda Malu speaking to a packed audience at CACIE Night, highlighting the strengths of New Zealand’s education system, the unique student experience, and the values that underpin our education brand.

Professor Damon Salesa, Vice-Chancellor, Auckland University of Technology (AUT) provided the Academic keynote address at the CACIE Plenary event.

During his address, Damon said: “This year, as New Zealand was recognised as the honour country, we were invited to share our story. It is a story of a small, agile education system that is responding to global challenges with creativity, care and collaboration.”

“It is a story of how we are preparing our learners for a future shaped by advancement in technology, while ensuring that innovation remains human-centred and culturally grounded,” he said.

China Education Expo

The New Zealand pavilion at the China Education Expo was front and centre, attracting many of the 15,000 attendees who attended the Expo in Beijing over two days.

Representatives from New Zealand and China cutting the ribbon to officially open the New Zealand pavilion at CEE.

Te Wehi Haka, the Haka Experience, provided a Māori cultural performance that attracted students, parents, agents and partners to the New Zealand pavilion.

Ara Institute of Canterbury international department staff alongside Minister for Universities and Minister of Science, Technology & Innovation, Hon Dr Shane Reti (pictured centre).

Following the expo, 87% of those surveyed said their knowledge of New Zealand as a country to study in has improved after visiting the New Zealand pavilion 

Additionally, 73% of those surveyed said they are more likely to consider New Zealand as a country to study in after visiting the New Zealand pavilion. 

New Zealand education providers talking to crowds of prospective students and their parents at CEE.

Representatives from the New Zealand government alongside New Zealand education providers at the CEE New Zealand pavillion.

ENZ Agent Seminars in Beijing, Chengdu and Wuhan

Attendees of the agent seminar in Beijing.

Building on the buzz of CACIE, ENZ hosted three Agent Seminars across Beijing, Chengdu and Wuhan.

The seminars connected over forty New Zealand education providers and around 320 visitors.

The seminars supported New Zealand providers to build connections with Chinese education agents

ENZ Director of Marketing, Adrian Hirst, said the personal connections made were a highlight of the event series.

“Sharing dinner at an agent’s home with parents and future students was a highlight, the informal setting sparked a lively Q&A session, which reinforced the trust families place in the process and the responsibility we all carry in our roles,” Adrian said.

Maximising the Country of Honour opportunity

Being named Country of Honour at CACIE and CEE was a prime opportunity for New Zealand to showcase its world-class education to Chinese audiences. ENZ delivered a strategic, multi-phase approach that built momentum before the events, maximised on-site impact through high-profile media coverage and Ministerial presence, and amplified engagement digitally with campaigns on platforms popular in China.

Minister for Universities and Minister of Science, Innovation and Technology, Hon Dr Shane Reti being interviewed by leading state media outlet, CGTN.

ENZ Chief Executive Amanda Malu speaking to China’s largest state TV network, CCTV at the CEE New Zealand pavilion.

ENZ Regional Director for China, Ron Xavier reporting in from CEE, speaking to Sina Education.
China – NZ TVET relationship strengthened
The Minister for Tertiary Education, Skills and Employment, Steven Joyce, opened the event on behalf of the New Zealand government. The symposium was embedded within the International Forum on Vocational Education at the China Annual Conference for International Education, 2015 (CACIE 2015) where New Zealand featured as the country of honour for 2015. This was an achievement secured by ENZ’s China Team and underpins its strong relationship with organising body, the China Education Association for International Exchange.
The symposium was part of three days of activities that included a joint universities’ alumni event for New Zealand students; a business to business session between New Zealand ITPs and their Chinese counterparts; the CACIE gala dinner, featuring an opening speech by Minister Joyce; the 4th New Zealand – China Higher Education Forum; the opening of the New Zealand Country of Honour Pavilion at the China Education Exhibition (also a part of CACIE) and the full-day symposium itself, on 24 October. Representatives from the Chinese Ministry of Education, the China Education Association for International Exchange and senior representatives from Chinese vocational institutions worked closely with the New Zealand representatives over the three days.
The symposium featured sessions from New Zealand and Chinese speakers on topics including: the reform of TVET in China, student centric approaches to teaching, producing work ready graduates and a roundtable session on the opportunities and challenges of joint programme development between China and New Zealand. The Chief Executives of Unitec, Wintec and Waiariki Institute of Technology, the Director of Business Development and Partnerships at WelTec and the National Director for Ako Aotearoa were among the impressive array of speakers.
The symposium was preceded on 23 October by a session with New Zealand ITPs and over ten Chinese counterparts in a business to business activity to match institutions with potential partners. The opportunity provided by the symposium and the business to business session allowed for new relationships and agreements to be formed and an affirmation of existing relationships.
The Beijing Symposium will be followed by the China – NZ Modern Vocational Education Development Forum to be held at Wintec on 25 and 26 November. The Hamilton forum will discuss how our institutions can satisfy the Chinese and New Zealand authorities that their transnational education programmes meet appropriate quality standards. They will also explore the issue of how to accelerate the development and approval of such programmes.
Student Voice 2013 a ‘great opportunity’
Twenty five current and former international students gathered to share their education experiences and to network with other international students.
Activities kicked off with a scavenger hunt where the teams were given a list of clues and tasks to complete at different locations around the city. The scavenger hunt included a creative photo competition to create content for our social media channels. Photos from the scavenger hunt can be found on our Facebook page.
During day two of Student Voice, workshops were held to learn more about the pathways students took to study in New Zealand, their education experiences, and their views on what can be done to improve the student experience.
Participants also fed back on the new, New Zealand Education Story brand, creating their own execution of the brand posters.
ENZ selected three current international students and one alumnus from the Student Voice group to make up the panel members for the Student Voice 2013 session at the New Zealand International Education Conference. The panel members will share their education pathway experiences and the findings from Student Voice 2013.
We are very excited to have such outstanding representatives of New Zealand education joining us.
Enrolments on the rise
“These are exciting times for our international education industry – a 12 percent increase in enrolments means just over 10,000 more students from all around the globe have come to New Zealand for a world-class education,” says John Goulter, Acting Chief Executive, Education New Zealand.
“International education is vital to strengthening New Zealand’s economic and social links with the world. Every student takes home a quality qualification and an unforgettable experience, raising the profile of New Zealand in communities in all corners of the world.”
International education brings in $2.85 billion a year which makes it the country’s fifth most valuable export industry.
The International Education Snapshot Report: January to August 2014 is available here.
PM’s Scholarships for Asia announced
“The experience these students will have while living and studying in a different culture will stay with them for the rest of their lives,” says Peter Bull, Education New Zealand’s General Manager International.
“While in Asia, the students will establish enduring relationships and networks that will help them to succeed in the global economy and bring benefits to New Zealand.”
“Education relationships are two-way and having smart capable New Zealand students studying in Asia is very valuable in building capability for New Zealand's future.”
The Prime Minister’s Scholarships for Asia cover overseas study, research or internships ranging from six weeks to two years at the best Asian institutions.
Successful recipients include a group of students from Unitec who will travel to Japan with service robots they have built, a student from the University of Auckland undertaking a Masters in International Law at Seoul University, and a student with a background in primary produce markets aiming to complete a Chinese language course so he can specialise in trade between New Zealand and China.
Since the inaugural awards in December 2013, just over 350 New Zealand students have been awarded PMSA scholarships.
“As well as the individual benefits, scholarship recipients act as ambassadors for New Zealand and showcase the quality of our education system wherever they go in Asia. The more Kiwis who get the chance to study overseas, the better for our own international education industry,” says Mr Bull.
“Our students make an invaluable contribution toward raising awareness of New Zealand, giving Asian students a direct link with study in our country and representing the possibilities that are out there to experience the benefits of an international education.”
Applications are now open for the next round of scholarships and close on 30 March 2015. Visit the PMSA pages to find out more about eligibility and the application process, and for a list of all scholarship recipients to date.
Govt announcements welcomed
The new initiatives included allowing more English language students studying at high-quality providers to work part-time, providing full-time work rights during all scheduled holidays to international students who take a course of one academic year or more, and giving unlimited work rights to international PhD and Masters by research students. Immigration New Zealand (INZ) will also no longer grant visas to students seeking to enrol at the few providers in Category 4, the lowest status granted by the New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA).
Detailed questions and answers about the announcements are available on the INZ website.
Education New Zealand (ENZ) has shared this news with agents and overseas media, with the announcements receiving good coverage via Facebook page postings, media coverage and via informing and engaging agents.
Grant McPherson, ENZ Chief Executive, said last week: “Changes to government policy settings and regulations are incredibly important in supporting your efforts to grow international student numbers – we’ve heard that through the industry survey, the roadshow meetings and the feedback ENZ staff have taken on board at many meetings around the country.
“These announcements are great news for our international competitiveness, but they’re not the end of the story. We will continue to work closely with agencies on initiatives to help grow our industry and we encourage you to stay in touch with us about the opportunities you see to further remove barriers to growth.”