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Aminat chases sustainable energy dream for Nigeria
The former maths teacher and electrical engineering undergraduate has recently returned home to Nigeria after studying renewable energy at the University of Otago’s Energy Research Centre. She completed both a post-graduate Diploma and a Master’s of Science in Energy, Science, and Technology.
“It has always been my dream to study abroad, and New Zealand made my dream come true because I wanted to study renewable energy,” she says.
Manaaki scholarship key to education opportunity
“New Zealand is one of the top five countries in the world which excel at renewable electricity generation, and it is important to study in a country where you can get practical experience.”
Aminat says that the cost of international education overseas is beyond the reach of most people in developing countries, but that her experience was made possible through the Manaaki New Zealand Scholarships, funded by the New Zealand government. When she applied in 2018, she was one of only a small number of students accepted from Africa “so it was a big deal for me”.
And so was getting here. “It was my first experience travelling overseas, my first time on a plane, my first time in a new country.”
But she says she was grateful for the orientation programmes available and quickly felt at home both at university, and in Dunedin. “Just two months after I arrived, the Christchurch mosque shooting happened, and the support I got from my neighbours, my colleagues, and my lecturers was amazing.”
Energy poverty drives study choice
Aminat says she is motivated to study renewable energy because of where she comes from.
“I wanted to study something would allow me to improve my own country. Every economy depends on a reliable power supply and in Nigeria we have nationwide blackouts regularly. We need to buy petrol to run generators. Most people have generators in their homes, even in the cities.
“If you don’t have adequate reliable power, it holds back every aspect of the economy and makes it very difficult for businesses to succeed. It affects everything - manufacturing, schooling, farming. You can’t even freeze excess seasonal crops, so most of it goes to waste.”
A European Union report released last year titled “Time to make energy poverty in Africa a thing of the past”, backs up what Aminat says. It found that nearly 800 million people globally live without access to electricity, about 600 million of them in sub-Saharan Africa.
“In a world of deepening inequalities between the haves and have-nots, this is a glaring injustice, the report says. “Africa is the world’s premium location to harness solar energy and is already demonstrating that a cleaner path is possible.”
“Renewable energy is a passion for me,” Aminat says. “We need to talk about renewable energy for the future in Africa. And the future is now.”
By coming to New Zealand, Aminat says she saw the potential of what can be achieved with a reliable power supply.
Her research, supervised by Associate Professor Michael Jack, explored how to use domestic hot water cylinders for energy storage in microgrids comprised of clusters of households with solar photovoltaic supply. “It’s definitely achievable but needs more research and I’m very keen to take it further.”
International education more than classroom learning
Aminat says studying in New Zealand was “the best-ever experience”, with excellent university facilities and approachable staff always ready to offer help and support.
“Studying in New Zealand has given me a voice. It has expanded my horizons, made me more informed, and opened doors for me. People are keen to listen to you when you talk. When you’re looking for a job, an international education experience makes you stand out.”
“Studying in New Zealand has given me a voice" - New Zealand international student and Manaaki scholar Aminat Razaq
While the quality of education is essential, Aminat says it’s also about what you learn beyond the walls of a classroom. “You learn a different culture, and you are given the opportunity to explore your chosen field of study and gain another perspective. By offering scholarships, you are also helping the country the students come from.”
For any students considering New Zealand as a study destination, Aminat says “don’t think twice”.
“New Zealand is probably the most peaceful place in the world, it has all the facilities you need to study, the researchers are top notch, and the people are welcoming.”
While studying in New Zealand has fulfilled one of Aminat’s dreams, she is already working on another one. “My new dream is to set up my own energy consultancy company and I’m sure I will achieve it. All the positive experiences I have had in my education will take me there.”
And she hasn’t ruled out a return trip to New Zealand. “I am considering studying for my PhD. I loved everything about studying in New Zealand and would love to come back.”
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Vanessa builds digital skills to help drive change in PNG
She had a diploma in computer technology and a good job with a major telecommunications company, but she also had big ambitions and knew that an international education experience in New Zealand would take her where she wanted to go.
“I saw that there were many areas where digital solutions could really make a difference. It was one of the driving forces which motivated me to study in New Zealand.”
As Vanessa was searching for a university where she could study computer science, her friend returned home from Auckland University of Technology. “She told me so many wonderful stories and I was just so inspired to go and experience New Zealand and AUT for myself.”
“She gave me an idea of what to expect and I knew I would be going into a supportive community. It was only when Covid arrived that I truly experienced how supportive it really was.”
Vanessa came to New Zealand on a Manaaki Scholarship, funded through the New Zealand Aid programme. “It was the reason I could come and I’m grateful for the opportunity.
The value of a Manaaki Scholarship
“The scholarships allow students who are passionate about creating a brighter future in their home countries to gain expertise in their field of our study,” she says. “It also provides exposure to new perspectives and the chance to build life-long relationships with like-minded professionals, which is something I really value.”
Although Vanessa’s father and brother both travelled overseas for education, not many of her friends have. “So now I’m trying to be the influence on my friends, encouraging them to take up that pathway.
“I tell them that in New Zealand you get a fantastic study environment and will meet people from many different backgrounds.”
Vanessa considers that a real bonus to her study experience was the opportunity to take up a summer internship.
“It was optional for my programme, but it was provided through the Pacific Cooperation Foundation for students who were part of the Manaaki scholarship programme. I applied so that I could gain experience working in a large multi-cultural organisation.”
Securing a role at Watercare in Auckland she not only gained valuable work experience, but also professional networking opportunities which have resulted in lasting connections with many of her former colleagues. “I had an amazing manager and I reach out to him from time to time. He has really helped me a lot and he’s one of the life-long contacts I’m going to be holding on to.”
Boosting confidence and career
With her Bachelor of Computer and Information Sciences completed last year, Vanessa is now back in Port Moresby working as a Digital Transformation Associate with PwC and loving her new role.
“Studying in New Zealand grew my confidence as a person and has allowed me to progress my professional career,” she says. “It broadened my horizons and gave me a different mindset.”
Deciding to become an international student takes drive and commitment, but the rewards are worth the effort, Vanessa says. “I spent months researching the options and needed to stay motivated during the year it took to secure my scholarship and place at AUT. It took a lot of planning, but it was something I had my heart set on.
“I knew a degree would give me better opportunities and New Zealand was just such an amazing place to study. It has had a very big impact on where I am now.”
If she had another opportunity, Vanessa says she would head offshore again to pursue a Master’s in Data Science, but for now she is busy convincing her peers of the value of a New Zealand education.
“I tell them this is an opportunity you don’t want to miss. Don’t only go to study, go to really experience New Zealand, the culture, and the people.
“They ask me, what if I don’t get the scholarship and I say you’ll never know if you don’t try, so just go for it. Expect to embark on an adventure of a lifetime.”
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Around the world in five
Global
The global rankings season is now in full force, with this being the first time that three major releases have occurred within 24 hours. The results highlight the transformation that is occurring across higher education worldwide.
United States of America
United States President Donald J Trump has asked Congress to cut funding for basic research by more than one-third in the budget year beginning in October, according to an analysis by the American Association for the Advancement of Science.
Australia
The latest data on student visa grants and applications from Australia’s Department of Home Affairs shows a decrease overall for the international education sector and ELICOS and vocational visas at record lows, following the implementation of higher visa fees and a new visa priority system.
United Kingdom
In response to the growing concerns around quality assurance, ethical practice, and accountability in recruitment, a number of destination countries are introducing formal frameworks and codes of conduct to govern the activities of education agents.
Canada
Canadian universities have welcomed the government’s planned audit of the international student programme to strengthen processes and integrity, and to reinforce public trust in the system.
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From the CE: Successful start to packed promotions season
Kia ora koutou,
We are diving into the busiest and most energising time of year – promotions, recruitment, and global engagements are in full swing.
In late August, ENZ teamed up with around 65 New Zealand education providers to successfully deliver our flagship New Zealand education student fair and education agent seminar in Bangkok.
It was fantastic to see record attendance at the fair that offered prospective students and parents hands-on experience of New Zealand’s learner-centred teaching style through five simulated classrooms. Don’t miss the full story about the impact of our promotions in Thailand in this newsletter.
Earlier this month, I was pleased to represent New Zealand and support international education in Gothenburg, Sweden, at the EAIE: European Association for International Education Conference 2025, which is among the most important global gatherings for international educators, government agencies, and academic leaders.
The conference was a valuable opportunity for New Zealand education providers to connect with peers, promote our offerings, and build meaningful partnerships.
With all eight universities and UP Education exhibiting at the New Zealand pavilion, we packed the week with meetings, events, and brand-building — forging new partnerships and showcasing the strength of our education system.
In London, I joined a thought-provoking panel discussion on evolving student demand at the ICEF Monitor Global Summit. It was an insightful discussion that prompted some great questions from the audience about the opportunities and challenges in this area for New Zealand.
Preparations are now in full swing for our attendance at the China Annual Conference and Expo for International Education (CACIE), where New Zealand is proud to be Country of Honour for 2025.
The conference is a prime opportunity to highlight our education partnerships in China and reaffirm our commitment to future collaborations with China.
I look forward to sharing more about our planned conference engagements in my next update – stay tuned!
Ēhara tāku toa i te toa takatahi, engari he toa takitini
Our strength does not come from us alone but as a collective
Ngā mihi nui,
Amanda Malu
Chief Executive
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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.
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.
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About us
International education delivers social and cultural and economic benefits for New Zealand.
To support the growth of international education, ENZ promotes New Zealand as a study destination for international students and supports the delivery of education services offshore. It also administers scholarships to help New Zealanders study overseas.
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Saying it with socks
Back in May, we reported that Lincoln University had committed to providing international students with a parcel of hand-knitted woolly socks, pineapple lumps and a personal letter ahead of their arrival.
These photos show that those socks have been a big hit!
Lincoln’s International and Student Engagement Director Dee Coleman says that the university receives international students from over 60 countries each year, with some coming unprepared for a New Zealand winter down South. To help them stay warm, Lincoln started the project to provide students with handmade woolly socks.
“When we looked at our source countries, we realised that a lot of our students hail from warm climates and although intrigued by a Kiwi winter, can often come unprepared.”
“Our aim is to keep them warm with some good, old-fashioned Kiwi hospitality, and what better way than with some homespun and hand-knitted South Island woolly socks.”
The socks are hand-knitted by a group of Darfield spinning and knitting enthusiasts, headed up by neighbours Pip Anderson and Ruth Buttle. They have committed to producing up to 40 pairs of hand-knitted socks a year for the university, destined for locations all around the world.Retired from a life of farming in the district, Ruth still spins her own wool despite no longer having a dedicated flock of black sheep for the purpose. She buys wool, cards it and spins it into double ply wool. It takes a minimum of two hours to spin one ball of wool.
Pip says they are aiming to keep the colours neutral, with splashes of colour so that they look natural and hand made.
Ruth says spinning and knitting are still popular pastimes for rural New Zealand women and that projects like this are an excellent opportunity to get together.
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A first for Southland Girls’ High
The national news site Stuff ran a charming story last week about a young Thai student, Kamolsiri (Kate) Damrongmanee, who is the first international prefect to be voted in in the 137-year history of Invercargill’s Southland Girls’ High School.
The story covers her life as a busy Year 13 student and prefect. Kate also talks about her love of the southern city’s cold weather and the community’s warm support.
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US students experience tikanga Māori on the high seas
Staff and students from the University of Auckland and the Auckland University of Technology enjoyed a day out with local Māori tourism operators Waka Quest Tours and Te Haerenga, which included sailing on the waka Haunui to Motutapu Island where they tasted a delicious hāngī and did some exploring.
ATEED’s International Product Development Manager, Keri Edmonds, says, “This sort of activity is designed to enhance the international student experience. A key focus for our team is to raise the awareness of our cultural offering to international students, and provide greater opportunity for them to connect with Auckland’s people and landscapes.”
“While it’s still early days for this pilot project, it was great to have the opportunity to test out some ideas, which was made possible by funding support from Education New Zealand’s Regional Partnership Programme.”
ATEED’s Māori Tourism Development Manager, Koro Carmen joined Keri on the day and commented, “It was an incredible day of engaging with locals, taking part in tikanga Māori activities and exploring some of Auckland’s iconic landscapes. This is a great example of Māori operators connecting and collaborating with our colleagues to enhance the visitor experience. We were even lucky enough to see several of the endangered takahē wandering around the island!”
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Symposium on offshore delivery, Wellington, Thursday 9 June
Do you deliver education products and services offshore? Are you considering venturing in to this aspect of international education and want to know more? Then come along to a one-day symposium in Wellington on Thursday 9 June to explore the opportunities, challenges and value offshore delivery presents.
Jointly hosted by Education New Zealand and Victoria University of Wellington, the symposium will be an opportunity to learn from local and international presenters about their experiences, and engage and share with colleagues in this specialised field. The programme will cover critical success factors, sustainable and collaborative models, quality assurance, explore markets and partners, and consider an online future.
Offshore delivery is a broad church, and includes the delivery of education through offshore campuses or partners, or via online courses.
Global opportunities for offshore education delivery abound, and a good number of New Zealand institutions and businesses are committed to developing their offshore ventures, especially in markets and niches where New Zealand is well-regarded.
In spite of this, it is estimated that only 3 percent of international students enrolled at New Zealand institutions are offshore, compared to 30 percent for Australia and over 50 percent for the UK.
If you are interested in coming along to the symposium please contact Business Development Manager Adele Bryant for a programme and registration details at: adele.bryant@enz.govt.nz or phone (04) 830 0810.
