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Showing 10 of 1954 results for NARSC 2016 conference registration fees student pre advance late July 2016
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‘Apply four months in advance of travel’ - INZ Update
Visa processing update
As at 7 October 2023, the average processing timeframe for an international student visa application submitted from outside of New Zealand is six weeks (29 working days). This is counted from the time the student submits their application, until the time the visa is declined, or the visa granted. Whilst the average processing time is six weeks, Immigration New Zealand continues to strongly recommend that students apply for their visas around four months ahead of their intended travel date, especially as we are entering the main student processing peak combined with summer, which sees high numbers of visitor visas. We cannot prioritise processing for late applications and are unable to prioritise based on travel bookings. Students should not finalise travel plans until they have their visa granted.
The approval rate for offshore student visa applications received (1 Aug 2022 – 7 Oct 2023) is 84%
Tertiary student in-study work rights
Tertiary students’ in-study work rights have typically been linked to whether the qualification being studied gains points under the Skilled Migrant Category (SMC). As of 9 October 2023, only qualifications at Bachelor’s degree Level 7 or above qualify for points.
To maintain work rights for tertiary students, references to the SMC in the in-study work instructions have been removed. Eligible qualifications, programme level and type will be shown instead, to carry over the eligibility of many students studying below a Bachelor degree.
Since 9 October, all students studying a full-time programme that directly results in a New Zealand qualification at Level 4 or above on the New Zealand Qualifications and Credentials Framework (NZQCF) are eligible for in-study work rights of 20 hours per week. Training schemes and micro-credentials are not qualifications and remain ineligible for in-study work rights.
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Re-building connections across the globe at APAIE
Moving forward into the post-COVID era, the theme was appropriately ‘Towards a sustainable future for international education in the Asia Pacific’.
New Zealand’s presence at the conference was strong with all eight New Zealand universities and Whitecliffe School of Fashion and Sustainability attending, along with representatives from Education New Zealand Manapou ki te Ao (ENZ) and Immigration New Zealand (INZ).
ENZ’s Chief Executive Grant McPherson travelled to the event.
“It is exciting to see the commitment of New Zealand institutions to attend these key regional events,” he said. “The APAIE conference is one of ENZ’s flagship events and supporting these events is a critical component of our broader strategy to rebuild connections across the globe while also rebuilding a more resilient and sustainable sector.”
Ben Burrowes, ENZ's Regional Director Asia said, "the New Zealand Pavilion was extremely busy across the three days of the conference. The event proved a great opportunity to meet kanohi ki te kanohi (face to face) to re-build our brand awareness as well as raising our profile with our key bilateral partners and potential new partners."
During the conference, ENZ's Director of Scholarships, Carla Rey Vasquez, and the Centres of Asia Pacific Excellence (CAPEs) Education Director, Libby Giles, delivered a presentation showcasing New Zealand's Global Citizenship journey. The session explored examples of how Global Citizenship Education (GCED) has been embedded across New Zealand schools, universities, and government entities as a way to innovate and transform education practices, including through the integration of Te Ao Māori views around this topic.
Carla said, "It was great to demonstrate to audiences how local and international students can come together as global citizens through a focus on intercultural exchange, as well as through understanding local culture and knowledge.”
Outside the conference, ENZ's Thailand team organised a series of meetings with key Thai government ministries and agencies including the Ministry of Education, Thailand's National Innovation Agency, the Office of Civil Service Commission, and the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research, and Innovation.
Next year’s APAIE conference will take place in Perth, Western Australia in March.
Meetings at the New Zealand Pavilion
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High numbers of student and visitor visa applications
Jeannie Melville, INZ’s Assistant General Manager, Visa Services says this is typical for this time of year and will likely continue until March 2019.
“Due to the high application volumes currently being received, we strongly recommend that visitor and student visa applications are submitted as early as possible.
“Student visas should be submitted at least eight weeks ahead of their intended travel date, while visitor visas should be submitted as soon as possible in advance of travel. This gives INZ time to assess the application and gather more information from the applicant if needed.”
The fastest and easiest way to apply for a visa is to use the Immigration Online system via the INZ website, where applicants can upload supporting documents, photographs and pay for their application.
While INZ makes every effort to streamline assessment of applications, applicants may experience longer timeframes if they do not supply all required information (including translations) when they submit their application. If they do not supply the correct information this could hold up the processing of their visa.
INZ does not advise purchase of travel before an application is completed as the grant of a visa is not guaranteed. In particular, assessment of visitor visa applications will not be prioritised if the sole reason is that the applicant has pre-purchased travel.
Education providers can refer students to the INZ website for visa processing timeframes, which applicants should take into account when applying for their visa and planning their travel.
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Massey University’s virtual exchange programme a first for New Zealand
The first virtual exchange with the University of North Georgia (UNG) began in the first semester of 2020. It focuses on Defence and Security Studies courses at both institutions.
“Students benefit by being able to take unique courses for no additional fees from an overseas partner while continuing their studies at their home institution,” Massey University’s Manager of Student Mobility, Greg Huff, says. “The universities benefit by being able to expand their offering of courses and subject areas, while also building linkages with other international partners.”
Massey University worked with the Ministry of Education to create New Zealand’s first virtual exchange scheme in 2019, before the effects of COVID-19 began to be felt in the international education sector.
Huff says the exchange began as a way to expand and enhance its students’ academic experiences. Massey expects the demand for virtual exchange opportunities to grow as tertiary providers around the globe continue responding to changes brought on by the pandemic.
“As the demand for virtual learning opportunities increases due to COVID-19, this is a great opportunity for an institution with a proven track record in the virtual learning space to show institutions around the world what Massey and other New Zealand providers have to offer.” ENZ’s Director of Engagement in the US, DuBois Jennings.
Other New Zealand institutions can also benefit by using the structure approved by the Ministry of Education to set up their own virtual exchanges.
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Individual applications for PM’s Scholarships for Asia and Latin America now open
“Following on from the successful group applications, the Prime Minister’s Scholarships for Asia and Latin America are now open to individual applications, and this is the only opportunity for individuals to apply in 2022,” Grant McPherson, Chief Executive, Education New Zealand Manapou ki te Ao said.
These scholarships enable talented New Zealanders who are passionate about supporting local and global communities to add an international dimension to their learning and develop their global citizenship competencies and networks.
“We welcome diverse applicants from all stages and walks of life - you don't need to be a current student, and you don’t need top grades. We are looking for applicants who can display qualities like cultural awareness, initiative, and confidence. Previous scholarship recipients have come from a wide range of backgrounds and have studied in a range of fields, including environmental science, languages, law, the arts, and business.”
More than 2,400 Kiwis have benefited from the programme since 2013, contributing to New Zealand’s ability to engage with key partners in Asia and Latin America.
The Prime Minister's Scholarship is open to New Zealand citizens or permanent residents who are at least 18 years old at the time of application and have been a resident in New Zealand for at least 12 of the previous 24 months.
Scholarship funding can be used to cover, for example, tuition fees to undertake a course in Asia or Latin America, flights to and from Asia and Latin America, living and accommodation costs, travel and medical insurance and visa fees.
More information is available on the Education New Zealand Manapou ki te Ao scholarship website here. Applications close on 31 August 2022.
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Update on sending promotional materials to Viet Nam
A Vietnamese Government circular also states that if the declared value of goods for onward sale, and sent by a courier company, is less than 1 million VND, no import duty needs to be paid. Over this amount, import duty must be paid.
In addition, all importers of “cultural goods” must obtain a cultural licence from the Department of Information and Communications, Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism.
“Cultural goods” includes written materials such as education promotion resources.
If you are sending materials to education agents, they should be able to obtain the cultural licence. If you planning to send materials elsewhere, and assistance is required, please contact in advance the New Zealand Embassy in Ha Noi or the New Zealand Consulate in Ho Chi Minh City for more information.
Other tips for institutions sending materials to Viet Nam include:
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You should send materials well in advance of any planned events
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If import duty has to be paid, please aarrange with your freight company for the sender (rather than receiver) to cover this cost – this speeds up the process for the Embassy or Consulate if there are any problems
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If arranging materials to be sent to Viet Nam from third countries, remember to instruct foreign printers accordingly
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Remember also to include this information when organising shipments through BPO Intelligence (BPO)
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Around the world in five
CANADA
Another step toward a new international education strategy
The Canadian government has announced funding for a new international education strategy that will place emphasis on increasing the outbound mobility of Canadian students.
INDIA
Making ‘Study in India’ a success
A lack of infrastructure, funding constraints and a non-existent support system for international students are a few issues restricting 'Brand India' from making India an attractive study destination.
GLOBAL
Humanism is at the heart of international education
Refugee and at-risk migrant students are engaging in international education in different ways than traditional study abroad populations due to the mobility forced on them.
CHINA
Increase in students researching study options 2+ years in advance
Students in China are increasingly commencing preparations to study abroad as early as two years in advance, basing their decision on factors such as expanding international knowledge.
JAPAN
Education on AI proposed for university and technical college students
A panel of experts has called for all university and technical college students in Japan to be given beginner-level education on artificial intelligence with the aim to boost AI research and development.
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We want to hear from you!
This survey is important to gauge ENZ’s performance and importantly, let us know how we’re doing, what services you value and what you’d like to see more of.
In last year’s survey, you highlighted several themes that we’ve been working to address. We heard that you need more advance notice of our global events to allow you to plan better. In response, we published our event calendar in November, covering events to be held in the last half of 2024.
You also said you wanted to see closer alignment between government agencies and the sector. As a result, we have worked with peak bodies and key government agencies to refresh the purpose of the quarterly Peak Body Forum and built a closer working relationship with the Alliance of Peak Bodies.
Other important themes included improving our engagement and integrating views of the sector in our planning, while providing more clarity on our range of services and support. We have provided more webinars ranging from showcasing the regions to the global agent network, through to leveraging research, data and analysis to provide you with targeted market insights.
Peak body and sector representatives were involved early in our business planning, including market prioritisation, to ensure that we walk in step with the sector.
While we may not always get it right, you can rest assured that we are listening and continually striving to deliver the products and services that you value and help you to grow.
A survey link will be sent out in early May. We look forward to hearing your thoughts to enable us to improve our support to the New Zealand international education sector. Thank you in advance for your participation.
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ENZ to test new digital platform for improving students’ experiences
“After two years of research and consideration, we have developed a world-leading digital solution to improve student experience outcomes wherever they study and live in New Zealand,” said ENZ Student Experience Director, Hayley Shields.
Hayley said ‘nau mai’ was both an invitation and a welcome in Māori and, in this instance, a call to action.
The platform, NauMai NZ, has been created in the spirit of manaakitanga – to welcome and respect our visitors, support them as they transition into a new country and culture, aid social inclusion and help them have the best possible experience whilst here.
“Students have consistently told us they require improved access to timely, accurate information, and guidance about the best places to find answers to their questions,” said Hayley.
“NauMai NZ will help international students get the pre-emptive information they need, and make suggestions to support them as they navigate daily life in their new home.”
The new platform will be rolled out in three phases. The first phase will help education providers to meet student needs by directing them to a single source of government information. Information on the site reflects the international student journey from pre-arrival and across the first six months.
“NauMai NZ is directed toward life, work and social connections beyond a school or campus – for example, information on housing and accommodation or the New Zealand accent,” said Hayley.
During the testing period, ENZ will invite a targeted group of students who are studying at a range of providers to engage with NauMai NZ as we prepare for its official launch.
NauMai NZ aligns with a key action in the International Education Strategy launched last August – to continue to improve the availability of clear, timely and customer-focused information about education and immigration to students and providers.
It also embodies the key objectives of the International Student Wellbeing Strategy, launched in June 2017, by providing content supporting and enhancing the social, cultural, community, health and wellbeing needs of international students.
“NauMai NZ is a distinctively New Zealand initiative, and will contribute to setting New Zealand apart as fully committed to the wellbeing of international students and ensuring they have a great experience here,” said Hayley.
“Stay tuned for announcements over the coming months – we will be sharing more once NauMai NZ is confirmed.”
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New Zealand a ‘dream’ destination for German students
Olga was accompanied by IEC Online’s Marketing Coordinator, Carolin Stechel.
“Our overall goal was to raise the profile of New Zealand as a study destination across Germany, and to promote the Dream NEW scholarships,” said Olga.
The pair visited the Universities of Mannheim, Paderborn, Mainz and Potsdam.
There was strong interest among the students, not only for the education offerings at New Zealand universities and ITPs but also for New Zealand and its lifestyle.
“It was fantastic to see that many students had already been to New Zealand, either during their high school years or for a gap year after high school.
“The fact that they are keen to spend a semester in New Zealand during their university time shows their great passion for the country, and the strong ties they have with New Zealanders.”
The webinar enabled Olga and Carolin to connect with students from all over Germany, and students who attended the workshop at the embassy had the chance to talk to the ambassador, HE Rodney Harris.
“In general, it was clear that there is great interest in New Zealand and the country is perceived as a ‘dream destination’ by German students,” said Olga.
However, as education in Germany is free, the international tuition fees tend to discourage many students from choosing New Zealand as a study destination.
“Given this situation, it was a perfect opportunity for us to promote the Dream NEW scholarships that cover the full tuition fees for one semester.
“The students were excited about this opportunity and asked many questions about the application criteria, timing, and so on.”
“All in all, it was a perfect mix of activities to reach out to a large number of German students and promote New Zealand as a high-quality and safe study destination.”
