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• New Export Education Levy rates released

  The levy rate for PTEs will increase from 0.45% to 0.89% of international student tuition fees, and from 0.45% to 0.50% for universities, ITPs and private schools (the levy paid by state- and state-integrated schools remains unchanged for 2019).

  The new rates take effect from 1 January 2019. Payments for trimester one 2019 will be at the new rates while payments made in January or February 2019 for trimester three 2018 will be at the old rate.

  The levy is collected from providers to fund a broad range of activities including marketing and promotion. It also funds reimbursements for international students caught out by Private Training Establishment (PTE) programme and provider closures.

  The levy fund almost ran out this year due to pay-outs resulting from closures at PTEs.

  Consultation on proposed changes to raise the EEL rate took place from 18 September to 15 October 2018.

  “We have listened to feedback from the sector and have decided on a balanced approach to address some of the key concerns raised during consultation, including the financial impacts on the sector, while continuing to address the immediate financial pressures on the EELs,” said Education Minister Chris Hipkins.

  “This is the first increase to the EEL in its 15 years. The Ministry of Education is doing its bit by reducing annual expenditure commitments against the levy by $300,000.”

  Further work is being done to investigate ways to address other sector concerns, including recognising quality in the PTE sector. Any changes would be the subject of consultation with the sector.

  For further information, see Mr Hipkins’ announcement on the Beehive website.

• Prime Minister’s Scholarship group round opening soon for applications

  New Zealand organisations and institutions will soon be able to apply for this year’s group round of Prime Minister’s Scholarships for Asia and Latin America.

  This award is administered by Education New Zealand Manapou ki te Ao (ENZ), enabling New Zealanders to experience international education and continue to build and maintain key trade relationships between New Zealand and key Asian and Latin American regions.

  Acting Group General Manager, International Marketing, Brand & Scholarships, Sahinde Pala, said the group programme is flexible, and applicants are encouraged to think creatively about their learning programmes.

  “We invite organisations and institutions to design a learning experience that can give learners the chance to follow their passion, develop connections, and make an impact in our global and local communities” she said.

  Successful past applications have included semester exchanges, language immersion, indigenous-to-indigenous exchange programmes, internships, and research projects.

  Applications can be made by any education provider (including universities, institutions, wānanga, iwi, hapū, whānau, institutes of technology and polytechnics, and private training establishments). 

  About the scholarship

  All citizens or permanent residents of New Zealand over the age of 18 can apply for the scholarship. Recipients do not need to be in tertiary education, as the programme aims to make international educational opportunities accessible to all New Zealanders.

  The scholarships cover tuition fees for offshore institutions, and a contribution towards internship fees, flights, living, accommodation, and visas.

  Since the programme’s beginning in 2013, at least 3810 scholarships have been granted to New Zealanders.

  Applications are open from 26 February to 11 April, find out more by visiting the Prime Minister’s Scholarship website.

  You can also email any questions to the ENZ Scholarships team at scholarship@enz.govt.nz.

• Student visa processing update

  A very large number of applications have been submitted to INZ in January for courses beginning within four weeks of the application submission date.  

  Jeannie Melville, INZ’s Assistant General Manager, Visa Services reminds applicants to apply for their student visa at least eight weeks before their course start date. 

  “For those with an application in progress, we ask that they first check the recent student visa processing times published on the INZ website before contacting INZ to seek an update on their application. Those who submitted their visa application online should also check their online account regularly to ensure they haven’t missed any communications from INZ. If INZ needs more information to decide an application, it will take longer to assess.” 

  During this peak student visa application period, INZ is processing applications in some additional sites in an effort to ensure applications are decided as quickly as possible.  

  To ensure the sector is well informed, INZ is developing improved reporting on application processing, including the volume of work in progress and expected processing times. INZ will provide this information in regular email updates to education peak bodies.

  ENZ is working closely with INZ on student visa processing matters, to help providers, students and agents understand the current situation.  While INZ continues to experience high volumes of student visa applications, ENZ continues to monitor market reactions and engage constructively with INZ. 

  Current fee paying student visa application volumes (as at 27 January 2019)

  Status	Application volumes
  Assessment ongoing	7430
  Approved in principle	1109
  Total on hand	8539

   

  Recent processing timeframes (calculated based on fee paying student visa applications decided 28 Oct 2018-28 Jan 2019) 

  Provider Type	80% decided within:	90% decided within:
  Institutes of Technology and Polytechnics	38 days	50 days
  Private Training Establishments	36 days	47 days
  Schools	15 days	25 days
  Universities	21 days	31 days

   

• Empowering early career scientists through New Zealand-Germany research collaboration

  The third funding round of the New Zealand-German academic exchange programme, known as the Programmes for Project-Related Personal Exchange (PPP programme), has enabled five New Zealand research projects to undertake research with academic partners from Germany.

  The following universities have formed partnerships:

  • University of Auckland and University of Paderborn
    Topic: Preparing students for a data science future using innovative teaching  
    
    
  • University of Auckland and the Technical University of Dortmund
    Topic: The development of contextual visual processing in the Ebbinghaus: illusion in children and its underlying neuronal basis (EBBI-KIDS) 
    
    
  • University of Auckland and University Medical Centre Hamburg-Eppendorf
    Topic: Perspectives of equitable medical education: a comparison between Aotearoa New Zealand and Germany
    
    
  • University of Canterbury and Westcoast University of Applied Sciences
    Topic: Younger generations as reflexive agents of change: Motivating Generation (Gen) Z to participate in the voluntary sector
    
    
  • University of Otago and Helmholtz Munich
    Topic: Modulation of central GIPR signalling to increase health during ageing

  The programme invited researchers to think of a project that would particularly benefit from working with German academic counterparts. Research projects will run from 2025 to 2026, with work taking place in both New Zealand and Germany. 

  Acting Regional Director, Americas & Europe, Natalie Lulia, said the programme aims to strengthen the relationships between New Zealand and German academics and institutions.   

  “It opens up New Zealand researchers to a global network of academics.  

  “Since the programme’s beginning, we’ve seen awardees think forward and explore possibilities of further collaboration with their research partners” she said. 

  The PPP programme was established in 2021, when ENZ and the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) signed a Memorandum of Understanding.   

  The bilateral agreement between ENZ and the DAAD enables young academics to further their careers and expand their international research links. ENZ contributes funding to support New Zealand researchers, while the DAAD supports German researchers to travel to New Zealand.  

  Find out more about the PPP programme by visiting the dedicated page on our website. 

  You can also contact Olga Elli, Associate Director of Engagement, Europe at europe@enz.govt.nz. 

• Introducing Tohu, the Study in New Zealand chatbot

  Jamie Crump, ENZ’s Director Business Planning, says Tohu was designed to help prospective students on SiNZ, answering their questions in a trusted, fast and friendly way.

  “The goal for Tohu is to be a virtual assistant for the New Zealand international education sector by helping answer enquiries from students considering New Zealand 24/7.”

  Jamie says currently Tohu can answer more than 300 questions about studying in New Zealand, but this grows with each interaction. While Tohu can only speak English, it is learning other languages, such as Mandarin, in order to service students more comfortable in their native tongue.

  “Themore people that chat with it, the more it learns, making its artificial intelligence smarter every day.

  “Already we’re seeing trends in commonly asked questions, including how to get a scholarship, how to get a student visa, and how to apply to study, and about New Zealand culture and the cost of study.”

  The name Tohu means ‘to advise or provide guidance’ and ‘to be a sign or landmark’ while its appearance is a nod to the word Aotearoa – ‘land of the long white cloud’.

  While Tohu currently lives on the SiNZ website, it will soon answer Messenger questions on the SiNZ Facebook page too.

  ENZ’s next steps are to connect Tohu with ENZ’s database marketing programme and enable it to answer questions on NauMai NZ.

• Masterclass opportunity in Japan

  Tokyo Metropolitan Board of Education will be hosting a virtual study abroad event on 23 of September, connecting secondary school students in Tokyo and beyond with tertiary institutions from Australia and New Zealand.

  This half-day event will feature lectures in an interactive format so providers can engage with Japanese students. Selected tertiary institutions will also have an opportunity to work with the Tokyo Metropolitan Board of Education to produce additional content introducing their institutions and programmes to prospective international students. 

  Recordings will be made for the virtual study abroad event and will be shared on the Tokyo English Channel website which will launch in June 2021.

  “This is a great opportunity for Education New Zealand and New Zealand tertiary providers to work with the Tokyo Metropolitan Board of Education to co-develop educational materials for the Japanese secondary school students. The content produced for the event will also be shared at future promotional events hosted by Education New Zealand and the New Zealand Embassy in Tokyo.” ENZ Director of Education – Japan, Misa Kitaoka, says.

  Director at the Tokyo Metropolitan Board of Education, Yuki Sato, looks forward to receiving proposals from the New Zealand providers.

  “We are excited to work with New Zealand tertiary institutions to showcase the virtual study abroad event offering Tokyo secondary school students an opportunity to connect with the world and enhance their communication skills in English. Students can expect of learn new ways of thinking from the lecturers and interact with other participants from around the world, including New Zealand.”   

  Education New Zealand signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Tokyo Metropolitan Board of Education in 2017 to promote education exchange and cooperation between Tokyo and New Zealand. Since then, a range of projects have been initiated between the two parties including the co-development of online education material for intermediate English learners through the Tokyo Global Studio.

  For further details on the opportunity, please download the proposal by the Tokyo Metropolitan Board of Education. Expression of interest is due on 25 of May and the selected provides will be contacted by Education New Zealand by the 31 of May.  

• Minister of Education, Chris Hipkins to address NZIEC 2019

  For the second time in his role as Minister of Education, Minister Hipkins will address the conference delegates of NZIEC 2019.

  On the morning of 7 August, Minister Hipkins will give a ministerial address followed by a brief question and answer session, where delegates will get to put their questions to the Minister through the Conference app.

  Minister Hipkins will reflect on the past year in international education, and address the opportunities and challenges the sector will face in the coming 12 months. 

  Delegates interested in hearing more on the Strategy can head to the panel session on the Wednesday afternoon. Co-hosted by the Ministry of Education and ENZ, the ‘New Zealand Internation Education Strategy: One Year On’ session will discuss how the cross-agency action plan has affected positive change and collaboration. Additional to the Ministry of Education and ENZ, there will be representatives from all agencies involved including MFAT, MBIE, Immigration NZ and NZQA.

  To be held over 7 and 8 August, the 28th annual NZIEC will focus on the theme of ‘Navigating our changing world’. You can view the full programme here.

  The conference will host more than 600 delegates and a wide range of industry presenters. There are still a handful of tickets left, so register now on the NZIEC website if you don’t want to miss out.

• Measles outbreak: information for international students

  

  There is currently an outbreak of measles in New Zealand.

  We encourage you to stay up-to-date with the latest advice and information on the measles outbreak by visiting the Ministry of Health’s website here.

  Measles is a highly infectious airborne virus and one of the world’s most infectious diseases. It is important that international students get vaccinated at least two weeks before travelling to New Zealand. This allows time for the vaccine to build immunity.

  For international students who are currently in New Zealand, it is important to know your vaccination status to know if you are immune. If you do not know your vaccination status, you may wish to ask someone at home to check with your healthcare provider. 

  It is extremely important to be up-to-date with measles immunisations. This protects the student, their community and anyone they may come into contact with – particularly small babies, pregnant women and others who cannot be vaccinated

  One dose of MMR vaccine protects about 95 percent of people, and two doses protects about 99 percent of people. Two doses are necessary to prevent outbreaks.

  It is important to note that the Ministry of Health is working closely with District Health Boards in New Zealand to manage the distribution of vaccine stock to ensure they are available to those who need them most. This means that first priority for MMR vaccinations is currently:

  Auckland

  • Ensuring all children receive their MMR vaccinations on time at 12 months and 4 years to maintain the national Childhood Immunisation Schedule
  • Targeted community outreach managed by the three Auckland DHBs, namely groups who are most affected by the outbreak including 15-29 year olds and Pacific peoples within those groups.

  Rest of New Zealand

  • Ensure all children receive their vaccinations on time at 15 months and 4 years to maintain the national Childhood Immunisation Schedule
  • Susceptible close contacts within 72 hours of first exposure to measles when possible.

  Symptoms

  Symptoms of measles include: a fever; cough; runny nose; sore and watery ‘pink’ eyes and a rash. People are contagious five days before and five days after the appearance of the rash, counting the day of rash onset as day one. 

  Advice if someone thinks they have measles: 

  • Stay away from work, school or public places
  • Call Healthline on 0800 611 116, to inform them that you are experiencing symptoms of measles and that you may have come into contact with a measles case
  • Cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing and wash your hands frequently
  • Minimise your contact with others to prevent infecting them
  • Students should also make sure other people e.g. flatmates, friends, homestay families or hostel staff are aware they are unwell, so they can assist if needed.

  Who shouldn’t get the vaccine?

  You shouldn’t get immunised against measles if you:

  • Are pregnant
  • Have had an anaphylaxis reaction to MMR or are immunocompromised.

  If a student thinks they have been exposed to measles and is unable to have the vaccine, they need to ask a doctor for advice. 

  Pregnant women who think they have measles, or have come in contact with someone with measles, must call their general practice or lead maternity carer as soon as possible. Pregnant women who were immunised against measles prior to becoming pregnant, are almost certainly protected. 

  More information

  All international students must have medical insurance while they are in New Zealand. To find out more about healthcare in New Zealand for international students, go to NauMai NZ.

• New resource to support international student wellbeing

  

  A mental health resource to assist staff working with international secondary school students has been created by the Schools International Education Business Association (SIEBA).

  In response to the Government's International Student Wellbeing Strategy, SIEBA undertook a review of the mental health and wellbeing resources for international students last year. Acknowledging that this can be a sensitive and complex topic, they identified the need for a go-to resource to help front-line school staff with issues that may affect international students.  

  This free resource, on the SIEBA website, is available to all New Zealand providers and includes information on common mental health issues, barriers that may prevent international students from seeking support and downloadable resources. It is designed to complement work currently undertaken in schools and elsewhere.  

  SIEBA Executive Director, John van der Zwan, says the support for mental health and wellbeing is important for all students and those moving countries and cultures may face extra challenges.  

  “This resource will build capacity and capability in the sector, helping staff support international students and ensuring they have an excellent educational experience in New Zealand.” 

  SIEBA developed the content in close consultation with a range of health care providers. It is not intended to replace professional medical advice but to assist school staff to identify possible issues and enable them to direct students to the appropriate professional services. 

  While initially designed for secondary school staff, SIEBA plans to expand the resource and share it on other platforms in the future. Click here to browse SIEBA's mental health resource kit.  

• From the CE: A uniquely Kiwi education

  Tēnā koutou katoa –

  I’m extremely proud to have introduced ENZ’s Māori name this year: Manapou ki te Ao. It truly sums up our work and values: Manapou means supporting and sustaining life, enabling growth and progression, while ki te Ao means to the world. That’s our role in a nutshell – enabling all students to gain the skills and knowledge to grow and contribute to the world.  

  And that’s been our focus this year. Together with the sector and other government agencies, we’re working towards the goals of the International Education Strategy – to ensure students who come to New Zealand have a high-quality, uniquely Kiwi education, and that they feel welcome and flourish.  

  Here’s a roundup of some of our latest work to help achieve this:   

  We’ve been developing tools to support students while they’re studying here. Our new student-focused website NauMai NZ embodies manaakitanga. It offers practical and trusted information for students new to New Zealand, on everything from bank accounts to water safety to mental health. And it decodes the mysteries of Kiwi slang! To date more than 20,000 students have visited the site. 

  We’ve been promoting a New Zealand education through our new brand message, I Am New, which encourages students to think independently and to ask questions. Ask New Anything, our new marketing campaign, reinforces that. It’s where prospective students can ask real students real questions about what it’s like to study here, and receive an authentic, unscripted answer. Take a look at the videos on YouTube. New Zealand’s education providers and ENZ Recognised Agents are very welcome to use these resources in their own marketing. 

  Our new joint work programme with Immigration New Zealand is helping to increase numbers of decision-ready applications from students coming into the immigration system. This will help improve processing times, reduce pressure on the system and attract genuine students.  

  In addition, we’re working with stakeholders from across government, the sector and providers to ensure international education is fully considered in the vocational education reforms. We’re also working with the New Zealand Institute of Skills and Technology (NZIST) to develop a strong global marketing platform to promote New Zealand as a destination for quality vocational education. In the interim we’re working closely with ITPs to support the message to students and agents that it’s “business as usual” for international students. 

  Finally, we often talk about the benefits of international education in terms of economic, social and cultural benefits for New Zealand and New Zealanders. But for me, international education is much more than that – it’s personal.  

  That’s because I’ve been an international student and because, together with my family, we have been privileged to host several college-aged international students from Japan and to become their New Zealand family. Likewise, many of my colleagues here at ENZ have been international students or hosted students or had family members studying abroad. So, we understand first-hand manaakitanga, the richness that cultural diversity brings, and the strong and enduring bonds that are formed.  

  At the end of the day, international education is about nourishing and enriching the young manuhiri in our care as they live and study among us, far from home. 

  So in closing, I wish you and your extended families the compliments of the season and a happy New Year. I’m looking forward to working with you next year to provide a uniquely New Zealand education and experience to those choosing to study here, and to ensure more young New Zealanders take up the opportunities to study abroad.