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  • Creative rangatahi showcased at the New Zealand Youth Film Festival

    Seventeen-year-old Jaeyun Han, an international student at Newlands College, Wellington, bagged the award for Best International Student Film. Han, from Korea, won the award for his film ‘Him’ - a dark tale of jealousy, obsession, and unrequited love. 

    Education New Zealand Manapou ki te Ao (ENZ) sponsored the Best International Student Film category of the awards, with ENZ General Manager Sector Services Sahinde Pala presenting the winner’s award. 

    Sahinde Pala presenting the award to Jaeyun Han with festival founder Ryan Chow looking on

    “We warmly congratulate Jaeyun.    

    “ENZ is pleased to support the International Student Film award and the film festival for the wonderful platform they offer young people to share their stories and collaborate. The festival is a great way to showcase what New Zealand offers as a film and creative study destination, and ultimately helps grow connections between international students and New Zealanders,” Sahinde said. 

    “I was blown away by the talent of all the students involved, they will have bright careers if they choose to enter the film industry. Jaeyun’s storyline, coupled with sophisticated editing and camerawork, made for a gripping and unforgettable film.” 

    The winning Best International Student Film ‘Him’ being shown at the award ceremony

    Jaeyun was one of three final nominees, all of whom were invited to an industry experience day exploring TVNZ, Department of Post and AUT last week, ahead of the awards.  

    The competition was judged by leaders in the industry. Marvel Studios Director of Technology Katie Hinsen, Weta Digital Visual Effects Associate Producer Jeremy Hollis, and Professor Welby Ings from AUT made the final decisions.

    Judges Jeremy Hollis and Katie Hinsen congratulating Jaeyun Han alongside Sahinde Pala and Ryan Chow

    “A teacher at school encouraged me to enter the festival and I didn’t think I had a chance of winning. This is such a surprise and an honour,” Jaeyun said. 

    He received a $500 cash prize and mentorship session with New Zealand cinematographer Phillip A.T Smith, who has worked on notable films such as ‘Mad Max Fury Road’, ‘Dune’ and ‘District 9’.  

    From left to right: ENZ Student Experience Manager Ross Crosson, festival founder Ryan Chow, Senior Advisor Student Experience Faymie Li and Sahinde Pala

    NZYFF is founded by Ryan Chow, an international student from Canada studying towards a Bachelor of Business and a Bachelor of Communications Studies at Auckland University of Technology (AUT). 

    Ryan is passionate about providing an opportunity for youth to have their work celebrated and connecting them with industry professionals to kick-start their careers, which is how NZYFF came to be founded. 

    Jaeyun’s film is available to view here, and the other nominated films are available to view on the NZYFF website here. 

    Trophies presented to the category winners

  • From the Acting Chief Executive: A lot to be proud of

    Tēnā koutou katoa 

    Earlier this month a New Zealand business publication ran a column that challenged the role of international education in delivering our Government’s objective of double the export earnings. As you might expect, I could not let the challenge go unanswered. You can read the full response on the ENZ website, but I thought there was merit in highlighting a couple of the key points along with some of the excerpts as they provide a good summary of the state of international education in New Zealand today.  

    The first point I made in my response confirmed that students are returning. We recently published the Ministry of Education’s enrolment data for 2023 (part-year) which firmly backed this up.  

    “Students are returning to New Zealand. In the first eight months of 2023 international student enrolments topped 59,000 with all sectors experiencing growth except wānanga. Accepting that it is from a low base, comparing 2023 to 2022, Universities have bounced back strongly reporting a 15% increase from 24,040 to 27,535.“  

    “In the first eight months of 2023 English Language Schools saw the greatest percentage increase in international enrolments, increasing by 347% from 1,565 to 7,001. Schools reported a 114% increase from 5,925 to 12,662. NZIST Te Pūkenga, a 32% increase from 4,955 to 6,560 and Private Training Establishments (funded and unfunded), a 13% increase from 5,000 to 5,671.”   

    Of these enrolments, students from India continue to provide the second highest number of enrolments in New Zealand. In recognition of our valued partnership, I am delighted to announce that the Republic of India will headline as Country of Honour at NZIEC KI TUA 2024.  

    The designation of Country of Honour at NZIEC KI TUA celebrates our international education connections with partner countries and I am pleased that we can celebrate the growing education connections between our two countries in this way. You can read more about this announcement along with a call for speakers in our E-News story here.  

    The second point from my response that I would like to reiterate is that: We have a plan and the sector is working together to deliver. 

    I highlighted that “The New Zealand International Education Strategy, revised in 2022, sets out a multi-year action plan to develop a high-value, resilient and innovative education sector for both international and domestic students. Further the new Government’s manifesto made clear their vision and priorities for international education. “ 

    “I can also assure you that the sector is working together to achieve its goals, that all eight universities participated in a recent ENZ-led delegation to India, is just one example of the co-operation.”  

    It was very timely that I then received a wonderful note of appreciation from a Dunedin City Councillor this week for the work of the many people within ENZ and the sector involved with the recent Korean agent famil. This was further evidence that we are working collaboratively as a sector and delivering benefits to the international education ecosystem and our regions.  

    Councillor Christine Garey said “The input from ENZ has helped over the years to establish and maintain an international education ecosystem in the city. It’s encouraged transitions between school and tertiary education and supported a strong growth agenda with increased higher quality students staying longer.  

    However, of particular benefit has been access to inbound/outbound famils and delegations. ENZ’s support in bringing agents to our city has been especially valuable and allowed us to showcase what Ōtepoti, Dunedin has to offer. There is no replacement for this in person experience and we look forward to these visits continuing to rebuild relationships globally. 

    Study Dunedin and the international education ecosystem are in good heart here in Ōtepoti Dunedin, working collaboratively and effectively. We look forward to ENZ’s continuing support and especially, we warmly look forward to welcoming future famils to our city.” 

    Keep up the great work, everyone. 

    He manawa tītī  

    Endurance is a virtue that cannot be understated. 

    Dr Linda Sissons 

    Acting Chief Executive 

  • Strong interest in NZ from Filipino students at the Te Pūkenga Agent Workshop and NZ Study Workshop 2023

    55 education agents representing 27 agencies from across the Philippines attended the one-day workshop on 27 October. The workshop provided a valuable opportunity for the four Te Pūkenga representatives, including Bipul Das, Kerry Clarke, Prashanth Nallur Puttaswamy and Richard Cao, to share their most recent updates and developments, including information on Te Pūkenga’s vocational education offerings. 

    ENZ’s Market Manager – Philippines & Thailand, Chortip Pramoolpol, supplied an update on ENZ’s activities and showcased the array of tools and resources available to empower education agents in promoting New Zealand as a study destination. Joining the workshop remotely were key figures from Immigration New Zealand. Celia Coombes, Manager of International Education, Dolores Hyde, Senior Advisor for International Education, and Philippa Lee, Immigration Officer, Visa Operations, delivered a comprehensive briefing on student visa applications and post-study work rights. If any education agents would like a copy of the slides delivered by ENZ, they are available on IntelliLab here - ENZ Philippines.

    Bipul Das from Te Pūkenga’s International Team said that it was incredibly valuable to be able to meet face to face with education agents and prospective students in the Philippines. 

    “It was wonderful to see the education agencies are excited to promote New Zealand as the preferred study destination for vocational education and we are grateful for the support from ENZ, our Education Agents and INZ on the work being done in the Philippines market. We will continue to focus on growing our international student population from the Philippines, " said Bipul. 

    Following on from the workshop, ENZ and Te Pūkenga welcomed over 170 visitors to the NZ Study Expo 2023. The event provided a unique platform for attendees to explore the breadth of opportunities in New Zealand including specific courses, scholarships, and post-study opportunities and discuss these personally with the NZ representatives on-hand.  

    From left to right: Prashanth Nallur Puttaswamy, Bipul Das, His Excellency Peter Kell, New Zealand Ambassador to the Phillippines, Kerry Clarke, Chortip Pramoolpol, Richard Cao and Joel Miranda Angon.

    New Zealand Ambassador His Excellency Peter Kell presided the event and shared his remarks, encouraging Filipinos and their families, to choose New Zealand as a destination to continue their education journey.  

    Ambassador Kell told the audience “This event is more than just a fair; it is a bridge that connects aspirations with opportunities. It is a platform for our Filipino students to explore and embrace new horizons, to acquire skills and knowledge that will empower you to become leaders in your chosen fields.  

    “New Zealand’s education system is often highly regarded and ranked in the world for preparing students for the future. Our education providers often have strong connections to industry and the business community. This facilitates internships, work placements, and real-world experiences for students, preparing them for the workforce,’ he added.  

    ENZ Market Manager – Philippines & Thailand, Chortip Pramoolpol, was excited to have had the opportunity to speak face to face with interested students and their families following the pandemic.  

    “There is certainly a lot to be said for being able to explain in-person to prospective students and their families, why they must consider New Zealand as a destination for future study and we were so pleased to see such genuine interest.  

    These events generated dozens of leads which has helped drive a significant increase in in visits and enquiries from Filipino students to the Study with New Zealand website,” added Chortip.   

    If any education providers or agents would like any additional information on marketing to students in the Philippines, please contact Chortip Pramoolpol – chortip.pramoolpol@enz.govt.nz

    Bipul Das from Te Pukenga International Team presented on their programme offerings.

  • Reminder about education providers’ responsibilities when using education agents

    The responsibilities for Code signatories are covered in detail in Section 38 (for tertiary education providers) and Section 58 (for school education providers). Section 38 reads as follows: 

    38. Process 2: Managing and monitoring education agents

    Signatories must have practices for effectively managing and monitoring the performance and conduct of education agents in relation to learner safety and wellbeing under this code, including –  

    (a) carrying out and recording reference checks on potential education agents to ensure as far as possible that they are not involved in any conduct that is false, misleading, deceptive, or in breach of the law; and  

    (b) entering into written contracts with each of its education agents; and 

    (c) during the term of a contract, monitoring the activities and performance of its education agents in relation to – 

    (i) their obligations as specified in the contract; and  

    (ii) whether they provide prospective and enrolled international tertiary learners with reliable information and advice about studying, working, and living in New Zealand; and  

    (iii) whether they act with integrity and professionalism in their dealings with prospective and enrolled international tertiary learners; and  

    (iv) whether they have engaged in any activity or conduct that, in the opinion of the signatory, is or may be in breach of the law or that jeopardises the signatory’s compliance with this code; and  

    (d) managing the education agents by –  

    (i) terminating contracts with an agent if there is evidence which, on balance of probabilities, shows that the education agent –  

    a. has been involved in any serious, deliberate, or ongoing conduct that is false, misleading, deceptive, or in breach of the law; or 

    b. has jeopardised the signatory’s compliance with this code; or 

    (ii) taking appropriate action to address misconduct by act or an omission by an education agent in relation to the other matters described in subclause (c); and  

    (e) ensuring that its education agents have access to, and maintain, up-to-date information relevant to their duties as specified in the contracts with the signatory. 

    The full Code is available on the NZQA website here. 

  • February update from Immigration New Zealand

    Update on Student visa processing*  

    Since New Zealand’s international borders reopened in August 2022, Immigration New Zealand (INZ) has received 25,471 student visa applications from international students outside of New Zealand. We have decided 17,601 of these applications, with more than half of our decisions made in under four weeks. 

    *Figures current as at 10pm on 30 January 2023.  

    We have updated our reporting 

    INZ is improving the way we publicly report on processing times for different visa categories. We now publish the processing times for applications decided in the previous month, instead of the previous three months.  

    The website illustrates the median number of days, along with the actual number of days it takes to process 90% of applications. These new metrics give a good indication of what customers can expect, regardless of the complexity of their application.  

    Check out our updated processing times here: How long it takes to process a visa application | Immigration New Zealand 

    Apply for visas at least 8 weeks ahead of intended travel date 

    New Zealand is in the middle of our student processing peak period. You can apply up to three or four months ahead of intended travel if you wish, however please ensure that applications are applied for at a minimum of 8 weeks ahead of intended travel date.  

    INZ generally processes applications in date order and the course start date is also taken into consideration.  

    We appreciate that students are keen to have their travel bookings confirmed given the cost of flights and flight route limitations, however INZ recommends that students do not confirm travel bookings until a visa has been granted. If students still wish to book travel ahead of a visa decision, we recommend that they explore flexi travel dates or refundable tickets.  

    Student visa checklists 

    The student visa checklist is key to submitting a complete student visa application that has the information we need to make a decision. We update the visa checklists regularly, so be sure to use the web link rather than download the checklist. The first time international students visa checklist was last updated in December 2022. 

  • Applications open for group Prime Minister’s Scholarships to study in Asia and Latin America 

    Applications from groups, institutions or organisation who can meet the objectives of the scholarship are welcome. Last year, successful group applicants included marae, whānau Māori trusts, tertiary providers, non-profit organisations and more. Applications close on 23 April 2023.   

    ENZ’s General Manager Sector Services, Sahinde Pala, says the scholarships are a wonderful opportunity for New Zealanders to gain transformational education experiences in Asia and Latin America. 

    “We love how the scholarships allow New Zealanders from a wide range of backgrounds to continue to add a global aspect to their learning, and make meaningful, often lifelong connections with people from other countries and cultures. 

    Applicants are invited to think differently about what overseas learning opportunities could enrich the lives of learners or members of their community, and how they contribute to New Zealand more broadly.”  

    The Prime Minister’s Scholarships are funded by the New Zealand Government and administered by Education New Zealand Manapou ki te Ao to support New Zealanders on learning experiences in Asia and Latin America. 

    The Scholarships’ group programme offers a flexible way to organise learning experiences in Asia and Latin America. Groups apply for a certain number of people, minimum of three, and once a programme is awarded, the organiser will run their own process to select the members who make up the group based on guidelines provided by ENZ. 

    Scholarship awardees from the 2022 group round have engaged in a diverse range of programmes, including customised indigenous-to-indigenous cultural exchange, advancing their language skills, learning new fashion design skills, and more.  

    Participants in a group programme simply need to meet the same eligibility requirements as individuals, including being a New Zealand citizen or permanent resident at least 18 years old at the date of applying. 

    Since its launch in 2013, the Prime Minister’s Scholarship programme has seen nearly 3,000 recipients, which helps New Zealand continue to engage with key partners in Asia and Latin America. 

    Applications for student groups from wānanga, universities, Te Pūkenga, private training establishments, iwi and other organisations will be open from 8 March – 23 April 2022, with successful applicants advised in early June. 

    More information is available on ENZ's dedicated scholarship website here. 

    A list of successful applicants from the 2022 group scholarship round is available here.  

    ENDS 

    Media contact: 

    Sai Raje 

    Senior Communications Advisor  

    021 479 649 

     

    Scholarship queries: scholarships@enz.govt.nz     

      

    Education New Zealand (ENZ) is a New Zealand Government agency dedicated to international education. ENZ promotes New Zealand as a study destination globally and supports New Zealanders to broaden their horizons through international education experiences beyond our shores. 

  • March update from Immigration New Zealand 

    Update on Student visa processing*   

    Since New Zealand’s international borders reopened in August 2022, Immigration New Zealand (INZ) has received 29,228 student visa applications from international students outside of New Zealand. We have completed 24,549 of these applications.  

    Our recent processing times for international student visa applications are published on our website. These are updated each month: Visa processing times for international students | Immigration New Zealand 

    *Figures current as at 10pm on 6 March 2023.   

    Impact of Cyclone Gabrielle on international students 

    We are aware that some education providers' campuses have been damaged by Cyclone Gabrielle and have been forced to close temporarily. 

    This affects students’ immigration status because their current student visa requires them to attend the place of study specified on the visa which may not be currently possible. We understand that this is a difficult time, and we would like to help. An information sheet has been developed for affected international students and can be found here. 

    Approval in Principle timeframe 

    We have shortened the standard length of time we allow most offshore students to provide a tuition fee receipt (or other financial evidence) from ten to five working days to encourage students to complete the final steps of their student visa application quickly. We understand that some students may not be able to provide evidence in the timeframe they are given due to their individual circumstances. Extensions to this timeframe are available – the student or agent just needs to upload a brief letter explaining how much longer they will require and why. 

    Tuition fees 

    We would like to remind you that changes to the requirements for tuition fee payment evidence for students were introduced last year as part of the Immigration Rebalance.  

    Students need to pay tuition fees for the first year, or first programme of study (whichever is the shorter), and they will have to prove personal/maintenance funds for the same period. We do not accept payment of tuition fees by instalment; the only exception is for some aviation students. 

    Agent declaration 

    If you are providing advice or assistance with a student visa application - DECLARE yourself in the application. Education agents outside New Zealand are permitted to give immigration advice on student visas but must declare themselves in the application. We are seeing increasing numbers of agents not declaring themselves and these applications may take longer to process as a result.  

    INZ is intending to resume reporting on agent visa approval rates later this year, probably in September/October. If you are not declaring your involvement in an application, this will have an impact on your publicly available performance information. Education providers in New Zealand will be encouraged to check the agent performance report. 

  • From the CE: New Zealand education promotion continues at pace

    I can assure you I have never seen as much interest in New Zealand as an education destination. Despite the challenges we’re all aware of and the activities of our competitor countries, the New Zealand education offering remains attractive. We all must continue to tell the New Zealand education story.

    On Friday 17 March, Minister of Education Jan Tinetti announced new appointments to our Board. I want to acknowledge outgoing Board Chair, Steve Maharey, and welcome Tracey Bridges to the role. Steve has been a stalwart and tireless advocate for international education, both in the community and the corridors of power for over 30 years. In his time as our Chair, he has seen and contributed to enormous change within the sector and ENZ. Personally, I have appreciated his deep understanding, straight talking and clear direction.

    Tracey Bridges has knowledge of regional economic development, expertise in strategy, risk and reputation management, and in social marketing. She is Chair of the Wellington Economic Development Agency Limited (WellingtonNZ), co-founder of The Good Registry and sits on the Boards of Sky Stadium, Whānau Āwhina Plunket, the Wellfed NZ Trust and the Digital Media Trust.

    Tracey is joined by Dr Therese Arseneau. Dr Arseneau also has knowledge of economic development including international education’s contribution to regional economic development, and governance experience in the tertiary sector at the Ara Institute and the Open Polytechnic. She previously chaired Regenerate Christchurch and Enterprise North Canterbury.

    We all know that the contribution of international education is far broader than just the direct and immediate economic impact of the students that come to New Zealand. For the first time, ENZ along with EY have sought to quantify the extent and the value of these wider benefits.

    Research commissioned by ENZ that will be released before the end of March found that international education is not only a significant contributor to the New Zealand economy but also that international students living and working in the country bring in a raft of social, cultural, and international benefits. It goes on to explore the extent of the indirect longer-term contribution to New Zealand’s GDP from the small proportion of international students that remain in New Zealand on completion of their studies. The research also quantifies the impact of the pandemic.

    Look out for the formal release and when it is available I urge you to download the report from Intellilab.

    To complete your international education-related reading list, our Briefing to the Incoming Minister, Minister Tinetti is now available here on the ENZ website. The BIM, as it is known, is prepared when new Ministers are appointed to portfolios.

    He maurea kai whiria! – Ignore small matters and direct effort toward important projects!

    Ngā mihi nui, 

    Grant McPherson  

  • Call for speakers for NZIEC KI TUA 2023

    NZIEC KI TUA 2023 will be held in Ōtautahi Christchurch from 16 to 18 August 2023 at Te Pae Convention Centre. A welcome function will occur on Wednesday evening followed by two days of conference sessions on Thursday and Friday. 

    2023 marks the 30th time our conference will be held, and this year’s theme is Te Ara Ki Tua – the pathway ahead. As we celebrate this milestone, our theme encourages us to consider how our sector can thrive in the future.  

    We’re calling for speakers to help us explore the following sub-themes:  

    1. Excellent Experiences – How can we foster excellent experiences for international students studying with Aotearoa New Zealand? 

    2. Marketing Smarts – What are the most effective ways to market to and recruit international students?  

    3. Growing Global – How can we grow our relationships with international partners?  

    4. Authentically Aotearoa – How can our international education offerings tap into what makes our country special?  

    5. Fresh Offerings – How can we develop fresh programmes, products, services and partnerships and take them to the world?  

    Please refer to the NZIEC KI TUA website here for detailed information on the theme and sub-themes, session formats, tips for your abstract and biography, and speaker terms and conditions.  

    You can submit your speaking proposal through the NZIEC KI TUA Speaker Portal.  Submissions close on 22 May 2023.  

    If you have any questions, please contact us at nziec@enz.govt.nz.  

    We hope you will consider joining us at NZIEC KI TUA to discuss the key opportunities and challenges facing our sector as we discuss Te Ara Ki Tua.  

    An in-person format and early bird registration  

    Subject to pandemic settings, this year’s conference will be an in-person format. Sector feedback revealed a strong desire to return in-person, in part to facilitate kanohi-ki-te-kanohi connections after so many years apart.   

    We are not intending to offer a hybrid option (in-person and virtual format) this year as this requires additional resources to deliver and a hybrid approach results in inferior experiences for both audiences. To support attendance, and in recognition of the impact of Covid-19, a discounted early bird registration rate will be available this year.

  • Prime Minister's Scholarships for Asia help students from New Zealand and India to showcase a unique cross-cultural collaboration

    The students travelled to India and for five weeks, worked with local students from Indian fashion powerhouse Pearl Academy and artisans from Kala Raksha, an NGO in Kutch, Western India. Collectively they produced a collection of garments, which reflected a philosophy from the past to everyday life. The work helped students and artisans to develop an understanding of different cultural values and ability to think creatively and collaboratively. 

     “We are thrilled to have 15 Prime Minister’s Scholarship recipients from Whitecliffe College visit India and take this opportunity to collaborate with Pearl Academy students in fashion and sustainability.” said David Pine, New Zealand High Commissioner to India. 

    “New Zealand and India hold strong education ties and the Prime Minister’s Scholarship for Asia symbolises the New Zealand government’s commitment to further strengthen bilateral ties between both countries.” 

     Administered by Education New Zealand | Manapou ki te Ao, the Prime Minister's Scholarships for Asia is a unique scholarship programme that enables the rich exchange of language, culture, skills and opportunities. It not only highlights New Zealand government’s commitment to help grow strong connections between young New Zealanders and Indians but fosters global citizens by inspiring students to take action on pressing issues affecting the world.  

     Since 2013, the Prime Minister’s Scholarship for Asia and Latin America have enabled more than 2,400 New Zealanders to broaden their horizons through life-changing learning experiences in Asia and Latin America. Applications are open until 23 April for the 2023 group scholarship round. To find out more about the Prime Minister's Scholarships for Asia and Latin America, visit our website here. 

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