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Prime Minister's Scholarship shakes up geology student's plans
Soltice Morrison was only 15 when that earthquake happened, but she is part of a new generation of students and researchers wanting to equip themselves with the latest knowledge and technology to better understand New Zealand’s vulnerability to quakes. The best way to achieve this is through international collaboration with other countries which face the same risks.
Having already completed a BSc in Geology and Oceanography from Otago University, Rotorua-born Soltice secured a Prime Minister’s Scholarship for Asia during her Honours year in 2018, which allowed her to enrol in a post-graduate short course in geology at Hokkaido University in Japan and stay on to complete most of her Honours research.
Prime Minister’s Scholarship allowed joint research
Under the guidance of her supervisor, Dr Virginia Toy, she was involved in a project which studied the characteristics and behaviours of New Zealand’s Alpine Fault and Japan’s Median Tectonic Line to better understand what causes earthquakes in both countries.
"We’re both very seismically active countries but Japan is much more advanced in its use of technology. We were able to bring some of that knowledge back to New Zealand."
Soltice says that without the funding she received through the Prime Minister’s Scholarship (PMS), she would not have been able to study abroad.
The scholarship programme to Asia was established in 2013 and extended to Latin America in 2016. To date, 2400 students have been given financial support to study abroad. While currently on hold due to Covid travel restrictions, the programme is poised to restart once borders reopen.
Importance of New Zealanders studying abroad
Funded by the government and administered by Education New Zealand, the programme recognizes the importance of giving New Zealanders the opportunity to have an international education experience in countries where we have key trade and business relationships.
There are few restrictions on study options, with the programme having broad goals to enhance understanding of other cultures and business practices; establish new friendships and networks; and upskill the New Zealand workforce through overseas experience.
“It’s very important to connect with students and colleagues internationally in order to get ahead,” says Soltice. “We can get caught up thinking that the New Zealand way is the only way. Studying overseas helps you broaden your horizons, your knowledge, your understanding of different cultures, and the way things can be done.”
In geophysics, Soltice says international collaboration is essential.
“We’re able to learn a lot from Japan and the advances they have made in technology and monitoring.”
The time Soltice spent in Japan ended up taking her career in a new direction. “While I was there, I was able to understand the effects of seismic activity on buildings and how we can strengthen our cities to ensure they’re resilient, so I’ve ended up in the engineering space working for Aurecon.”
But her work also has an environmental focus and she is currently part of the multi-disciplinary team working on the Lakes 380 project, which seeks to combine best scientific thinking with mātauranga Māori (traditional wisdom and knowledge) to better understand the social, cultural, and environmental history of Aotearoa’s lakes. “It’s rewarding work and I love it.”
Reawakening of cultural identity
Soltice says her time in Japan prompted a reawakening of her own cultural identity. “I had always tried to blend in at home, but the questions I was asked about my background while I was away made me realise I was proud of my Māori ethnicity and also taught me the value of indigenous knowledge.”
Building on this confidence, she has set up a Māori strategy group with colleagues at Aurecon “looking at ways we can weave cultural understanding with scientific knowledge into the work we do.”
Soltice says she made life-long friends during her time in Japan and built a valuable network of contacts. “I work closely with the geophysicists here at Aurecon and sometimes when we have questions, I will reach out to my contacts offshore.”
Three years on, she remains a passionate advocate for Prime Minister’s Scholarship programme. “The overall experience – the research, the culture, the living situation, I would 100 percent say it was one of the best times of my life.”
Students value flexibility, networks, and personal growth
The positivity of Soltice’s experience was echoed by other scholarship recipients in a recent survey conducted by Education New Zealand. Close to 300 students participated, with 98 percent saying they would recommend PMS to others. Benefits they identified included the unique flexibility of the programme, the networks they built, the opportunity for personal and professional growth, and the chance to better understand New Zealand’s place in the world.
As for life after the programme, 57 percent said they would become involved in global causes, 50 percent would become involved in political or policy issues, and 44 percent would become involved in their local community or iwi.
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From the CE: Growth on the go
Kia ora koutou,
This month, the Government announced the International Education Going for Growth Plan – this is an exciting, positive step forward for international education as we chase a big growth target to double the value of New Zealand international education by 2034.
It’s an ambitious target. However, with the strong and steady growth we have seen in international student numbers in 2024, the Growth Plan will help us boost that growth track to make New Zealand the destination of choice for international students.
At its heart, the Growth Plan is about striking the right balance between achieving sustainable growth for the sector, while providing our international students with an excellent experience in New Zealand and enabling our communities to understand the broad benefits that international education brings.
I am pleased with the work that is underway to progress the plan’s implementation. Over July and early August, ENZ is holding a series of market focused, cross-sector sessions to share market plans for 2025-26. The sessions will provide sector representatives with a topline update on market plans, growth targets, the approach for subsectors, and market activity.
I believe these sessions will prove useful in clarifying how ENZ intends to engage with the sector to activate and deliver the plan.
And with the way our latest 2024 enrolment numbers have continued their upward surge, we are on the right track to advance towards our growth goals. Our enrolments are now at 72 percent of pre-pandemic levels seen in 2019, with most sub-sectors contributing to this growth.
We are also seeing interesting trends in these enrolment numbers across subsectors, level of study and source markets and we look forward to sharing these insights with the sector. So make sure you sign up for ENZ’s webinar on 2024 international student enrolments to learn more about emerging trends with students, and how you can use this information in your organisational planning.
Last week, we said farewell to two of ENZ’s long-serving Board members, Linda Sissons and Lyn Provost, who completed their terms, and welcomed new members Sara Brownlie and Prabha Ravi with a mihi whakatau.
Finally, this week, I will be attending The PIE Live Asia Pacific event, where I will be speaking at a ‘New Zealand: Country update and trends’ panel session alongside University of Canterbury Vice-Chancellor Cheryl de la Rey and Deputy Editor of The PIE News UK, Kimberley Martin.
The session will discuss how New Zealand is poised for sustainable growth in international education and will cover the New Zealand International Education Going for Growth Plan and its ambitious target to double the value of international education by 2034.
For those of you attending the event, I look forward to seeing you there.
Waiho i te toipoto, kaua i te toiroa
Let there be closeness, not distance
Ngā mihi nui,
Amanda Malu
Chief Executive
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From Viet Nam to Aotearoa: 20 bright minds awarded school scholarships
Education New Zealand Manapou ki te Ao (ENZ) proudly celebrated the achievements of 20 outstanding Vietnamese students at the New Zealand School Scholarships (NZSS) 2025 awards ceremony and pre-departure briefing, held on 22 June 2025 in Ho Chi Minh city.
The event marked a milestone for these young students and their families, as they prepare to embark on a transformative education journey in New Zealand. It also served as a valuable orientation platform, offering practical insights into studying and living in New Zealand through sharing sessions led by NZSS alumni and their parents.
Now in its fifth year, the NZSS programme continues to strengthen its footprint with a record 45 participating New Zealand high schools and 47 fully completed applications resulting in 20 winners this year.
Among the New Zealand schools that successfully secured NZSS students, one private and four public schools joined for the first time – a testament to the programme’s growing influence and effectiveness in engaging with the education market in Viet Nam.
Participation in NZSS plays a vital role in raising New Zealand schools’ profile in Viet Nam. ENZ rolled out the 2025 NZSS campaign from January to March, with additional amplification in June, generating 48 media clippings with a combined PR value of NZD 131,000 and a social media reach of over 2 million in Viet Nam.
Speaking at the ceremony, New Zealand Consul-General and Trade Commissioner in Ho Chi Minh City, Scott James, said: “You had many choices for your education, and you chose New Zealand. For that, we are truly grateful.”
The latest awardees of the New Zealand School Scholarship pictured alongside their parents and representatives from ENZ and NZ Inc.
Nguyễn Thiện Nhân, one of the 2025 awardees, shared his emotions on receiving the scholarship:
“Being selected for this scholarship is not only one of the greatest honours of my life, but a moment that reminds me that hard work, belief, and perseverance can lead to something truly life changing. The more I learned about New Zealand – its values, its education system, and its people – the more I felt a strong connection. I realised: this isn’t just a place to study, it’s a place to grow.”
ENZ Regional Director – Asia (excluding China), Ben Burrowes, said he is proud to see the tangible impact of this scholarship.
“Many NZSS alumni have already achieved great success in their study and personal development journeys. Some are now beginning their careers in New Zealand, joining our workforce and contributing meaningfully to our economy and communities,” he said.“These achievements reflect both their talent and the opportunity the NZSS programme provides, and we are confident today’s recipients will follow in their footsteps,” Ben added.
This year’s scholarship ceremony coincided with the celebration of 50 years of diplomatic relations between New Zealand and Viet Nam – a fitting backdrop to a programme that continues to strengthen people-to-people ties and foster future global citizens.
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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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Around the world in five
China
China’s Ministry of Education has approved a slew of new transnational educational partnerships, as the country aims to grow its TNE enrolments from 800,000 to eight million.
Global
Students around the world are more confident about career prospects but are increasingly concerned about a range of other issues, including student diversity and their quality of life, according to the latest Global Student Satisfaction (GSS) Report 2025.
United Kingdom
According to a new report from the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for International Students, International students contribute more than £41.9 billion annually to the UK economy, with their impact felt in local communities.
Australia
The Australian Centre for Student Equity and Success (ACSES) has released a new report calling for a complete shift in how Australia’s higher education system addresses equity and access issues.
United States of America
An estimated 30% to 40% fewer international students are expected on American college campuses in the fall of 2025, compared with trends in the 2024-2025 academic year, according to NAFSA: Association of International Educators.
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Korean education relationship strengthened
Minister Joyce took part in three key education-related events while there.
NZ/Korea joint qualification recognition one step closer
Minister Joyce and Republic of Korea's Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Education, Hwang Woo Yea (left) exchange gifts following the bilateral meeting.
Minister Joyce met the Republic of Korea's Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Education, Hwang Woo Yea, on 19 October, and announced the completion of a research project which confirmed the comparability of the two countries’ senior secondary school curricula and qualifications. They also discussed other bilateral cooperation matters, such as increasing the two-way flow of students and Korean language teaching in New Zealand.
“Working towards joint recognition of secondary schools qualification will encourage more Korean and New Zealand students to study in each other’s country, particularly as New Zealand and Korea are set to become even closer partners as we implement our new Free Trade Agreement,” said Minister Joyce.
Game On English - Golf scholars and Minister exchange swing and putting tips
Minister Joyce demonstrates his putting prowess
Four aspiring Korean golfers will get the opportunity to walk the footsteps of world-famous Kiwi-Korean golfers thanks to a Game On English - Golf scholarship awarded to them in Seoul on 19 October by Minister Joyce. Game On English - Golf provides intensive English language classes and top quality golf coaching to talented young Koreans who want to become professional golfers.
ENZ’s Regional Director for Japan, Korea and the Americas, Lisa Futschek, explained, “‘Game On English - Golf’ brings together New Zealand’s expertise in golf coaching with our education system that consistently ranks amongst the best in the world.
Fifteen year-old scholarship recipient, Ms Lim Hee Jeong, commented at the awards ceremony, “I am honoured to be the first Game On English - Golf scholarship winner. I will train very hard at New Zealand’s best golf training academy, the Institute of Golf, and study very hard at Unique New Zealand, and [one day] become a top professional golfer!”
L-R, scholarship recipients: Kim Beom Soo (age 17), Jung Teayang (age 15), Lim Heejeong (age 15). Absent: Kim Sojung (age 17)
Kiwi Alumni Association supporting New Zealand graduates in Korea
There was a warm and friendly atmosphere at the Kiwi Alumni reception
More than 100 graduates of New Zealand education institutions turned up to the second networking event organised by the Kiwi Alumni Association and held at the New Zealand Residence on 19 October.
The Kiwi Alumni Association was launched in March 2015 during the Prime Minister’s visit to Seoul as a way to tap into the growing number of New Zealand-educated Koreans who are returning to Korea. Maintaining contact with the alumni, who go on to work in diverse industries, helps build a constituency of supporters for New Zealand across Korea.
“The Kiwi Alumni Association provides opportunities to develop and grow partnerships between New Zealand and Korea. The networking opportunities offered by the Kiwi Alumni Association are hugely important, providing a strong basis on which partnerships and other collaborative prospects can be formed,” said Minister Joyce.
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Around the world in five
CHINA
Plan to introduce universal preschool education
The Chinese government aims to introduce universal preschool education by 2035, including specific goals to make affordable preschool education available for all children by 2035.
FRANCE
New international student recruitment strategy revealed
The French government has revealed a new strategy to help attract half a million international students by 2027, including a global marketing drive.
GLOBAL
The new rules of digital marketing
Agents and educators are reporting a steady increase in the number of students recruited via digital channels, with a third of agents indicating that digital channels now generate 30-60 percent of all new business.
KOREA
Institutions look abroad for revenue, prestige
The number of international students in Korea has increased by 67.5 percent in the last four years to 142,200 students due to active student recruitment, particularly by universities.
UNITED ARAB EMIRATES
Dubai bucks global trend as international students soar
The number of students at Dubai International Academic City (DIAC), the largest community dedicated to higher education in the Middle East, has witnessed a surge in 2018/2019.
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Kiwi students attend Tokyo Experience School
Education New Zealand Manapou ki te Ao (ENZ) supports a range of international exchange programmes that, as well as attracting international students to New Zealand, also provide New Zealand students with the opportunity to have their own international education experiences overseas. These offer unique cross-cultural learning opportunities that develop our global citizens, serve to plant the seed for future overseas education experiences in our learners, while also promoting New Zealand’s education system on a global level.
One such programme is that organised by the Tokyo Metropolitan Board of Education (Tokyo MBoE), an Education Cooperation Partner of ENZ since 2017. The programme fosters education exchanges between New Zealand and Tokyo and each year, the Tokyo MBoE invites students to attend the Tokyo Experience School through an application process, promoted to secondary schools by ENZ. In 2023, Rangiora High School was selected by the Tokyo MBoE to send four students and one chaperone to Tokyo, joining other students from around the world for ten days in December.
Lachlan Palmer, SeungWoo Jeong, Ariana Ferguson and Oliver Burns are all studying Japanese at Rangiora High School, and were the fortunate students selected to attend on behalf of their school. The four students were accompanied by their school’s Teacher in Charge of Japanese, Jessica Bradley.
The experience proved to be a true immersion in Japanese culture and student life for the Rangiora High School Year 11-13 students with the students staying with local host families, travelling to school in rush hour, attending class and joining club activities such as chalk art, judo classes, and rugby training. The experience also gave students the opportunity to take part in several traditional experiences such as getting dressed in a kimono and attending Sado (tea ceremony).
All four students said that this Japanese exchange trip was one of the most interesting and valuable experiences they had every done and couldn’t wait to go back.
Lachlan said “The real highlight of this trip was with my host family and my time at school there. Seeing the differences and similarities between Japan and New Zealand in person allowed me to enjoy and learn about Japan in a way like no other and gave me the chance to share my own culture from New Zealand. It is safe to say I will be returning as soon as I can”.
One of Ariana’s favourite moments of the whole experience was trying on the kimono. She said "it was amazing to experience what it was like to wear, walk and feel in a Kimono and it is something I will never forget. I also loved meeting students in my class and not only learning about their likes/dislikes but sharing mine too and a New Zealand culture with them. They were so kind and welcoming, and I honestly can't wait to go back!”
Ariana Ferguson with her travel companions; Lachlan Palmer, SeungWoo Jeong, and Oliver Burns, trying on traditional Japanese dress.
Lachlan Palmer and SeungWoo Jeong, tried Judo with their host brothers.
SeungWoo enjoyed experiencing in person the culture that he has been learning so much about at school. He said “my host brother and I went to several famous places in Japan such as Tokyo Tower, Skytree, Akihabara, Shinjuku, and Shibuya. However, I believe that the highlight of the trip was being able to experience the Japanese food my host family made for us, and the amazing experiences my host brother and I have experienced such as karaoke.’
Lastly, Oliver noted how interesting it was attending a Japanese school and some of the differences. He said “there was a lot of school spirit, much more so than my home high school, and I loved how much the student body supported each other. My favourite parts of school were the friends I made in class (and the bento lunches!).”
ENZ will continue working with Tokyo MBoE on cross cultural education opportunities. If Tokyo MBoE continue the Tokyo Experience School, ENZ will share the EOI with New Zealand schools when it is available, usually around September.
