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Oldest Korean education agency files for bankruptcy
Korean local media reported that Uhak.com has failed to pay up to NZ$2 million in tuition fees to its partner education institutions around the world, impacting approximately 200 of Uhak.com’s clients.
Uhak.com had facilitated paying clients’ tuition fees to international education institutions. The company would receive the fees from parents two to three months in advance, and receive commissions from the overseas providers for the service. The company is alleged to have used clients’ tuition fees to pay its expenses.
Uhak.com sends around 3,000 students per year to education institutions around the world. Over the past two years, the agency had sent over 100 students to New Zealand’s English language providers.
Established in 1981, Uhak.com operated 12 offices in Korea and had branches worldwide including Auckland. The company’s revenue in 2015 was approximately NZ$13 million.
In 2014, Canadian education group Loyalist Group Limited acquired Uhak.com for NZ$10 million.
Gather agent performance insights and minimise fraud risk
Taking these additional steps will also help providers gather valuable insights about agent performance, INZ says in the November issue of its India student newsletter.
Agent performance data for the Indian student market currently includes approval rates for agents recruiting Indian students. This data is available on INZ’s website here.
However, if education providers ask for and receive an agent’s waiver or permission, they can request from INZ an agent’s complete performance data that covers the following points:
- agent performance data based on total student visa application volumes
- data that is market specific, about global performance, or covers any date range
- information that includes, where possible/relevant, reasons for declined decisions
- INZ will also disclose any instances of fraud or misrepresentation by the agent regarding any applications they have represented.
Complete performance data could help providers to make more informed decisions about agents they work with, INZ says.
Naming an agent on all offers of place also has its advantages. It allows INZ to accurately record the agent involved in each application, requires agents to declare themselves on student visa application forms and allows each provider to monitor and record the agent they have issued an offer of place to.
International students learn how to crack job interviews
The ISA members have attended monthly meetings with the police throughout 2016, as part of an Ambassador programme designed to build awareness of crime prevention methods for students.
Jessica Phuang, Auckland City District NZ Police Asian Liaison Coordinator, said the mock job interviews were set up to show appreciation for the students’ involvement in the programme, as many of them will soon be graduating and searching for jobs.
“Some students were taken aback, especially with problem-solving questions which are not common practice in their own countries,” said Phuang.
The mock interviews were set up in the style of speed-dating, with Auckland Presbyterian Church generously lending its hall for the event.
Interviewers included school providers, church members, community volunteers, and police Inspectors.
Each ISA member was interviewed for eight minutes, followed by two minutes of feedback on their answers, their CV and body language – before moving on to the next interviewer.
Common feedback from interviewers was that students had a tendency to expose their weaknesses, a cultural practice to demonstrate modesty, Phuang said.
“The interviewers encouraged the students to share their strengths, and demonstrated how to do this without being seen as ‘blowing their own trumpet’.”
The ISA programme is an Auckland-based police initiative that raises issues connected with safety for international students. The initiative was also launched in Wellington in September.
Education opportunities feature in PM’s visit to India
The delegation included representatives from the University of Waikato, University of Auckland, University of Canterbury, Media Design School, Ara Institute of Canterbury, Wellington Institute of Technology and Whitireia Community Polytechnic as well as Wellington film company Park Road Post Production.
Education New Zealand Chief Executive, Grant McPherson, said the high quality of these providers made establishing partnerships very appealing to elite Indian institutions.
“New Zealand provides important, desirable and often specialist education opportunities for Indian students, and the Government of India wants to see more active engagement in this area.”
McPherson added that the agreements support a more focused approach to education promotion in India – the attraction of high quality Indian students to New Zealand. This was endorsed by Prime Minister Modi, who said he wants to see more Indian students studying in New Zealand.
“With in-market briefings confirming that the profile of Indian students applying to study New Zealand has changed significantly over the last 12 months, New Zealand is well placed to build progressively on these changes.
“The range of relationships and agreements announced support New Zealand’s repositioning in India, and this is what New Zealand needs for a successful and sustainable India student market.”

Ara Institute and Kumaraguru College of Technology’s agreement signing

Jenn Bestwick, Chair of Ara Institute of Canterbury (who made an agreement with India’s Kumaraguru College of Technology during the visit), said the institute was pleased with the education opportunities presented for both New Zealand and India.
“The mission offered up insights from India's educational leaders on how, and where, they see value in partnering with New Zealand educational institutions.
“We have an opportunity for Ara and other New Zealand institutions to ‘Think New’ in terms of how we approach this market for the mutual benefit of institutions and students in both New Zealand and India.”
Key delegate announcements included:
- A University of Otago agreement with the Bombay Stock Exchange Institute regarding collaboration in finance and related programmes, and the facilitation of student mobility
- A Media Design School partnership with the prestigious Pearl Academy, which will bring MDS’ expertise and programmes to the Indian market
- An Ara Institute of Canterbury and Kumaraguru College of Technology’s (KCT) agreement to bring more than 10 KCT students to Ara’s Christchurch campus to participate in an Engineering Systems Analysis programme
- ‘My New Zealand Future’ animation showcase winners will intern at Wellington Institute of Technology, Media Design School and Massey University, profiling New Zealand’s animation and design expertise
- A strategic education partnership agreement between Universities New Zealand and the Maharashtra State Government, and development of an engagement strategy to strengthen relationships with India and attract more university students to New Zealand (read more here).
The Bombay Stock Exchange Institute and University of Otago agreement signing
Explaining NCEA to Korea
Korea is New Zealand’s fourth largest market for the secondary school sector, and it is hoped that improving understanding of NCEA and its pathway options will significantly help to attract more Korean students to study in New Zealand schools.
Attendees at the NZQA seminar included key Korean agents, university admission officers and Ministry of Education officials.
The seminar focused on how NCEA works and how students can use their results to apply for admission to universities all over the world. A Q&A session followed.
Kristina Kim, a third-year student at Yonsei University, also presented, sharing her personal experience with NCEA from her time at Auckland’s Westlake Girls High School.
As NCEA is different from the Korean education and examination system, the presentation helped to reinforce key messages about New Zealand’s national senior secondary school qualification.
Shinyong Yang, an admission officer from Handong Global University, said the seminar was extremely helpful.

“We have recently seen a jump in the number of applicants with NCEA to our undergraduate programmes, which is promising.
“I found the seminar helpful in clarifying my understanding of the New Zealand system, and specific aspects of NCEA such as the Student Results Summary.”
Education New Zealand will continue to work with NZQA to provide more detailed information about NCEA in Korea.
Letter from the CE: $4.28 billion valuation a great result
This places international education (onshore and offshore delivery) as New Zealand’s fourth largest export industry, and puts us well on the way to achieving our goal of a $5 billion economic value by 2025.
This achievement belongs to our education providers for delivering high-quality education programmes, the government bodies who work together and keep student well-being at the heart of the industry, and the Kiwis who welcome young people from around the globe into their homes and communities. This is what keeps bringing students to our shores.
As we know, economic contribution is just one aspect of international education, with the social and cultural benefits (though harder to quantify) being equally important.
International education connects New Zealanders with the world in a personal and meaningful way, and provides a global perspective to our institutions and communities. International students bring a rich cultural diversity, and allow Kiwi students to learn about the world by bringing the world to them. Students are exposed to different ways of thinking and looking at things, helping them to become more outward-looking and accepting of other cultures.
Of course, international education is a two-way flow. While New Zealanders are increasingly aware of the benefits of having international students here, there is ample opportunity for young Kiwis to go out into the world and experience the benefits of international education for themselves. This, I hope, will be a growing focus for the industry.
The new valuation is a clear reflection of New Zealand’s successful approach for both providers and students. It also demonstrates that great things that can happen when we work together. Let’s keep working together for the benefit of all.
Grant McPherson
Chief Executive, Education New Zealand

The Economic Impact of International Education Report for 2015/16 and its key findings can be found here.
Attracting PhD students to New Zealand
The PhD page highlights the initiatives that have given New Zealand an international marketing advantage in attracting PhD students from around the world.
The page promotes the five key benefits of studying for a PhD here. International PhD students:
1. pay the same fees as domestic students
2. can enrol their children as domestic students in our state schools
3. can work full-time
4. are able to apply for a 12-month post-study work visa after graduating
5. entitle their partners to apply for an open work visa.
Students can check out the page to find out how our PhD programmes are structured, discover the career benefits of studying for a PhD in New Zealand, read case studies from current international students and learn how to apply – there are links to the PhD areas of each university’s website.
Vietnamese student Tan Duc Do, for instance, decided to study undertake a PhD in Mathematics at the University of Auckland because of the inspiring teaching of his supervisor.
“Most of the lecturers here are working mathematicians, so they can give insight and inspiration into the subject,” says Tan.
For Jeffery Garae, a student from Vanuatu, the major attraction of studying Cyber Security in New Zealand was that international PhD students pay the same fees as local students.
“I was looking at doing a Masters here and when I read about the PhD fees I thought, ‘Whoa – that’s an even better advantage,’” says Jeffery.
The new PhD page also shines a spotlight on the academic and research performance of New Zealand universities, and on the wide range of subjects available for doctoral research.
Meet the Dream NEW scholarship winners
The initiative was launched in December 2015 by Prime Minister John Key as part of the FTA campaigning in Europe. The scholarship offers EU students one study abroad semester in New Zealand (valued at $12,500 NZD) - sending one student to each of New Zealand’s eight universities.
We received nearly 400 applications from across 21 EU countries, with the majority of students applying from Germany. Candidates were selected based on a combination of their fantastic academic results as well as creative motivational essays or videos.
The winners begin their New Zealand adventure in February 2017, and as official ‘Kiwi Ambassadors’ will keep us updated throughout their time in New Zealand.
Here the eight winners share with us the moment they heard the news, as well as what they are most looking forward to.
Patrick Rebacz (from Germany, going to Massey University)
“I have never been to New Zealand, so I am very curious about the culture, the landscape, the education system and the food. I am looking forward to meeting new people, getting lots of new ideas, being part of a great educational infrastructure and exploring the amazing landscapes. It will be an inspiring and rewarding experience.”
Veronika Rudolf (from Germany, going to University of Waikato)
"When I received the call about the Dream NEW Scholarship I couldn't believe it! Even after telling my family and friends, and starting the preparations, it still feels like a dream. I'm looking forward to my papers about Māori culture at the University of Waikato - I can't wait to start my journey and experience a whole new part of the world."
Lisa Kullander (from Sweden, going to Lincoln University)
“I was so excited when I found out that I won that I wanted to jump and scream with joy. It has given me the opportunity to fulfil my dream to study in New Zealand. There are so many things that I am looking forward to, like exploring the amazing nature. But as a landscape architecture student, what makes me most excited is all the knowledge and inspiration this opportunity will provide me with.”
Marvin Stüde (from Germany, going to University of Auckland)
“I am most excited to explore the beautiful country and to attend interesting courses about topics which are not taught at my home university. I have no doubt that I will have a great time during my study abroad!”
Read his essay submission here.
Laura Schnelle (from Germany, going to University of Canterbury)
"I am looking forward to living in Christchurch, exploring the great outdoors and learning new things about health education and motivational psychology!"
Read her essay entry here.
Simone Grilli (from Italy, going to Auckland University of Technology)
“I am definitely ready for this new adventure and know it will be one of the most important of my life. My mind is focused on the beautiful landscapes of New Zealand, the unique culture and the All Blacks - the best rugby team in the World!”
Anna Czerwinska (from Poland, going to Victoria University of Wellington)
“I only shared the news with my best friend, my boyfriend and my sister – telling them that it could not be true, it was a dream. During the first week I didn’t tell anyone else about it - I still can't believe that it really happened!”
Watch her video entry here.
Svenja Niederkrome (from Germany going to University of Otago)
“I can’t put into words how happy I was when I found out that I’m one of the lucky recipients! For me, New Zealand is a little paradise at the other side of the world and I can’t wait to spend a whole term studying in such a unique place!”
Watch her video entry here.
Auckland Agency Group progresses student well-being initiatives
AAG Chair Isabel Evans, Director of the Ministry of Education (MOE) in Auckland, says more than 60 per cent of international students currently study in Auckland.
“The AAG group was established to build cross-agency government leadership in the Auckland region,” she says.
“We also wanted to ensure that agencies on the ground in Auckland are collaborating effectively.”
Education members of the AAG include the MOE, Education New Zealand (ENZ), New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA) and Tertiary Education Commission. Other government agencies include New Zealand Police, Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE), Immigration New Zealand, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Ministry of Social Development and Office of Ethnic Communities, Waitemata and Auckland District Health Boards and the Human Rights Commission. Auckland economic growth agency ATEED also plays an important role.
Ms Evans said the AAG was involved in stakeholder engagement in August which contributed to a draft International Student Wellbeing Strategy.
“From this engagement, we identified a number of action areas. Since then, group members have been working on ways to improve the overall international student experience in Auckland, with the potential to roll these out nationally if successful.”
Below are some of the initiatives underway.
- ATEED and NZ Police are working on a refresh of a safety video for international students. While it will be filmed in Auckland, its messaging will apply to students nationally, and should be available from early 2017.
- ATEED is developing an International Student Experience programme in partnership with ENZ and industry partners.
- Several agencies are looking at ways to improve the information available to international students and their families. Students are seeking more information on such topics as the true cost of living, insurance and what it covers, employment rights, health services and New Zealand culture.
- Agencies are also looking at ways to provide more volunteer and internship opportunities for international students. ATEED and MBIE will also launch phase two of their job-ready graduate programme working with ICT grads specifically.
- Several agencies are looking at ways to better support international parents, particularly those accompanying children who are studying at primary school here. These parents can be isolated and lonely. This support can also extend to the homestay parents who host international students.
“These initiatives are a start, and the AAG members are enthusiastically collaborating to make sure that opportunities to enhance the international student experience are progressed,” says Ms Evans.
She says the AAG’s work is aimed to enhance the service that international students receive from their education provider, rather than replacing it.
For further information, please contact ENZ Acting Director, Student Experience, Sahinde Pala at Sahinde.pala@enz.govt.nz.
Ceremony honours Korea-NZ school programme success
More than 500 guests attended the three-hour ceremony including proud family members.
The scholarship programme is a result of the Korea New Zealand Free Trade Agreement (KNZFTA) signed in December 2015. The 150 students were selected from a number of Korean rural schools by EPIS (the Korea Agency of Education, Promotion and Information Service in Food, Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries) and placed in New Zealand schools by SIEBA (Schools International Education Business Association).
For eight weeks in July to August, the students studied with their Kiwi counterparts at rural and semi-rural schools throughout the Waikato, Canterbury and Nelson/Marlborough regions.
Richard Kyle presenting in Seoul

ENZ Business Development Manager Richard Kyle, who worked closely on the programme, travelled to Seoul to present the students with certificates. He did the honours along with Chul-soo Park, the President of EPIS.
During the trip, Richard met with EPIS officials to conduct an evaluation of the 2016 programme and plan for the 2017 trip.
EPIS shared a survey that showed a 96 per cent satisfaction rate from the Korean students, validating the strength of New Zealand schools, the warmth of our homestay families, and the welcoming nature of our communities.
“With such high satisfaction from the Korean students, we’re not likely to make any substantive changes to how the programme is delivered,” said Richard.
“However, some tweaks can be made to ensure that next year’s satisfaction rate is even higher!”
A video created by EPIS showing the students’ experiences can be viewed here [Korean-language].
A booklet of the students' reports on their trip (with English translations) can be downloaded here.