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  • Around the world in five

    United Kingdom

    UK: student visas down as dependent applications plummet

    The UK Home Office has published data showing a large decline in student dependent applications since new legislation was introduced at the beginning of this year, as well as a fall in student visa applications. 

    Australia

    Australian government to set international student cap - ICEF Monitor - Market intelligence for international student recruitment 

    The Australian government has announced a legislative package with a series of new measures for the country’s international education sector. The measures include a cap on new international student enrolments, a prohibition on education providers holding ownership positions in education agencies, a ban on agent commissions for onshore student transfers, and more stringent oversight of education providers and agents alike.  

    India

    Record immigration is colliding with housing crises across the world

    India Times is reporting that countries like Canada and Australia are reevaluating their immigration policies to address the pressures on housing affordability and sustain economic growth. 

    United States 

    Agents worried over high US visa rejections for African students

    International education actors in Africa are uniting with their US partners and activists to call on the study destination’s government to ‘rethink’ visa policies for African students. 

    SEA 

    Malaysia, Singapore & Thailand rise in THE Asia rankings

    India has overtaken China as the second-most represented country in the Times Higher Education Asia University rankings 2024, with 91 universities compared with the neighbouring nation’s 86 institutions. 

  • Around the world in five

    NEW ZEALAND

    Radio New Zealand: Deal promises pathway for eventual return of foreign students

    The arrangement organised by Education New Zealand and the country's eight universities would see the universities recognise pre-university courses offered by the company NCUK, which was owned by British universities and had study centres in more than 30 countries.

    Read more

    UNITED KINGDOM

    The PIE News: International students in UK will be able to access vaccine

    International students in the UK will be able to access the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine as it is rolled out across the country, The PIE News has learnt.

    Read more

    UNITED STATES

    Study International: Here’s what Biden’s cabinet picks studied in uni

    President-elect Joe Biden has announced key nominations for the US Democratic cabinet. It is his first order of business as the incoming US president, and the world is watching closely. “It’s a team that reflects the fact that America is back. Ready to lead the world, not retreat from it,” Biden said.

    Read more

    GLOBAL

    University World News: Universities ‘essential’ to climate action, says UN chief

    The United Nations secretary general, António Guterres, has called on the world to take urgent action to combat climate change and has praised the work of universities as “essential to our success”.

    Read more

    GLOBAL

    ICEF Monitor: Students relying more on education agents for assistance with study abroad decisions

    QS data shows that education agents represent an increasingly important marketing channel in the pandemic as international travel is not possible and face-to-face student fairs aren’t happening

    Read more

  • 2023 PIEoneer Awards - Celebrating NZ international student finalist, Nehara Pandey

    Nehara was one of only seven students from across the globe shortlisted as finalists for the ‘International Alumni of the Year’ category at the 2023 PIEoneer Awards. She was the only student in her category from the Southern Hemisphere and up against fellow international students from the UK, United States, and Germany. 

    The PIEoneer Awards is hosted annually by PIE News, a prominent international education news platform, and honours individuals and organisations across the globe driving excellence and innovation in education and beyond. The ‘International Alumni of the Year’ award celebrates international students who have made a significant contribution to their institution and the wider community. This year, the ceremony took place in London on Friday 22 September. 

    Nehara is originally from Goa in India and proudly neurodiverse. She completed her foundation studies at UP International College’s Wellington Campus in 2021 where she proved her drive for academic success, scooping up the Overall Excellence Award at the Wellington International Student Excellence Awards that same year. 

    Growing up by the ocean in India sparked her interest in environmentalism and she is now furthering her education at Victoria University of Wellington with a Bachelor of Science, majoring in marine biology. As well as being a dedicated conservationist, climate correspondent, and aspiring marine biologist, she is also a strong advocate for the neurodiverse community. You can read about her many achievements in UP Education’s media release on her nomination here.  UP Education also produced a showcase video, featured below, that highlights Nehara’s remarkable achievements and how a New Zealand international education has helped her succeed. 

    Nehara participated in the awards ceremony online and said it was an exciting experience to be a part of and such an honour to represent both New Zealand and India at an international level. 

    "I was introduced to so many organisations and people breaking barriers in the field of International Education. Although I did not win, this was such a unique learning experience and I'm extremely grateful to UP Education for nominating me.  

    “Studying at UP Education and now at Victoria University of Wellington has taught me so much and allowed me to grow both personally and professionally," said Nehara.  

    "I'm incredibly thankful to both institutions for allowing me to pursue my dreams of working in the field of conservation," she added. 

     Richard Kensington, Principal, Academic Relations for UP Education said that Nehara’s success story reflects the transformative educational experiences New Zealand can offer its international students.  

    “We were absolutely thrilled for Nehara that she was an ‘International Alumni of the Year’ finalist. This is yet another achievement that she can add to the already long list of achievements to her name,” said Richard. 

    ENZ’s Regional Director, America’s, Middle East and Europe, Amy Rutherford, was invited to participate in the 2023 Awards as one of 41 independent judges presiding over the 20 award categories. She joined two other New Zealanders on the panel including Gavin Millar from Nayland College in Nelson and Dr Pii-Tuulia Nikula from The Eastern Institute of Technology | Te Pūkenga in the Hawkes Bay.

    ENZ’s Amy Rutherford (5th from left) with fellow judges, including Gavin Millar from Nayland College (far right), at the 2023 PIEoneer Awards

    Amy said it was a huge honour to be invited to take part in the awards which celebrate the achievements of individuals and businesses who make such significant contributions to international education around the globe.  

    “The calibre of the nominations received for the PIEoneer awards was especially high this year. It was a particularly proud moment to see Nehara representing New Zealand’s international education sector on this global stage and see her recognised for the outstanding contributions she makes to so many areas of her personal and academic life.  

    “On behalf of Education New Zealand Manapou ki te Ao, I’d like to extend our congratulations for her nomination in these awards and achievements thus far. I know she will continue to do amazing things,” added Amy.  

    The list of awards and winners can be found here. If you or your organisation would like to make a nomination for the 2024 PIEoneer Awards, entries will be opening in February 2024.  

     

  • October update from Immigration New Zealand

    Update on student visa processing* 

    Since the borders reopened on 1 August 2022, we have received 7,710 student visa applications from international students outside New Zealand. We have decided 4,885 of these applications with over half of these decisions being made in less than 4 weeks and 95% being made within 7 weeks.  

    *Figures current as at 17 October 2022. 

    Submit your student visa application for early 2023 study now 

    Thank you to everyone who has followed our guidance around waiting to submit applications for a student visa for 2023 study. We now encourage students who are intending to begin their studies in New Zealand in early 2023 (up to the end of March) to submit their applications. If you have all your documents ready (including your offer of place and up to date financial evidence) then apply now to give enough time for your application to be processed before your intended travel date. Follow the checklists on the INZ website Student visa information | Immigration New Zealand for guidance on what to provide with your application. 

    Sending your passport to INZ 

    We have changed the rules for when you need to send us your passport. Now, if you are applying for a student visa you only need to send us a high-quality scan of your passport, you will not usually need to send your actual passport to be scanned at a Visa Application Centre (VAC) or an Immigration New Zealand office. This is a temporary measure to help with visa processing. Please note applicants may still receive an automated letter asking for a passport to be submitted. This is not required. We are updating the letter to address this issue. 

    More information: Sending your passport | Immigration New Zealand 

    Post-study work visa eligibility 

    Changes have been made to the Post-Study Work Visa eligibility requirements and visa conditions, to reflect the government decisions announced on 11 May 2022. For more information check the INZ website:  New Post Study Work Visa requirements announced | Immigration New Zealand 

  • Indigenous Malyasian students learn about Te Ao Māori

    Scholastica Philip, who is of Kadazan descent, together with Diana Bah Said and Norazah Din, both of Semai ethnicity, have been studying the Te Ao Māori and Sustainability course on the Mission New Zealand online platform. 

    All three say they gained a great deal from the short course, which included an introduction to biculturalism, and the five stages of the design thinking process.  

    “Biculturalism in Aotearoa New Zealand is fascinating,” Norazah said. “We learned about Māori settling in New Zealand, and I really want to experience their culture and daily life if I have the chance in the future.” 

    Scholastica noticed some common themes around sustainability in Te Ao Māori, and the importance of nature and food in her Kadazan culture, which is from East Malaysia. 

    “We take care of nature as we take care of humans - we need to take care of all living things. 

    “There is an ancient story for Kadazan people about Huminodun, a very beautiful woman who sacrificed herself to create food and bring rain to stop the cursed drought season for her people. This story is about how closely we are connected with nature. 

    “We learned on the course that Māori and non-Māori are working together in New Zealand to achieve a sustainable ecological system – I love the concept,” Scholastica said. 

    Norazah and Diana also noted how important trees and rivers are in their distinctive Semai culture, which is based in North Malaysia.   

    “We have a very strong connection with nature - as much as we respect each other,” Diana said. 

    Norazah with a friend at the Festival of Langauge

    Scholastica and Diana at university in Kuala Lumpur

    Norazah and Diana are in their second year of study at Universiti Malaya, and Scholastica is in her third year.  

    Scholastica has also completed an introductory course in te Reo Māori, and you can hear her pepeha here.

    Ben Burrowes, Regional Director Asia for Education New Zealand Manapou ki te Ao (ENZ) says the Whakatipu Scholarships are funded by ENZ and Universiti Malaya. 

    “We are aiming to empower talented young indigenous students, support them with learning and exchange opportunities, and encourage knowledge sharing. 

    Scholastica at the Sabah Fiesta with a group of Thai buddies

    “This is the first year of the scholarship, and it’s great to see these students making the most of this opportunity.” 

    Read more about the Whakatipu Scholarships on the ENZ website here. 

    Read more about Mission New Zealand on ENZ’s New Products and Services website here 

     

  • Next webinar for the schools’ sector – 20 March 2024

    Join Mary Camp on Wednesday March 20th 11:00 – 12:15 for discussion on the theme: 

    Growing Positive Public Perceptions of International Education. 

    Session highlights: 

    • Marie Clark, ENZ Director Insights, will present recent research on New Zealanders’ perceptions of international education 

    • Sai Raje, ENZ Senior Advisor Communications, will show us a toolkit for communicating the benefits of international education in your communities  

    • We’d love to hear your tips of what you’ve seen work well in harnessing community support for your international programmes.  

    Next webinars (topics TBC):

    • Wednesday 17 April 

    • Wednesday 15 May 

    • Wednesday 19 June.  

    Register in advance for these webinars: https://enz.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZ0od-Cprj0iHdYcue0gGAXPY04bC7cMjPps  

    You can register once and attend any or all sessions. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting. 

    Please note these sessions are for NZ schools only – agents should check out https://agentlab.enz.govt.nz/ 

  • Caroline plays her part in Christchurch rebuild

    But she is now a qualified quantity surveyor as comfortable working on building sites as she is back in the office crunching the numbers. 

    Caroline says it is not a profession she would have contemplated in China, where she grew up, but Christchurch’s rebuild inspired her to pursue a career in the construction industry and she is grateful for the freedom to be able to achieve her ambitions.  

    “It has been very rewarding to be part of the rebuild and to see the changes in the city. Bettabuilt, the company I work for, specialises in school rebuilds. When we finish a new school, you feel like you’ve done something you should be really proud of.”  

    And her parents are proud too. They have backed her career choice and know that the bold decision they made to send their only child to New Zealand for education was the right one.  

    New Zealand a safe place to study 

    Caroline says they had travelled widely as a family before making the decision that she would come to Burnside High School Te Kura o Waimairi-iri in Year 11. “They wanted me to be open-minded and take on new experiences and cultures,” she says. “They decided it would be good for me to study in another country with a different culture and chose New Zealand because it was a peaceful and safe country.” 

    Before she arrived, Caroline was set up with a “buddy”, a student from her school in Beijing who was already studying here and helped provide insights into life in New Zealand. She also took an online course prepared for international students.  

    “This made me feel more confident and familiar with what I was coming to which was important, because the culture and environment is quite different from my home country.” 

    But there were still some big adjustments to be made when it came to schooling. “All courses in China are set by the Education Department. In New Zealand, you have freedom to choose your own courses,” she says. “At first, I was a bit overwhelmed by the options available to me because I didn’t know exactly what I should take. But it was good that I had the opportunity to try courses that I was interested in.”  

    She also had to get used to a self-directed approach to learning. “It allows you to study in a way which suits you best, which was positive for me. And it means when you start work you have the ability and discipline to study by yourself. I have used methods I learned in high school and university to build my knowledge in the workplace.” 

    With more free time in her life, Caroline had the opportunity to play sport and even take on a part-time job which she says would not have been possible in Beijing. “That job really helped me because I got to practice English and gain more confidence talking to local people.” 

    New career opportunities 

    It was all part of an international education experience which Caroline believes is about much more than study.

    “When you’re an international student, you quickly acquire life skills and become much more independent.

    You also learn about other cultures because you are mixing with people from many different backgrounds. It was quite an eye-opener for me, but I enjoyed it.” 

    Once she determined her career choice, Caroline chose Ara Institute of Canterbury as the next step on her education pathway. Starting with a Diploma in Quantity Surveying, she followed it up with a Bachelor of Construction. Job and internship opportunities were regularly shared by their programme leader, illustrating the close ties with business. 

    The decision to study in New Zealand has taken Caroline on a journey she couldn’t have imagined when she arrived. “In China I would not be working in construction. I would probably have been working in finance or management,” she says. “The environment here changed me and gave me career options I would not have considered at home.” 

    In the past few months Caroline has secured residency and bought her first house, giving her a real sense of belonging. “I enjoy my work and my life in New Zealand. I love Christchurch and I’m proud to be contributing to the rebuild of the city.” 

    “I feel really happy that I came here.”  

  • Continuing the discussion on the impact of AI on education

    Since ChatGPT’s (Chat Generative Pretrained Transformer) launch in November last year, the Artificial Intelligence (AI) tool has featured heavily in headlines around the world, sparking conversations from boardrooms, to classrooms, and around the dining room table. Discussions on the significant impact this tool and future AI technology is having on how we teach, assess, and support our students here in New Zealand’s education system are happening in all areas of our sector, including here at Education New Zealand Manapou ki te Ao (ENZ), 

    A particular discussion during a recent EdTechNZ panel webinar on Artificial Intelligence and the impact on Education, looked at where educators may want to focus their valuable time now that generative AI platforms are available. For example, do educators want to spend their time researching topics, analysing data, and producing unique activities of work, or spend it on building meaningful relationships and place-based experiences with and for learners; gaining insights into learners’ interests, engaging in critical thinking activities and deepening learners experience of and outcomes in education? 

    Following EdTechNZ’s interesting and successful March webinar which can be viewed here; Artificial Intelligence and the impact on education, ENZ hosted an in-person seminar at our Tāmaki Makaurau offices in late April. This seminar's purpose was to look deeper at how this emerging technology is changing the way we learn, teach, and innovate. 

    Professor Ian Watson, recent past professor at the University of Auckland, spoke to a group from across the education spectrum including secondary schools, Private Training Establishments, EdTech founders, Education Publishers, Google, about AI and its impact on education.  

    Professor Watson is considered an AI pioneer with 30+ years in the AI machine learning environment and reflected on the history of AI, including that it is not a new or sudden phenomenon, and its progress over time.  

    “AI imitates intelligence and is great at the specific but not so much the general. For example, aircraft use AI to be able to perform extremely specific flight tasks, but it will never be able to suggest a recipe and cook it!”, Professor Watson said.  

    “Within education, AI will certainly provide value in routine, mundane and repetitive tasks such as grading, lesson planning, report writing but in the hard and difficult tasks such as developing a universal design for learning and differentiated or targeted learning, it has its flaws. It is not always factually correct and still needs a human to educate it”. 

    Professor Watson also talked about how important it is, critical even, to teach learners how to use these tools, so they are empowered. Such tools include the likes of AI4K12 for K-12 learners. 

    Anyone looking for more insights and conversations about AI should check out the TechWeek23 programme with over 400 in person and online events to be hosted from 13 – 20 May.  

    Techweek AI focussed online events of note include:  

  • Helping education agents understand the NCEA qualification and the pathways it opens to higher study

    Education New Zealand and the New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA) collaborated to organise a webinar for education agents in December on the National Certificates of Educational Achievement (NCEA), New Zealand’s school-leaver qualification.  

    The webinar was well received, with 241 attendees, and featured a robust question and answer session at the end. 

    The session helped education agents – and by extension the international students they support – in better understanding how NCEA works, the changes introduced to the qualification in recent years, and how learners can access higher education in New Zealand and internationally after achieving the NCEA qualification. 

    NZQA Deputy Chief Executive - Assessment, Jann Marshall, said the webinar was a valuable opportunity to build understanding of how the NCEA qualification works.  

    “It is important for everyone working with international secondary learners to have some understanding of how NCEA works, and the opportunities it creates for learners wanting to continue their study in New Zealand or internationally. 

    “It was great that we could engage with education agents on the topic and answer questions.” 

    NCEA is a well-recognised qualification in many countries. New Zealand is also a signatory to UNESCO qualifications recognition conventions (for example, Lisbon, Tokyo and Global Conventions), which support learners with NCEA to work or study internationally. 

    About NCEA 

    NCEA is offered at three levels – Level 1 is usually attempted by students in Year 11 of schooling, Level 2 at Year 12, and Level 3 at Year 13 (the final year of New Zealand secondary school). NCEA Level 2 is generally the minimum qualification needed for some jobs and tertiary education programmes, while Level 3, with the University Entrance award, is the minimum standard for entrance into a New Zealand university. 

    NCEA is standards-based, meaning each learner needs to show they have skills and knowledge at a specified level (a “standard”). Each standard a learner achieves gains them credits, and credits build toward an NCEA qualification. 

    Learners are also required to meet minimum requirements for literacy and numeracy. There are multiple opportunities in each school year for learners to attempt specific literacy and numeracy assessments, and there is also a list of other standards that can be used towards these requirements. 

    A recording of the webinar is available to view here on the Resources section of AgentLab 

    NCEA resources for education agents, students and parents 

    If you have any questions about NCEA, contact internationalunit@nzqa.govt.nz. 

     

  • Upcoming webinar for the schools' sector – 19 February 2024

    Nau mai haere mai school international directors!  

    Join Mary Camp, Education New Zealand Manapou ki te Ao (ENZ) schools lead and guests on Monday 19 February from 11am to 12.30pm for updates, insights and discussions about what ENZ is doing – and keep us up to date on what’s happening with you.  

    Highlights of this session will include:  

    • Ross Crosson, ENZ’s Student Experience Manager, presenting findings from the 2023 Student Experience survey; 

    • Mary taking a high-level look at 2023 data and what we’re seeing in key schools’ markets (detailed market updates to come later in the year); and 

    • An opportunity for you to share how 2024 has started off, and what’s on your mind. 

      

    Register in advance for this meeting here:  

    https://enz.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZUqde-rqz8qG9eR9EhjWsaJxwnPUGRJt6yt  

     

    Our next school sector webinar will be held on Wednesday 20 March from 11am – 12:30pm 

    Topic tbc. Suggestions always welcome! 

    Register in advance for this meeting here: https://enz.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZ0od-Cprj0iHdYcue0gGAXPY04bC7cMjPps  

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