Search

Showing 10 of 7355 results

• From the CE: Farewell to 2020

  2020 has been both the longest and shortest year of my life. It seems like no time ago we were discussing how we could get large numbers of students into New Zealand in time for semester one. Then we were in the midst of a global pandemic.

  New Zealand study providers have been admirable in their response. I applaud the way they have ensured that international students in their care have had the information, care and support they needed, especially through lockdown.

  Universities, schools and polytechnics, English language schools and private training providers have all moved incredibly quickly. Lectures, classes and assessments were moved online almost overnight.

  We heard of fantastic stories of staff members going above and beyond, like that of assistant principal of Havelock North High School, Jamie Kitchin. Jamie opened his home to student Lucas, who arrived in the country just in time for the first term of the year.

  In addition, providers and their peak bodies have been a key part of a sector-wide approach – made up of student associations, private and public providers, government agencies and not-for-profit organisations – to respond to the strategic, operational, and pastoral care issues we have faced. Hours have been spent together on Zoom discussing pragmatic responses, like the $1 million Student Hardship Fund and the pastoral care issues around repatriating international students.

  I also want to acknowledge education agents both offshore and onshore, who have been instrumental in supporting students and their families and ensuring they were safe and well.

  The challenges of 2020 have demonstrated the high calibre of international education in New Zealand.

  At Education New Zealand, we also had to rip up our plans for the year and start again.

  The 2018 New Zealand International Education Strategy had signalled that change was needed and the sector had to become more sustainable and diverse. The pandemic has accelerated that.

  Now, we are guided not only by the strategy, but by the Recovery Plan for international education, with a focus on keeping the New Zealand education brand alive, seeding innovation within the sector, strengthening the system and building on our international relationships.

  To date, the most advanced workstream within the plan is the retention of students. You can read about that elsewhere in this issue of E-News.

  Elsewhere, ENZ teams around the globe have been engaging with our offshore stakeholders through virtual events, seminars and workshops in support of our new work plan. While travel remains restricted, we’ve found that maintaining those person-to-person relationships are more important than ever.

  We’ve launched two brand campaigns (in the UK, Indonesia, Vietnam and China), to keep New Zealand alive in hearts and minds of prospective students. These campaigns have been our most successful to date. The third campaign, Tū Ngātahi, calls on New Zealanders to support international students currently in the country.

  And that’s only the beginning. I would like to echo the Minister in saying that we hope to see increased strength, resilience and innovation within international education going into 2021. The international education sector will not only weather this storm, but build back stronger.

  Make sure you take time out to enjoy with your family and friends. See you in the new year.

  Ehara taku toa I te toa takitahi, engari he toa takitini.

  My strength is not that of a single warrior but that of many.

  Ngā mihi,

  Grant McPherson

  Chief Executive Education New Zealand Manapou ki te Ao

• Innovative ENZ universities’ partnership a key part of sector’s COVID-19 recovery and rebuild

  Education New Zealand and New Zealand’s eight universities have announced a new partnership with UK-based qualifications provider the University Consortium (NCUK) that will allow students from more than 30 countries to begin a New Zealand university qualification without leaving home.

  The partnership will play an important role in implementing the Government’s COVID-19 Strategic Recovery Plan for International Education.

  ENZ Chief Executive Grant McPherson said the Pathway initiative is key to the shift in New Zealand’s international education approach that will make the sector more resilient over the next few years.

  “It is a tangible demonstration of New Zealand providing flexible and diverse education options for students that will enhance sector’s resilience and sustainability in the face of global change,” Grant said.

  This agreement is part of a broader ENZ Global New Zealand Education Pathways initiative, through which ENZ is extending its activities to enable students to connect with blended, online, digital and full qualification study options. 

  In support of this initiative, ENZ has extended its Study in New Zealand website to enable all New Zealand quality-assured education providers to add global delivery sites over time, where students undertake learning for a qualification offshore.

  The pathways initiative enables international students to begin study in their home countries towards Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees at any of New Zealand’s eight universities. It leverages NCUK’s quality-assured global network of 81 recognised Study Centres.

  Students commencing the pathway in 2021 could start their study either online or in New Zealand, in 2022 or 2023, once they complete one of three relevant NCUK pathway qualifications – a one-year international foundation year programme to enter an undergraduate degree in New Zealand; or a one-year international year one programme, equivalent to one year’s study towards a business or engineering Bachelor’s degree; or a pre-Master’s programme towards a Master’s degree in New Zealand. 

  All New Zealand universities are supporting this latest partnership, committing at least $300,000 per annum across the sector in dedicated NCUK scholarships. Universities New Zealand has recognised the NCUK Foundation Year programme as being equivalent to University Entrance.

  Universities New Zealand Chief Executive Chris Whelan said New Zealand’s universities were committed to developing innovative solutions that connect New Zealand to students globally.

  “The partnership will give students flexibility to work towards New Zealand university undergraduate and postgraduate qualifications while borders are closed.

  “International education is a critical component of building the quality of our education offering – specifically in areas such as research and development. The ‘team New Zealand’ approach taken by our universities will enable us to better attract students who are sought after by universities all over the world,” Whelan said.

  ENZ General Manager – Partnerships and Marketing, Paul Irwin, said the initiative also has strong potential to be extended across the wider New Zealand education sector.

  “This has great potential to be developed for the wider New Zealand education sector with diverse study options such as new blended, online, digital and full qualifications.”

  NCUK Study Centres will start promoting pathway qualifications to study at New Zealand universities from December for the next cohort intake in March 2021. 

  The offshore pathways initiative has involved nearly all ENZ’s teams - both onshore and offshore – including International, Industry, Marketing (Digital and Brand) and Communications.

  The Pathways partnership will help develop a pipeline of international students to study in New Zealand when the time is right. The partnership is part of the Government’s Recovery Plan for international education, which invests $10 million over three years towards innovative products and modes of education delivery that will enable the international education sector to not only recover from the shock of COVID-19, but transform to a more diversified, sustainable future state.

  Further information on the New Zealand Global Education Pathways initiative can be found at http://studyinnewzealand.govt.nz/global-pathways.

• ENZ hosts Kiwi orientation for Tokyo students

  ENZ hosted an orientation for 33 high school students about to embark on a year of study in New Zealand at the New Zealand Embassy in Tokyo last Friday. 

  From education to lifestyle, representatives from ENZ and MFAT spoke to the students about everything New Zealand has to offer.

  The students are part of the “Next Generation Leadership” programme organised by the Tokyo Metropolitan Board of Education. Under this programme, some 200 high school students in Tokyo are selected annually to receive scholarships for one year of study in the US, Canada, Australia – and as of this year, New Zealand, which will receive 40 students starting February.

  The New Zealand study orientation included an interactive Q&A session discussing pathways to New Zealand universities (including ITP and PTE options), outdoor activities available in New Zealand and how computers and technology are incorporated in the classroom. One student made a speech in English during the day, expressing her excitement for her adventures in New Zealand.

  Ahead of Japan’s hosting of the 2019 Rugby World Cup and 2020 Olympics, the Tokyo Metropolitan Board of Education has been busy working with the city’s school sector to promote international education and student exchange.

  To further strengthen its relationship with the Board, ENZ will be securing a new partnership under the Arrangement on Education Cooperation. The partnership is set to be signed by ENZ and the Board next month with a reception to be held at the New Zealand Embassy in Tokyo.

  

  Misa welcoming students to the orientation

  Misa Pitt, ENZ’s Senior Market Development Manager – Japan, said the partnership with the Board of Education in the nation’s capital is a significant milestone for ENZ Japan.

  “This partnership will provide a fantastic opportunity for us to promote future expansion of the existing student/teacher training programme in New Zealand as well as to support the Board’s new initiative on inbound student recruitment to Japan.

  “We look forward to working with SIEBA, English New Zealand and other groups to introduce the exciting new programmes available in New Zealand.”

• Assessing Group applicants PMSA

• 211113 art1

• From the CE: Student visas reopen 31 July; changes to immigration settings

  Firstly, there is the encouraging news that student and visitor visa processing will reopen on 31 July 2022, rather than in October as previously announced.  

  This is a welcome step forward and sends a strong signal that New Zealand is fully reopening to the world. Given the significant challenges faced by our international education sector over the past two years, I know this news will come as a relief for many of you.  

  Secondly, the government has announced changes to immigration settings arising from its immigration rebalance work. Key changes for our sector include post study work rights for international students and other student visa settings. 

  The recent border exception for up to 5,000 international students (cohort 4) will continue as planned, with the first students on track to begin arriving in New Zealand soon.  

  Post-study work rights from 11 May 2022

  • International students studying bachelor’s or post-graduate courses or higher will continue to receive Post-Study Work Visas. 
  • Students studying non-degree courses at Level 7 and below (excluding bachelor’s degrees), will only be eligible for post-study work rights if the qualification is relevant to an occupation on the new Green List, which will replace the existing skills shortage lists. These work rights will only allow them to work in that occupation. 
  • The duration of work rights will reflect the duration of study undertaken in New Zealand, except for Masters and PhD students who retain the current setting of 3 years. 
  • International students will no longer be able to apply for a second post-study work visa. 
  • Students with a student visa application underway to study a qualification currently eligible for a post-study work visa and that student visa is subsequently granted; students who get a visa through the current border exception for 5,000 students; and students who already hold a student visa for a programme of study that results in a qualification that is currently eligible for a post study work visa, will be considered under the old settings if they apply for a post-study work visa within the next three years. 
  • There are no changes to in-study work rights for student visa holders. 

  Living costs and fees from 31 July 2022

  • The amount of funds that students are required to demonstrate they have access to, so they can cover their living expenses while in New Zealand, will increase. For tertiary and English language students, the funds required will be $20,000 pa, and for primary and secondary school students it will be $17,000 pa. These funds are prorated for study less than a year. The current setting is $15,000pa for both. Note: This change does not affect the living costs requirements for students in cohort 4.
  • Students will be required to pay tuition fees of one year or the first programme (whichever is the shorter) upfront. Note: This change does not apply to cohort 4 students. 

  You can see a summary of these changes including a fact sheet on international education on the Immigration NZ website here. 

  You can see a summary of the immigration changes on the Immigration NZ website here. 

  You can read the Prime Minister’s announcement here.

   

  Grant McPherson 

• Amanda Malu appointed as Chief Executive of Education New Zealand Manapou ki te Ao

  Ms Malu is currently Deputy Chief Executive Service Delivery at ACC, and formerly Chief Executive at Whānau Āwhina Plunket, leading that organisation through extensive change over five years in the role. She previously held senior marketing and communication roles including at the Tertiary Education Commission and in the polytechnic sector.   

  Announcing the appointment, ENZ Board Chair Tracey Bridges said Ms Malu had demonstrated strong leadership, having built united teams in pursuit of positive outcomes across the education and health sectors.  

  “She brings with her a deep experience in the public sector, education, and marketing, as well as experience across borders and with international education through her past roles,” Ms Bridges said. 

  Ms Malu will take up the role in September. Until then, the Board is delighted that Dr Linda Sissons will continue as Acting Chief Executive, as she has since November 2023. 

   

  For further information 

  Justin Barnett  

  Director of Communications  

  justin.barnett@enz.govt.nz  

  +6421875132 

   

  Notes to Editors:  

  About Education New Zealand (ENZ) https://www.enz.govt.nz/   

  Education New Zealand Manapou ki te Ao (ENZ) is the government agency dedicated to helping Aotearoa New Zealand realise the social, cultural, and economic benefits of international education. Our role is to promote New Zealand as a high-quality education destination offering excellent education and students experiences and to encourage New Zealand students to study overseas. 

  With approximately 110 staff in 16 locations around the world, ENZ works closely with New Zealand’s diverse education sector which includes schools, English language providers, Private Training Establishments, Institutes of Technology and Polytechnics (Te Pūkenga), and universities. Internationally, we work with a range of education stakeholders, including government agencies and education providers to identify and encourage sustainable growth opportunities for New Zealand’s education sector. 

• Raising the profile of New Zealand English language offerings in Japan 

  To maximise the visit’s opportunity, ENZ organised a New Zealand English Language event at the New Zealand Embassy in Tokyo. The event brought together over 40 local education agents, schoolteachers, and government partners face-to-face with the New Zealand providers to learn about their study offerings and explore future collaboration opportunities.  

  

  Prospective students and their parents exploring English Language study options at the New Zealand English Language Fair.

  The following day, the New Zealand English Language Fair attracted 44 prospective students and families to speak with the English Language schools and gain a better understanding of their study offerings. 

  

  Prospective students and their parents exploring English Language study options at the New Zealand English Language Fair.

  The wider programme included a series of targeted events, school visits, and stakeholder meetings, all aimed at reconnecting with the market and exploring new partnership opportunities.   

  English New Zealand Executive Director, Kim Renner, said they were pleased to be back in Japan, marketing as a group.  

  “Japan is a key market for the English Language School sector. Our member schools have strong connections formed over many years with Japanese education agencies and institutions, and meeting face-to-face in market is invaluable,” she said. 

  “The events were a great success profiling both the English language sector and New Zealand as a destination for a high-quality study travel experience,” Kim added. 

  

  ENZ Business Development Manager Tomomi Kontani giving an update from ENZ and sharing the benefits of studying in New Zealand.

  Feedback from participating English Language Schools was also positive. One event participant said: “Agents and students asked focused questions, it was pleasing to see the high levels of interest studying at a New Zealand English Language School”. 

  The participating schools included: ABC College of English, Auckland Institute of Studies, Christchurch College of English, Languages International, Mount Maunganui Language Centre and Worldwide School of English. 

   

• New Zealand welcomes its international students in 2024!

• International education is a win:win for NZ communities and visiting students

  ·       84 percent of international students studying in New Zealand rate their overall experience positively.

  ·       75 percent of New Zealanders believe that international students benefit New Zealand.

  International education is delivering for both the international students and the New Zealand communities in which they study and live. These are the key findings of two research projects to measure the student experience and the views New Zealanders hold towards international education which have just been released by Education New Zealand Manapou ki te Ao (ENZ). ENZ is the New Zealand government agency focused on international education.

  Student experience in New Zealand

  In the 2023 International Student Experience survey of 4,755 international students from more than 70 nationalities, 84 percent rated their overall experience positively, while another 83 percent said they would recommend New Zealand as a study destination.

  Students were most positive about their personal development and outcomes, with 87 percent saying the experience helping encourage their curiosity and develop new ideas. Students were also very positive (88 percent) about the people and connections they made in New Zealand.

  New Zealand was the first choice of study destination of 78 percent of respondents and 64 percent said their New Zealand experience had met or exceeded their expectations, which is consistent with previous research.

  Commenting on the results, ENZ General Manager for Marketing and Communications Geoff Bilbrough, said the results showed that New Zealand’s ability to deliver a quality education to international students had remained strong through the recent pandemic, and augured well for further recovery of the sector.

  “The strong preference of students for New Zealand as a place where they can obtain a high quality education while enjoying unique personal development and learning experiences really shone through in the student experience survey.”

  "The fact that 83 percent would recommend New Zealand based on their personal experience is also very positive, because they will share their experience with friends and families. This word-of-mouth testimony builds resilience for New Zealand as an international education destination.”

  Local benefits

  In an ENZ survey of 1,100 New Zealanders conducted in December last year, 75 percent of respondents believe that international students benefit New Zealand.

  The Ipsos Fast Facts survey, which drew responses from all regions of the country, saw 80 percent of respondents highlighting economic benefits, particularly in local communities, as a key reason for their positive view.  Local and cultural contributions were also noted with 81 percent saying international students help local students learn about other cultures and ways of living, and contribute to New Zealand’s cultural diversity. 

  The results of the 2023 survey highlighted the continuing growth in support for international students and their positive impact on New Zealand since 2016 when only 57 percent believed international students helped the New Zealand economy and economic growth.

  The proportion of New Zealanders who feel that international students make it harder for New Zealanders to get jobs also decreased from 34 percent in 2018 to 24 percent in 2023.

  However, some respondents expressed concern that some international students use the New Zealand education system as a means to residency, while 32 percent felt New Zealand’s infrastructure in housing, transport and medical services is not well equipped to allow for international students.

  Mr Bilbrough said the positive result from the domestic survey was also good news.

  “International students have always been a significant contributor to regional economies. It is particularly pleasing that there is strong awareness and support of the cultural exchanges that happen when international students learn alongside New Zealand students and participate in our communities. While the research identified some challenges, the definite trend in awareness of the benefits international students bring to New Zealand is very positive for the future.”

   

  For further information: 

  Sai Raje | Senior Communications Advisor, Education New Zealand  

  sai.raje@enz.govt.nz

   +64 21 479 649 

   

  Notes to Editors: 

  About Education New Zealand (ENZ) https://www.enz.govt.nz/  

  Education New Zealand Manapou ki te Ao (ENZ) is the government agency responsible for taking New Zealand’s education experiences to the world. ENZ promotes a New Zealand education as one that teaches students to be critical thinkers, problem solvers and lifelong learners, which will help them succeed in their future careers and create a positive impact on the world.  

  With approximately 100 staff in 18 locations around the world, ENZ works closely with New Zealand’s diverse education sector including schools, English language providers, Private Training Establishments, Te Pūkenga (Institutes of Technology and Polytechnics), universities; and internationally with NZ Inc agencies, Government agencies and education providers to encourage sustainable growth and identify opportunities.