From the Chief Executive: Stepping up the promotion of international education

We’re about to embark on education-focussed travel that will include three of our important markets for international education – the United States, Chile and Brazil. As part of the trip, the delegation led by Education Minister Chris Hipkins will attend NAFSA, the world’s biggest international education event, held in Denver, Colorado.

This trip will also feature the launch of ENZ’s amazing new global marketing campaign on 31 May 2022 at NAFSA – there’s a sneak preview in this issue of E-News.

I’m also delighted to let you know that planning is well underway for the 29th New Zealand International Education Conference (NZIEC) to be held in August. To ensure we reach the widest possible audience at a critical time for the rebuild of the industry, NZIEC 2022 will be delivered in a virtual format this year, at no cost to attendees.

Following on from the government’s announcements earlier this month on changes to immigration settings and the restart of student visa applications from 31 July 2022, there have been two further announcements that are important for the international education sector. These relate to the outcome of recent consultation on enrolling international fee-paying students under Year 9, and a refresh of the New Zealand International Education Strategy.  

 

International students up to Year 9  

The government has decided to make no change to the ability of international students to enrol in New Zealand primary and intermediate schools. This follows earlier consultation on possible options to restrict the enrolment of international students below Year 9, which closed in March 2022.

This announcement has been widely welcomed, and demonstrates the government listened closely to feedback received from the sector and other interested parties. It’s good news that we can resume welcoming young students and groups to New Zealand schools across all age levels as our borders reopen.    

 

New Zealand International Education Strategy (NZIES)

The existing NZIES dates back to 2018, and the impact of Covid-19 and the changed global education environment mean another look at the strategy is timely.  Consultation on a refreshed NZIES 2022-2030 is underway, and I encourage you to provide your views and feedback before consultation closes on 24 June 2022.

The draft refreshed NZIES 2022-2030 reflects the government’s continued commitment to international education, and the need for us to focus on building back better from the pandemic. It includes two phases. The first phase is about rebuilding and recovery – promoting New Zealand’s education brand and supporting student recruitment.  The second phase aims to build capability and investment in a more diverse and resilient international education sector.

As a package, the recent government decisions including the immigration rebalance mean we now have increased certainty about the operating environment for the international education sector. We look forward to working with you to rebuild our international education sector to be a major contributor to New Zealand. And we look forward to students from all around the world enjoying the benefits of a New Zealand education, and New Zealanders enjoying the benefits these students bring to our communities.

 

He rā ki tua – better times are coming.  

Grant McPherson