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Student visas moving to enhanced Immigration Online
From 18 August 2025, all international student visa applications will move to Immigration New Zealand’s enhanced Immigration Online system. For education agents submitting applications on behalf of international students around this timeframe, here are important updates on how applications will be managed during this transition –
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All applications submitted on or before 17 August will be processed under the old system
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Draft applications that have not been submitted by 17 August have until 17 September to be completed and submitted.
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International students should still aim to apply 3 months ahead of their intended travel date regardless of the change in Immigration New Zealand’s application forms. This will help to avoid delays that may impact students’ ability to begin study.
To help you prepare, Immigration New Zealand has developed this video explaining the new process: Guidance on the new Student Visa application form.
If you have questions, please submit using this form: https://forms.office.com/r/DkHAk36fiw by 1 August, Friday 6pm NZDT.
Responses will be uploaded onto https://agentlab.enz.govt.nz/inz-faq-topics/ on 18 August.
Important to note: Immigration New Zealand will do its best to answer submitted questions but may not be able to respond to all of them. Questions that will be resolved by viewing/using the new Student Visa application form on 18 August will not be answered.
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From the CE: From planning to implementation on growing international education
Kia ora koutou,
It was wonderful to see the International Education Going for Growth Plan announcement in July coincide with positive student stories from regions such as Canterbury and the Waikato. These featured the rise in international student numbers across subsectors, and local councils celebrating international student achievements and community contributions.
This month we have turned our minds to implementation, with the launch of our Go-To-Market Plans. These plans focus on nine markets with the highest potential for growth: China, India, the United States of America, Sri Lanka, Viet Nam, the Philippines, South Korea, Japan, and Thailand.
The next step for ENZ is to develop ‘lighter touch,’ tailored plans for markets where we will maintain New Zealand’s strong presence and reputation for high-quality education: Germany, Brazil, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Gulf Cooperation Council countries, Chile and Colombia.
An incredible amount of cross-sector engagement has gone into progressing this work. I am grateful to education providers for the open and meaningful way you have responded over the past few weeks.
On 11 August, ENZ launched a new brand campaign – New Zealand Taught Me – that highlights stories of alumni of New Zealand, aiming to connect emotionally with the values and aspirations of globally-minded prospective international students.
Delivered at pace, this campaign is designed to reignite and heighten interest in New Zealand as a study destination, ahead of the full launch of a New Zealand global brand platform later in the year. If you have not seen the campaign hero video, you can view and reshare it off this link.
Next month, I will be attending the 35th European Association for International Education (EAIE) Conference in Gothenburg, Sweden, followed by the ICEF Monitor Global Summit in London, UK, where I will be sharing insights on students’ preferences for study in New Zealand and our plan to build international student enrolments over the next 10 years.
Ko te pae tawhiti whāia kia tata, ko te pae tata whakamaua kia tina
Seek to bring distant horizons closer, and sustain and cherish those that you attain
Ngā mihi nui,
Amanda Malu
Chief Executive
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Update from Immigration New Zealand
Student Visa Update: Apply early with our new online forms
Planning to study in New Zealand in 2026?
Immigration New Zealand’s peak visa processing period runs from October to March, so it’s important to apply early to avoid delays - ideally at least three months before you travel.
On 18 August, applications for the following student visa types transitioned to Immigration New Zealand’s enhanced Immigration Online system:
- English Language
- Exchange Student
- Fee Paying Student
- Pathway Student
- NZ Government Scholarship Student
- Foreign Government Supported Student
Applications submitted on the old form on or before 17 August will still be processed. Applicants can continue to upload documents and respond to requests until a decision is made. Draft applications on the old system must be submitted on or before 17 September, after that all applications must be submitted through enhanced Immigration Online. Paper applications will no longer be accepted from 18 September.
We’ve redesigned the application process to make applying faster, easier, and more transparent. Applicants will get real-time updates, email notifications, and clearer guidance throughout the process. The form itself is dynamic, only showing sections and asking questions relevant to their situation. It also includes guidance and prompts to support you through the process.
For help with the online form, visit our Applying Online help page, or contact Immigration New Zealand.
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Around the world in five
China
A new visa scheme announced by China this month to woo international STEM talent to the country could encourage more short-term exchanges, visiting fellowships, and cooperative research projects, according to experts.
Global
ICEF Monitor explored how proposed changes to post-study work policies in the US and UK could reshape international student mobility.
United States of America
A National Foundation for American Policy report warns that many US colleges could shut down without international students and immigrants.
Australia
Australia’s international education sector has endured 18 months of turmoil. Sudden policy shifts, political rhetoric blaming both students and agents, and a looming cap on international student numbers have shaken confidence in what was once a beacon for global learners.
Pakistan
Pakistan's large youth population is fuelling a surge in student mobility, with the UK, US and Germany seeing the largest growth, a new report has revealed.
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Viet Nam webinar series boosts interest in New Zealand ITPs and PTEs
The webinar series is part of a work programme to raise the profile of New Zealand’s subsectors in Viet Nam, while strengthening connections between New Zealand providers and Vietnamese education agents.
This initiative is key to ENZ’s ongoing efforts to diversify New Zealand’s international education offerings in Viet Nam, and ensuring prospective students are aware of the practical skills, industry connections, and post-study opportunities they can gain through New Zealand ITPs and PTEs.
The series featured three education agent-focused webinars, and one session for prospective students and their parents co-organised by ENZ and seven local education agencies.
The agent-focused webinars attracted an average of over 120 attendees per session, peaking at 131, demonstrating strong interest from Viet Nam’s agent network.
The student-facing webinar drew around 200 registrations and had 70 prospective students attend.
Participating New Zealand providers included Wintec, Nelson Marlborough Institute of Technology, Ara Institute of Canterbury, Eastern Institute of Technology, Toi Ohomai, Southern Institute of Technology, WelTec & Whitireia, New Zealand Skills and Education Group, Pacific International Hotel Management School, Le Cordon Bleu, and Up Education (NZTC, NZMA, Yoobee).
This wide sector presence ensured agents and prospective students received timely sector updates and insights first hand.
Immigration New Zealand contributed to the first agent-only session with updated details on in-study and post-study work rights for international students in vocational and degree programmes at ITPs and PTEs. They also shared policy updates, guidance, best practice on pathway visas, and practical tips to help agents prepare and submit strong visa applications for ITP/PTE students.
ENZ Market Manager Van Banh said the feedback was positive.
“New Zealand providers said they really valued the opportunity to connect with the Vietnamese market through these webinars, noting that the format allowed them to share tailored information and highlight the strengths of their programmes,” she said.
“Vietnamese agents also gave positive feedback, and said the sessions equipped them with practical knowledge about New Zealand’s study options with ITPs and PTEs, so they can be even more confident and effective in their conversations with prospective students,” Van added.
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Meet Takako Tominaga – ENZ’s new Senior Market Manager for Japan
Based in Tokyo, Taki’s role focuses on strengthening New Zealand’s education brand in Japan and increasing student interest in studying in Aotearoa. Her career spans over a decade, including roles with the Victoria State Government, Airbnb during the Tokyo Olympics, and several education institutions in Melbourne.
Taki’s connection to New Zealand runs deep – her first overseas experience was studying in Hamilton and Rotorua. That formative time in New Zealand sparked a lifelong passion for international education.
“The wonderful experiences I had in New Zealand were the starting point of my journey. I’m excited to help others discover the beauty and strengths of studying there,” she said.
Taki has hit the ground running in her role and has already supported a visiting delegation from English New Zealand and represented ENZ at a variety of events.
Contact Taki via Takako.Taminaga@enz.govt.nz if you would like to learn more about the Japan market.
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Language and culture exchange strengthens ties with South Korea
The students, from 64 schools across South Korea, were welcomed by Waiuku College and St Peter’s School in Cambridge, where they connected with local students, explored school facilities, and experienced Kiwi culture first-hand. From powhiri to classroom visits, the exchange sparked meaningful cross-cultural connections.
Powhiri at Waiuku College.
Waiuku College Director of Community and Global Relations, Antionette Walters, said the students were amazing, and willing to make the most of their experience.
“They were so happy to give anything a go – they even loved trying a New Zealand mince pie!” she said.
At St Peter’s, students toured the Equestrian Centre and Golf Academy, with Head of School Jason Speedy welcoming the group and sharing insights into the school’s campus and learning environment.
The visit followed a two-week English training programme in rural South Korea, where six experienced New Zealand teachers taught students aged Year 8–11. Selected from over 35 applicants, the teachers represented schools from Hamilton, Hawke’s Bay, Auckland, Cambridge, Wellington, and Tauranga.
ENZ representatives joined the programme’s opening event in Yangpyeong on 25 July, meeting the teachers and witnessing the enthusiasm of Korean students engaging with New Zealand’s distinctive teaching style.
Bernadette Moffat, ESOL Teacher at Silverdale Normal School and Huntly Primary School, said: “It was a privilege to represent New Zealand and see how eager the students were to learn.”
Bernadette was one of six New Zealand teachers who travelled to Korea to teach English and attended the closing ceremony where students were recognised for excellence in English.
Looking ahead, EPIS is exploring the possibility of expanding the current short visit into a four-week study experience in New Zealand from 2026, offering even deeper immersion for future scholarship recipients.
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ENZ welcomes two new Board members
The Minister of Education, Hon Erica Stanford, appointed two new members to the Board of Education New Zealand Manapou ki te Ao (ENZ) on 7 July 2025.
Sara Brownlie and Prabha Ravi succeed two of ENZ’s long-serving Board members, Dr Linda Sissons and Lyn Provost.
Read on to learn more about the wealth of experience the new Board members bring to the role.
Sara Brownlie
Sara Brownlie is a chartered accountant and chartered director with strong risk and financial management and financial planning knowledge.
She has worked in the public sector for most of her career in senior financial roles including Department of Internal Affairs, Ministry of Justice and at Treasury where she was also Chief Financial Officer for the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet and for the Public Services Commission. This followed early career at Deloitte and Unilever.
Sara now provides specialist strategic financial and project/programme advisory services through her company Fargher Woods Ltd.
Sara is a board member with Catalyst.net and is the Crown appointed Deputy Chair and Chair of the Finance and Audit Committee of the Research Education Advanced Network New Zealand (REANNZ).
She is also an independent member of Enable New Zealand Finance, Risk and Audit Committee, and holds a similar role with the Upper Hutt City Council's Risk and Assurance Committee.
Prabha Ravi QSM, JP
Prabha Ravi QSM, JP is an experienced governance leader and international education specialist with over 25 years in senior management roles, including International Director at Waiariki Institute of Technology and YMCA Central, and Senior Manager at Education New Zealand. She has represented New Zealand in more than 47 countries, generating millions in export education earnings and building strong global partnerships.
With nearly 20 years of governance experience across the arts, sports, education, health, community, and public sectors, Prabha serves on several boards, including the Wellington/Wairarapa Lotteries Committee.
She is also the founder and director of Natraj School of Dance, a leading Indian classical dance institution in Wellington for over 25 years, and an award-winning actor. Her contributions to education, arts, governance, and ethnic communities have been recognised with multiple honours, including the Queen’s Service Medal in 2017.
You can find out more about the ENZ Board here: Our Board
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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.
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New global campaign invites students to discover what New Zealand can teach them
The ‘New Zealand Taught Me’ campaign was launched on 11 August and has started to roll out across key global markets, showcasing the unique value of a New Zealand education through the voices of its alumni.
Real stories with real impact
At the heart of the campaign is a 30-second hero video, backed by a suite of alumni stories that highlight the life lessons and experiences gained while studying in New Zealand.
Hero video
Alumni stories
These stories aim to connect emotionally with globally minded students and their families, showing that learning here goes far beyond the classroom.
Why now?
The campaign is a strategic move ahead of the full launch of a global brand platform for New Zealand international education.
It’s designed to deliver strong results in high-growth markets, replacing the previous ‘Learn New Every Day’ campaign in nine countries: China, India, Japan, South Korea, Sri Lanka, Thailand, the Philippines, the USA, and Vietnam.
A welcoming message
ENZ Brand Lead Nick Sinclair said the campaign is a major opportunity for us to present New Zealand as the living and breathing learning destination that is.
“We want to show students how in New Zealand knowledge comes from everywhere.”
“Given the shifting global climate that we are currently seeing with international education, it's a timely opportunity for New Zealand to strengthen its position as a welcoming and inclusive destination.
“The message to students is clear: we’re open, and you’re welcome,” Nick said.
A fresh direction
‘New Zealand Taught Me’ signals a shift toward a more emotionally resonant and globally competitive brand identity. It positions New Zealand as a vibrant, welcoming learning environment where knowledge comes from everywhere, not just the classroom.
Where to see it
The campaign has started to appear across paid digital media, the ENZ Study with New Zealand website, and all communications with prospective students.
ENZ encourages education agents and partners to use the market-specific materials in their promotions.
These assets are live on ENZ’s Brand Lab for you to make the most of:
- Translated hero videos
- Translated Alumni videos across education sectors
- Social media guidelines (coming soon)
- A sector engagement pack (coming soon)
Contact ENZ Brand Lead Nick Sinclair via Nick.Sinclair@enz.govt.nz if you have questions or ideas about leveraging the campaign assets. If you have a success story on how the campaign assets have supported your work, please also get in touch.
