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International students welcomed across New Zealand
In February, hundreds of international students gathered at a University of Auckland orientation event. ENZ’s Student Experience Manager, Ross Crosson, says, “The wait, for many, has been long but there was a very positive vibe in the air.”
In Hamilton, the Wintec | Te Pūkenga International student services team held an interactive event to welcome students on campus. They used a range of activities to create connections amongst the students and to familiarise them with student support services available.
Over in Wellington, Victoria University of Wellington Vice Chancellor Nic Smith took the opportunity to connect with students face-to-face as they were settling into halls of residence.
More than 150 international students from 11 local secondary schools were welcomed into Dunedin at Puketeraki Marae on 8 March. In the event organised by Enterprise Dunedin and Kāti Huirapa Rūnaka ki Puketeraki, the guests spent the morning at the pōwhiri, which was accompanied by pupils from Waitati School kapa haka group, and then enjoyed a kōrero and some kai.
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International education matters
These values are at the core of international education and they are more important now than ever.
Over the past five days, these values have been clearly demonstrated by our Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern who describes New Zealand as a proud nation of more than 200 ethnicities and 160 languages.
“We were not chosen for this act of violence because we condone racism… (or) are an enclave for extremism. We were chosen for the very fact that we are none of these things; because we represent diversity, kindness, compassion, a home for those that share our values, a refuge for those who need it.”
These values are embedded in our education system.
The New Zealand International Education Strategy 2018-2030 also reflects these principles. A key goal is to grow global citizens – to ensure both domestic and international students have the skills and capabilities to live, learn and work globally.
While our country grieves, we have been heartened by the outpouring of love and support within New Zealand and from around the world. It has been encouraging to see student-led compassion at work – Campus Watch initiatives, social media engagement and practical help with transport and food.
Last year, the University of Canterbury’s Student Volunteer Army (SVA) welcomed student leaders from Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in the US, scene of a deadly school shooting, to discuss student-led mobilisation in the face of extreme challenge. When Friday’s attack happened, the US students were quick to reach out to their Christchurch peers. This is a testament to international education’s ability to foster meaningful and life-long connections.
ENZ will continue to promote New Zealand internationally as an inclusive and welcoming study destination – why? Because international education changes hearts and minds.
Kia kaha, Kia maia, Kia manawanui – be strong, be steadfast, be willing.
Grant McPherson, Chief Executive of Education New Zealand

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Japanese teachers experience New Zealand’s regional schools
“Waseda University and its affiliated schools are longstanding and valued partners for us,” says Misa Kitaoka, Director of Education in Japan for Education New Zealand Manapou ki te Ao (ENZ).
“It’s exciting to see the strong regional focus they have chosen for their students’ study in New Zealand in 2023 and hear about the planned growth of the programme.”
Waseda University schools will be sending up to 60 students on a group programme to schools in Manawatū and Hawke’s Bay for two weeks in March 2023. The two regions were selected to receive students after taking part in an Expression of Interest process. Close to 80 students have already applied to take part, and Waseda plans to increase the number of participants to 100 from 2024, and to increase the length of their visit in future years.
ENZ hosted the familiarisation tour (famil) to Manawatū and Hawke’s Bay from 21- 25 November 2022. Four Tokyo schools took part alongside Waseda University: Waseda University Senior High School, Waseda University Honjo Senior High School, Waseda Jitsugyo High School and Waseda Saga Junior and Senior High School. The famil was co-funded by ENZ and Air New Zealand, and Palmerston North City Council and Learning Hawkes Bay played a major role in helping to organise visits to 14 different education providers.
“Through the five-day famil, our regional and institutional partners demonstrated their strengths and uniqueness,” says ENZ’s Director Marketing and Strategies, Patrick Holden, who travelled with the delegation.
“Delegates commented on how welcome they felt and how impressed they were to see indigenous Māori language and customs being incorporated into the school curriculum. The manaakitanga shown by the different institutions was well received, especially the pōwhiri.”
The delegation is welcomed with a powhiri at Napier Girls High School
Misa Kitaoka stressed the importance of destination marketing with support from regional partners.
“While decision-making tends to be institution-led in the tertiary sector, decisions for the school sector are often led by the region or city. This famil was a great opportunity for us to showcase the regions first, followed by the education offerings available in the regions.
“Japanese school students, parents and educators are also interested in cultural experiences in New Zealand beyond education, including the opportunities to interact with local students and host families, and to embrace New Zealand’s cultural values of diversity and inclusion.
“While video-calling offers many benefits and has been vital across the pandemic, bringing famils back into the country means our offshore stakeholders can experience first-hand what New Zealand has to offer. Regional involvement will play a key role in building long-term reciprocal relationships for Aotearoa.”
For more on ENZ’s education partnership with Waseda University and its affiliated schools, please click here.
For more on the value of short-term programmes for international students in New Zealand and the potential benefits to New Zealand and the educator sector, check out this recent Spinoff article: How educational exchange fosters more than just learning | The Spinoff
Hamish Cooper, NZ Ambassador to Japan, and ENZ staff Misa Kitaoka, Patrick Holden and Ben Burrowes called on the President of Waseda University, Dr Aiji Tanaka and Prof. Kate Elwood, Dean of Centre for International Education recently to congratulate Dr Tanaka on his reelection as the 18th President of Waseda University
The delegation was welcomed on to the Central Hawkes Bay College Marae where they were given background about the history of the marae and given a quick fire class in flax weaving
Waseda delegation outside Awatapu College
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Mapping emerging trends in education
ENZ General Manager – Student Marketing, Paul Irwin, said attendees really enjoyed tackling these big issues during the Crowdsource Café session.
“Our audience uncovered some really interesting themes and thoughts for us all to reflect on. Ideas included focusing less on competition and more on collaboration, for example the opportunity to build your own degree across New Zealand.
“We also talked about how everyone is the student of the future. There will be more opportunities for lifelong learning and there will be a greater need to upskill due to automation,” Paul said.
ENZ Regional Director – South Asia, South East Asia and Middle East, John Laxon said participants also agreed that the learner of the future will prefer personalised, flexible learning.
“The modes of delivery will change as we move towards students being able to learn anywhere, anytime.
“Another theme that came through was a move towards offering shorter programmes, targeting life-long learners.”
John said there was great discussion about moving towards diversified, individualised learning programmes that are globally recognised.
“It’s definitely an exciting time to be involved in international education,” he said.
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INZ student visa update: August 2024
Post Study Work Visa – cross crediting study from post graduate diploma to masters
Provided eligibility is met, most level 8 post graduate diplomas will be eligible for a one year post study work visa (PSWV) with masters graduates eligible for a three year post study work visa.
In order to be eligible for a PSWV, post graduate diploma (level 8) and masters qualifications (level 9) require a minimum of 30 weeks full time study in the specific programme/qualification being presented for a PSWV.
Students must have held a student visa for that programme/qualification and apply for their PSWV within three months of the expiry date of the student visa for qualification they are presenting to INZ.
Recently some students completed post graduate diplomas (PG dip) and cross credited directly into a taught masters. In these cases, the students did not undertake full time study in the masters for a minimum of 30 weeks full time in New Zealand, due to the cross credited PG Dip.
This resulted in issues for the graduates when they applied for their PSWV. INZ is working directly with affected students and exploring options for them. However, it is important for agents and education providers to understand the PSWV rules.
Eligibility for Post Study Work Visas following study at level 8 and 9 are:
- a minimum of 30 weeks full time study in that specific qualification,
- hold/held a student visa for that specific qualification, and
- apply for their post study work visa within three months of the student visa expiry for that specific qualification.
Although the initial coursework of a masters might be similar to, or the same as a post graduate diploma, the two programmes have different entry criteria and are recognised as separate qualifications. For students who want to cross credit their PG Dip to a masters and undertake some extra study in order to gain a three year PSWV for that masters, the student would need to have studied the masters itself full time for at least 30 weeks.
Note: Study weeks include exam preparation time, but exclude holiday periods and time spent repeating failed components.
We will continue to engage with the education sector to ensure they are aware of the requirements for a post study work visa. If you have questions about this article and are an agent or student, please talk to your education provider in the first instance.
Student visa peak – apply three months before intended travel
The processing of international student visas is a key focus for INZ, particularly as we get closer to the end of the year.
We are now coming into the period in which INZ receives the highest volumes of applications.
As soon as they have all the documents they need to apply for their visa, students should submit their application three months before their intended travel date to give them the best chance of having their application decided in time. They can apply earlier than three months if they wish, as long as they have all the required information and documents.
Our visa processing times are published on the INZ website and updated monthly: Visa processing times for international students
New fees and levies for visas come into effect from 1 October 2024
Earlier this month, the Government announced that the cost of applying for all visas will increase on 1 October 2024.
Until now, the immigration system has been heavily subsidised by taxpayers.
The new fees have been set at a rate to recover the costs of assessing and processing each visa type and more accurately reflect the total service surrounding the immigration system.
Student visa fees increase from $375 to $750. The post study work visa fee increases from $700 to $1670.
Student visa fees differ depending on where the student applies from so be sure to check the new fees and levies here.
It is also important to note that New Zealand does have agreements with some countries where student visa fees are waived, and these remain. You can find information here.
INZ is receiving questions from the education sector on whether students can apply for visas now at the lower fee, and upload documents later once they are ready.
Applications received before 1 October 2024 will be charged the current fee, however if the applications are not ready for assessment because they are missing documents then this will result in delays or disappointment for the student.
INZ will not be contacting applicants if documents are missing from the application and, if the missing information is key to the assessment, then the applications may be declined.
Please make sure you are advising students to submit their visa application when it is complete and ready for assessment. For more information, please see the student visa information sheets here - Student visa information | Immigration New Zealand
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