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• Nelson English Centre gets an upgrade

  After six months of renovations, students are already enjoying the new school located off Trafalgar Street in Nelson, opposite Cathedral Park. The front five classrooms look out over the park and church, where students can enjoy their lunch breaks.

  The new facility has the city on its front doorstep and a cosy student courtyard at the rear. Director James Upton, says the student zone is specially designed so that teachers, staff and students are constantly crossing paths with people from other countries.

  “It’s a great open-plan area with everything our students need, from academic support to information about activities or just a space to use Wi-Fi and chill out,” he says.

  

  The student zone

• E-News-October-2021

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• Have your say on immigration policy settings and international students under Year 9

  Immigration policy settings

  The Productivity Commission is inquiring into immigration policy settings, and submissions close on 24 December 2021.

  The New Zealand Government has asked the Commission to undertake an inquiry into what immigration policy settings would best facilitate New Zealand’s long-term economic growth and promote the wellbeing of New Zealanders.

  To have your say, go to productivity.govt.nz/inquiries/immigration-settings

  Future of international students under year 9

  The Ministry of Education has opened consultation on the future of the enrolment of international fee-paying students under Year 9, and submissions close on 11 March 2022.

  The proposed policy change affects international students at the primary and intermediate levels and would require the amendment of the Education and Training Act 2020. To have your say, go to consultation.education.govt.nz/international-education/intlenrolunderyear9

  Keep up with public consultations affecting the international education sector.

• ‘Apply four months in advance of travel’ - INZ Update

  Visa processing update 

  As at 7 October 2023, the average processing timeframe for an international student visa application submitted from outside of New Zealand is six weeks (29 working days). This is counted from the time the student submits their application, until the time the visa is declined, or the visa granted. Whilst the average processing time is six weeks, Immigration New Zealand continues to strongly recommend that students apply for their visas around four months ahead of their intended travel date, especially as we are entering the main student processing peak combined with summer, which sees high numbers of visitor visas. We cannot prioritise processing for late applications and are unable to prioritise based on travel bookings. Students should not finalise travel plans until they have their visa granted.  

  The approval rate for offshore student visa applications received (1 Aug 2022 – 7 Oct 2023) is 84% 

  Tertiary student in-study work rights  

  Tertiary students’ in-study work rights have typically been linked to whether the qualification being studied gains points under the Skilled Migrant Category (SMC). As of 9 October 2023, only qualifications at Bachelor’s degree Level 7 or above qualify for points.  

   To maintain work rights for tertiary students, references to the SMC in the in-study work instructions have been removed. Eligible qualifications, programme level and type will be shown instead, to carry over the eligibility of many students studying below a Bachelor degree.  

  Since 9 October, all students studying a full-time programme that directly results in a New Zealand qualification at Level 4 or above on the New Zealand Qualifications and Credentials Framework (NZQCF) are eligible for in-study work rights of 20 hours per week. Training schemes and micro-credentials are not qualifications and remain ineligible for in-study work rights. 

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• Student wellbeing strategy launch

  The new strategy aims to protect and enhance New Zealand’s reputation as a safe and welcoming study destination. It was officially launched at Ara on 13 June by Tertiary Education, Skills and Employment Minister Paul Goldsmith.

  Hayley Shields, ENZ’s Director of Student Experience says the new strategy was the outcome of extensive consultation with the sector as well as with international students about what would make the most difference to them.

  “Students that I spoke to at the launch were really pleased to see the new strategy, and to know that their wellbeing is considered so important for their student experience,” she said.

  Ara Chief Executive Kay Giles together with Ara staff and international students, representatives of government agencies, Christchurch Educated, and the local community took part in the launch.

  Development of the new strategy was led by the Ministry of Education.

  Read the International Student Wellbeing Strategy.

  Read Minister Goldsmith's announcement.

• staff richard leggat

• International students take to the field

  The AIMS Games International Sporting Championship is a pathway to sporting achievement for New Zealand students 11 to 13 years old. The games are held annually in Tauranga in September and have become a huge success. In 2016, the AIMS Games hosted more than 9,000 competitors from 275 schools, competing across 21 sports from rugby to swimming to aerobics.

  They are often one of the first times young athletes can test their skill at a national level.

  Building on its international recognition, the AIMS Games has now teamed up with Education Tauranga to create a programme specifically for international students. The programme will see New Zealand schools hosting teams from across the globe, allowing international students to experience New Zealand school life while training for the AIMS Games.

  Anne Young, Manager of Education Tauranga, said the development has a lot of potential to draw more students to New Zealand.

  “Combining a classroom experience with the games is really exciting," said Anne.

  "International students will meet New Zealand kids from throughout the country, and then be able to compete against their new friends at one of the biggest high-level youth sporting events in the Southern Hemisphere.”

  

  The games also aim to foster a positive attitude to sport. They aim to create a supportive culture amongst participating schools where success is celebrated, participation is encouraged and new friendships are formed.

  Tournament Director Vicki Semple is looking forward to hosting schools from different parts of the world.

  “For New Zealand students to be able meet and appreciate different cultures in a sporting context gives the games another flavour. 

  “I’m sure many lifelong international friendships will be made,” she said.

  An introductory video about the AIMS Games can be found here.

  For schools and agents wanting to get involved, please contact AIMS Games Tournament Director Vicki Semple at vickis@nzaimsgames.co.nz

  A free promotional poster can be downloaded here.

   

• INZ Flyer Student print May16