The agency is dedicated to establishing a strong brand for New Zealand education and promoting student mobility in both directions.
The agency is dedicated to establishing a strong brand for New Zealand education and promoting student mobility in both directions.
Education New Zealand plays a crucial role in representing the complete spectrum of New Zealand’s education sector, covering eight universities, vocational institutions, private training establishments, and edtech companies.
In a discussion with FE Education, Jugnu Roy, Director of Engagement, East Asia and India at Education New Zealand, shared insights into the organization’s strategic priorities and initiatives designed to influence and enhance the landscape of New Zealand’s education sector.
In recent years, there has been a notable increase in students seeking educational opportunities beyond their home countries. This trend is driven by various factors, including the quest for high-quality education, exposure to diverse cultures, and the aspiration to broaden global perspectives.
Roy emphasizes that the organization is dedicated to establishing a strong brand for New Zealand education and promoting student mobility in both directions.
“We have rolled out several initiatives such as the Prime Minister Scholarship for Asia program facilitating group projects, where students from New Zealand studying various disciplines come to India for a transformative six-week programme,” said Roy.
Roy added that the New Zealand Center at IIT Delhi serves as a nexus for academic research, fellowships, and joint exchange programs, noting that success has already been observed with funding joint research projects between academics from IIT Delhi and New Zealand universities.
Education New Zealand is dedicated to supporting international students through scholarship offerings based on academic merit and reasonable overall program costs compared to other destinations.
According to Roy, New Zealand stands out as a destination due to its government-funded universities consistently ranking among the top globally. Safety is also a paramount consideration, with New Zealand consistently ranked among the safest countries.
Roy highlighted the unique Code of Pastoral Care for International Students adhered to by all institutions in New Zealand, ensuring accurate and transparent information. This, along with the country’s focus on holistic well-being, contributes to a compelling case for international students.
The director emphasized that initiatives like the Code of Pastoral Care ensure accurate information and support for students.
New Zealand’s reputation as a top English-speaking country, its focus on preparing students for the future, and unique benefits like domestic fee rates for PhD programs make it an excellent choice for international education, according to Roy.
The National Party, led by Christopher Luxon in New Zealand, has unveiled its vision for the sector, drawing both criticism and examination. In response, Labour Party leader Chris Hipkins has dismissed it as a “nothing policy.”
The National Party’s proposals primarily aim to expedite visa processing times to just 14 days for those willing to pay a fee. Additionally, the party advocates for raising the work allowance for international students from 20 hours a week to 25 hours a week. These measures are presented as efforts to attract more international students and fortify the sector.
However, the feasibility of these proposals raises several questions. Luxon suggests that applicant fees will cover the cost of meeting the 14-day processing target, with the added advantage of being priced 10 percent cheaper than Australian applications.
Most universities in New Zealand are anticipating financial losses as they approach the end of their academic year. Five have confirmed they are projecting deficits for 2023 despite two more expecting surpluses.
Meanwhile, Auckland University of Technology stated it is too early to determine its financial outcome for the year.
