National’s Tertiary Education spokesperson Penny Simmonds and Immigration spokesperson Erica Stanford said that reviving international education would boost export revenue, create jobs, and strengthen global connections. All of which are vital for economic growth.
National Tertiary Education has announced a plan to revive international education in New Zealand as part of the party’s strategy to bolster the country’s economy.
“Before the pandemic, international education was New Zealand’s fifth largest export earner, contributing $3.7 billion to the economy and supporting at least 6,000 jobs,” said National’s Tertiary Education spokesperson Penny Simmonds and Immigration spokesperson Erica Stanford in a press release. “But the sector is struggling to recover, with its contribution to New Zealand’s economy down significantly in 2022, delivering only $800 million,” they added.
Simmonds said that amid a national recession and rising living costs, action was urgently needed.
International education revival
The officials pointed out that reviving international education would boost export revenue, create jobs, and strengthen global connections, all vital for economic growth. Additionally, the plan aims to support tertiary institutions. Higher international fees contribute to better education and services while keeping costs down for domestic students.
National’s plan to rejuvenate international education encompasses fast-tracking visa processing for students willing to pay extra, increasing weekly working hours from 20 to 24, expanding work rights for students and partners, and diversifying recruitment efforts to attract students from a wider range of countries.
Government criticism
Stanford also expressed her criticism of the current government’s lack of action, pointing out that while other nations have made efforts to attract international students, the Labour party has failed to take any action to promote New Zealand as the preferred destination for study.
She said that National’s plan is part of a broader strategy to rebuild the economy, promising to end the cost-of-living crisis, raise incomes, lower mortgage rates and maintain quality public services.
According to the Ministry of Business Innovation and Employment, there were a total of 52,248 people in New Zealand on student visas at the end of July this year.
