27 November 2013 at 9:00 am
Data and trends released
The latest data shows that high quality courses in science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) and postgraduate enrolments continues to trend upward that Canterbury's international education industry is showing strong signs of recovery.
Follow this link to read a copy of the full report and download the by sector infographics.
Overall, the data shows 84,150 international students enrolled with New Zealand schools and tertiary providers as at 31 August 2013. This is a 3% decline (approximately 2,400 students) when compared with the same period in 2012.
The decline can be attributed to two key factors: a decline in students from Korea, and in the private training English language sector.
The Government is working to address these factors, with recent announcements to extend full-time work rights for international students. ENZ is supporting the New Zealand Qualifications Authority in this work on the formal recognition of New Zealand qualifications, specifically the NCEAs, with South Korean education agencies.
Key highlights of the report include:
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Institutes of technology (ITP) and universities experienced growth of 4% in international students.
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Secondary schools also experienced growth of 2%. Secondary schools in Wellington and Canterbury experienced the strongest growth of 12% and 8% respectively.
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Demand for STEM courses continue to increase in line with global trends. STEM enrolments increased 6% in universities and 9% in ITPs.
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Post graduate enrolments continued to trend upward. Masters-level enrolments grew by 17% and PhDs by 7% in the university sector.
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The Canterbury region experienced strong growth of 6%. Canterbury universities, private training establishments (PTEs) and secondary schools showed signs of recovery, with an increase of 4% at universities, 14% at PTEs, and 8% at secondary schools. The primary school sector and ITP sector experienced a decline of 22% and 2% respectively.
