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  • Important update: passport requirements for temporary visa applicants offshore

    Immigration New Zealand has announced a change to passport requirements that affect a number of temporary visa applicants offshore. This change is in effect now.

    The change means that people applying from offshore for a student, visitor or work temporary visa only need to send Immigration New Zealand a high-quality scan of their passport, not a physical copy.

    An Immigration Officer may still ask for a physical passport if they consider it necessary for the application. This will be on a case-by-case basis.

    This is a temporary measure to help with visa processing. People applying for a student visa or group visitor visa through the Immigration Online form will currently receive an automated letter asking for a physical passport to be submitted. This is not required, and Immigration New Zealand is working to update the letter to reflect the change in requirements.

    Visit Immigration New Zealand to learn more about passport requirements.

  • Latest recipient of innovation funding will strengthen indigenous links

    Te Whare Wānanga o Awanuiārangi (TWWOA) is the most recent recipient of support from the International Education Product Innovation Fund, administered by Education New Zealand Manapou ki te Ao (ENZ). 

    TWWOA’s pilot project ‘Iwi taketake: an Indigenous postgraduate curriculum’ will see the co-construction of an international Indigenous curriculum from post-graduate certificates through to doctoral studies.   

    The new curriculum will be developed and delivered with Indigenous college graduates based at Hawai’i, Washington State, Canada and Australia, and will strengthen relationships with and between Indigenous communities and education providers in the United States. The pilot project will demonstrate how applied Indigenous postgraduate education can deliver value for Indigenous communities who are more used to being the subjects of research, rather than the beneficiaries of it.   

    The first ‘co-badged’ qualifications, awarded jointly by TWWOA and partners offshore, will be offered to learners from 2024 onwards. 

    The International Education Product Innovation Fund is a New Zealand Government-funded initiative, managed by ENZ, to reimagine how an education from New Zealand can be delivered and create impact for global learners. Learnings from this stream of work will be shared for wider benefit to the sector in late 2023. 

    Visit the Product Innovation Fund page to learn more and discover all the pilot projects the Fund is supporting.

  • Study abroad promo in US

    Study Abroad Month, led by our Washington DC-based team, targeted the study advisors at United States universities, who support students with their study abroad plans. A series of videos were published each week and sent to key contacts, including a closing video from Education Minister Chris Hipkins. 

    Lewis Gibson, Field Director North America at Education New Zealand Manapou ki te Ao, says study abroad students are our main source of international students from the US.  

    “Pre-Covid-19, around 350,000 tertiary students each year spent a semester overseas as part of their degree. We’re looking to increase our share of this group. 

    “In normal times, US institutions and study abroad advisors rely on the voices of New Zealand alumni, who can share their experiences with other people on campus and build interest in a New Zealand study experience,” he says. 

    “We needed to do something different this year, because our borders had been closed so there weren’t the alumni students available on campus. We also needed a good way to remind study advisors about New Zealand’s unique education offering.”  

    Lewis says feedback from institutions in the US has been very positive, and they are looking forward to seeing students travel again to New Zealand. Some of the comments received included the following: 

    • “Thank you so much for letting us know about this exciting project! I just shared the New Zealand Study Abroad Month YouTube channel with our spring 2023 applicants... We are thrilled to nominate over 15 students to our outstanding partner universities in New Zealand ...for the first time in over two years!”  

    • “Thank you for sharing this information. I watched Fiona’s video for VUW and I am sharing it with several students who are deciding which NZ institution to attend for Term 1 via TEAN.  I’ll be certain to watch future videos and do the same with those.”   
    • “We are so grateful of the opportunities you provide our students, and our tight partnership together.”  

    “In case anyone is wondering, we initially intended to run the promotion for four weeks, hence the name, ‘Study Abroad Month’. But with the participation of so many universities, and the inclusion of additional videos reflecting the voices of students, it made more sense to expand the promotion to six weeks.”  

    Before our borders closed, the US was our sixth largest source of international students, with most students seeking to enrol in university-level study here. Study Abroad Month aimed to attract students to New Zealand from the US spring semester 2023 onwards. 

  • Appreciating our education agents in Japan

    JAOS stands for Japan Association of Overseas Studies and is a peak body for Japanese education agents. JAOS President Yukari Kato, Councillor Chairman Yasuo Sone, and Executive Secretary Tatsuo Hoshino and other members attended the event, which was hosted by Education New Zealand Manapou ki te Ao (ENZ) in partnership with the New Zealand Embassy in Tokyo and Air New Zealand.   

    New Zealand’s Ambassador to Japan, Hamish Cooper, said education had played a key role in bilateral relations between Japan and New Zealand over the past 70 years, and this was highlighted in the successful visit by Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern earlier this year.  

    Yukari Kato, who is also Executive Vice President of Ryugaku Journal,spoke fondly about her experiences living in New Zealand. She also welcomed the opportunity to work with ENZ to feature sustainability-related courses and degrees offered by New Zealand tertiary institutions in Ryugaku Journal Magazine’s September issue.   

    Misa Kitaoka, ENZ’s Director of Education based in Tokyo, says this event will be followed by a series of networking events in October 2022, to build on the positive brand that New Zealand has in Japan and connect Japanese stakeholders with New Zealand regions and education providers.   

    Prior to Covid-19, JAOS members sent around 6,000 students to New Zealand each year, mostly to secondary schools, followed by English language schools.  

  • Graduation for Girls in Tech Indonesia Scholarship recipients

    Selected from applicants from more than 50 universities across Indonesia, the women received training in either product management or data analytics, supported by mentoring sessions, before presenting their final projects in TECHTalk series to the public. 

    Internships are next on the agenda, as the scholarship recipients are entitled to internship opportunities at Qasir, an Indonesia-based point of sales start-up.  

    ENZ worked with Girls in Tech Indonesia to deliver the programme, as well as with Code Avengers, a Hamilton-based EdTech company focussed on digital learning, and with Indonesia-based training provider, Remote Skills Academy.  

    ENZ Regional Director for Asia Ben Burrowes says there are always new things to learn in the world of technology.  

    “Our goal is to build international relationships and we can achieve this by promoting New Zealand’s education products and services. Through this particular initiative we are also supporting more women to take the leap into technology or continue to develop their tech career.” 

    Code Avengers Head of Australasian Distribution Steve Budd says digital literacy is becoming more and more important in the global job market. 

    “Being able to provide an opportunity for these remarkable students to kick-start their careers is a great honour.”  

  • NZ’s updated Code of Practice – caring for international students 

    The following article is based on a presentation by Julia Moore from the New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA) at NZIEC KI TUA 2022 in August. NZQA is responsible for administering the Education (Pastoral Care of Tertiary and International Learners) Code of Practice 2021 (the Code), which came into effect in January this year. 

    All domestic and international tertiary students, and international students in schools, are now covered by the Code. Offshore learners are also covered, with updated guidance from NZQA explaining what is expected, and what pastoral care might be provided for people studying offshore.  

    Wellbeing is closely connected with success in education, and this is recognised in the updated Code. The Code signals a new way of thinking about success for learners which includes wellbeing and acknowledges that being heard and responded to is part of wellbeing. 

    “International learners should be able to have their voices heard and heeded,” Julia said. 

    The Code sets a framework for the relationship between providers and students. It acknowledges solutions are best found locally, so the Code requires providers to work out what is appropriate in their own setting, and for meeting the needs of diverse learners. Learners and their communities need to be included in the design, review, and improvement of practice. Taking care of international learners has become an organisation-wide responsibility for the education provider, rather than the sole responsibility of pastoral support teams or the international office.  

    “We aim to support providers’ continuous improvement in taking a whole-of-organisation approach to pastoral care, honouring Te Tiriti o Waitangi, and responding appropriately to the diverse voices and wellbeing needs of their learners,” Julia said. 

    You can listen to NZQA’s full presentation at the link below. 

     

    NZQA holds regular workshops on the Code, and you can find out more here  

    Links to further information: 

    Read the Education (Pastoral Care of Tertiary and International Learners) Code of Practice 2021  

    Code resources for tertiary providers 

    Code resources for school signatories 

     

    If you have any questions, please email the code team at NZQA: Code.Enquiries@nzqa.govt.nz  

  • October update from Immigration New Zealand

    Update on student visa processing* 

    Since the borders reopened on 1 August 2022, we have received 7,710 student visa applications from international students outside New Zealand. We have decided 4,885 of these applications with over half of these decisions being made in less than 4 weeks and 95% being made within 7 weeks.  

    *Figures current as at 17 October 2022. 

    Submit your student visa application for early 2023 study now 

    Thank you to everyone who has followed our guidance around waiting to submit applications for a student visa for 2023 study. We now encourage students who are intending to begin their studies in New Zealand in early 2023 (up to the end of March) to submit their applications. If you have all your documents ready (including your offer of place and up to date financial evidence) then apply now to give enough time for your application to be processed before your intended travel date. Follow the checklists on the INZ website Student visa information | Immigration New Zealand for guidance on what to provide with your application. 

    Sending your passport to INZ 

    We have changed the rules for when you need to send us your passport. Now, if you are applying for a student visa you only need to send us a high-quality scan of your passport, you will not usually need to send your actual passport to be scanned at a Visa Application Centre (VAC) or an Immigration New Zealand office. This is a temporary measure to help with visa processing. Please note applicants may still receive an automated letter asking for a passport to be submitted. This is not required. We are updating the letter to address this issue. 

    More information: Sending your passport | Immigration New Zealand 

    Post-study work visa eligibility 

    Changes have been made to the Post-Study Work Visa eligibility requirements and visa conditions, to reflect the government decisions announced on 11 May 2022. For more information check the INZ website:  New Post Study Work Visa requirements announced | Immigration New Zealand 

  • NZISA hits the road  

    Congratulations to NZISA for organising and delivering these four separate events to give international students a warm welcome to New Zealand. The events were also an opportunity for students to connect with each other in person, hear from inspiring speakers from international and migrant backgrounds, and network with a range of government and NGO organisations who work closely with international students. 

    The Roadshow also provided a moment to celebrate NZISA’s five-year anniversary and recognise five years of advocating on behalf of international students, raising issues and concerns with appropriate government agencies.   

    More than two hundred international students attended the events, which attracted very positive feedback. There was real appreciation for the kōrero of the guest speakers and the opportunity to connect with other students, especially from students who have just recently arrived in New Zealand. 

    “It was so inspiring to hear from the panellists how they were able to adapt and grow in new surroundings in a short time. I asked them about their motivation to work in New Zealand despite the cultural differences, and their answers really opened my eyes, as they mentioned that we can see challenges as a barrier, but instead look at them as opportunities to change and grow.” – Anis Aqeelah Afrina Mohd Raduan, who recently arrived in New Zealand to complete the final year of her Bachelor of Commerce at Te Victoria University of Wellington, majoring in Actuarial Science and Finance. 

    “It was so lovely to reconnect with past Presidents and executive members from NZISA and acknowledge just how far the association has come in five years,” says Sahinde Pala, General Manager Sector Services, Education New Zealand Manapou ki te Ao. 

    “Their hard work and commitment have given international students a voice with government agencies, ensuring the needs and concerns of international students studying with New Zealand are considered and addressed.”    

  • Tauranga education delegation travels to Korea and Japan

    Two successful education fairs were held in Korea, with more than 100 Korean students committing to study in Tauranga from Term 1, 2023 onwards. 400 people attended the events overall.  

    Relationship-building was also a key focus of the trip, making many new connections and strengthening long-term ones in both countries.  

    Korea

    The trip to Korea was coordinated by Education Tauranga and TKT agency. The two organisations held education fairs together in Korea for 12 years prior to COVID-19. This trip was especially important as 2022 marks 60 years of diplomatic relationships between New Zealand and Korea.

    Regional marketing at the Seoul education fair

    “It was exciting to travel offshore again to promote the Tauranga region. Korean families contribute so much to our city and our community - socially, culturally, and economically,” says Education Tauranga Regional Manager Melissa Gillingham.

    The trip provided an insight into Korean culture and helped school representatives understand the support families need as they settle into life and school in Tauranga.

    On average, Korean families stay in Tauranga for two to three years and contribute about $20 million per year to the local economy. A single family will spend about $100,000 per year on various costs related to establishing a home and participating in tourism activities.

    Anne Young from The University of Waikato explains the Tu Ngatahi pin to a prospective parent at the Seoul education fair

    Because the group was the largest New Zealand delegation to visit South Korea since the end of 2019, Education Tauranga organised a special Alumni Event with support from Education New Zealand. Hosted by New Zealand’s Ambassador to South Korea, Philip Turner, the event attracted 70 alumni Korean families.

    The families were eager to reconnect and relive the positive experiences they had living and studying in Tauranga.  

    “It was fantastic to have the opportunity to connect with them again face-to-face and see what they've been up to since returning to Korea,” says Anne Young, International Manager of the University of Waikato Tauranga Campus.

    Greenpark Primary School reconnecting with the sister-school they have had reciprocal exchanges with for 18 years, Hansin Elementary

    Visits to sister schools were next, with representatives from the delegation calling on Sanui Primary School and Hansin Elementary. They were treated to full school tours and discussed next steps in strengthening their relationships and the potential for restarting international exchanges once again. 

    In addition to the education fairs, this was an opportunity to reconnect with Tauranga’s ‘friendship city’ in Korea; Ansan. Situated on the outskirts of Seoul, Ansan is a planned city that grew from a population of 120,000 to over 750,000 in the past 35 years. With a wide scope of primary and secondary industries, and a strong focus on sustainable growth, there are similarities connecting Tauranga and Ansan city.

    Japan

    After the success of the events in Korea, Tauranga city representatives Dean Prendergast and Melissa Gillingham travelled on to Japan to continue reconnecting with their international contacts.

    Meeting with Waseda University and Japanese Women’s University at the New Zealand Embassy, hosted by ENZ representative, Misa Kitaoka

    This year marks 70 years of diplomatic relations between New Zealand and Japan. Mr Prendergast and Ms Gillingham visited the New Zealand Embassy to celebrate this milestone. There they met with representatives from top Japanese universities, Waseda University and Japan Woman’s University, to discuss studying abroad and online exchange activities.

    High interest in the United Nations’ 17 Sustainable Development Goals is shared between the two schools.

     “It’s important to discuss ways for youth to connect over common goals that will continue to unite our two countries for future generations,” Ms Gillingham says.

    The final stop on the trip was Tauranga’s sister-city, Hitachi, in the Ibaraki prefecture. Next year the two cities will be celebrating the 35-year anniversary of the sister-city relationship, a significant and long-term connection that has seen many exchanges on an educational, economic, and personal level.

    The representatives had an opportunity to meet with Hitachi Mayor, Haruki Ogawa and exchange stories. Mr Ogawa was delighted to meet with the delegates and is waiting eagerly for the next mayoral delegation to visit Hitachi.

  • New ECA signed with US institution

    Increased opportunities for students and researchers from diverse backgrounds to study and carry out research in New Zealand, and more international opportunities for Māori will result from the new agreement between the Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation-National Science Foundation International Center of Excellence (LSAMP-NICE) and Education New Zealand Manapou ki te Ao (ENZ).

    Attendees outside the Embassy of New Zealand in Washington DC, where the meeting was held

    The Embassy of New Zealand in Washington DC was the venue for the annual general meeting and conference of LSAMP-NICE on 29-30 September 2022. Representatives of 60 LSAMP institutions across the US attended, as well as international partners including the University of Toulouse, the French Embassy, a Te Kāhui Amokura delegation, and ENZ. The role of Te Kāhui Amokura is to advance and promote the collective interests of New Zealand’s universities to improve outcomes for Māori, and the delegation comprised: 

    • Rawinia Higgins, Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Māori, at Victoria University of Wellington (VUW)  
    • Meegan Hall, Assistant Vice-Chancellor Mātauranga Māori, VUW  
    • Fiona Johnson-Bell, Senior Manager, Education and Māori, Universities New Zealand  
    • Tim Manukau, Mātauranga Co-Director, University of Waikato Environmental Research Institute  
    • Megan Ranapia, PhD student, University of Waikato  
    • Kirita-Rose Escott, PhD student, VUW. 

    ENZ Manukura Chief Advisor Māori, Ed Tuari, welcomed attendees with a mihi whakatau, and Lance Fisher (Northern Cheyenne) responded with a traditional Northern Cheyenne song. The meeting ended with the signing of the new agreement by Steve Dupuis, LSAMP-NICE Project Principal Investigator, Salish Kootenai College, and Ed Tuari on behalf of ENZ. 

    Ed Tuari and Steve Dupuis signed the education cooperation arrangement

    “We are working to build people’s understanding of New Zealand as a country with a unique bicultural heritage and strong social justice values,” DuBois Jennings, ENZ’s Director of Engagement, North America said.   

    “The new agreement reflects that New Zealand is an ideal education destination for students from historically marginalised backgrounds, and it opens up exchange possibilities for Māori and Pasifika students from New Zealand to experience education on US campuses. 

    “We have been developing these relationships over several years, including at NAFSA earlier this year. Future possibilities include agreements between LSAMP-NICE and individual New Zealand providers.”  

    In late 2021 the National Science Foundation, Te Kāhui Amokura and ENZ worked together on a series of virtual information exchange sessions, which covered indigenous language research, indigenous data sovereignty, and the impacts of climate change on indigenous communities. More than 150 experts took part, including Native American, Alaskan Native, Native Hawaiian, and Māori scholars.   

     

     

    LSAMP-NICE is funded by the Louis Stokes Alliances for Minority Participation (LSAMP) programme, an alliance-based programme which aims to diversify the science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) workforce in the US by increasing the number of STEM degrees awarded to historically underrepresented populations, specifically African Americans, Hispanic Americans, American Indians, Alaska Natives, Native Hawaiians, and Native Pacific Islanders. Salish Kootenai College, a Tribal College based in Montana serving the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes, is LSAMP’s lead institution. 

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