On the right course
Studying in New Zealand is a dream often explored by Indians in their home country. Indian Weekender speaks to education providers and student immigration advisors to provide a low-down on how to plan that career move
Are you considering enrolling for higher studies at a tertiary institution in New Zealand? The Ministry of Education has a detailed description of what higher education has to offer on this land.
Broadly speaking, it includes university education at any of the eight public-funded institutions. “All have strong international connections and collaborate with universities in other countries on a range of research and teaching programmes,” says the Ministry of Education website.
You can also enrol for technical and vocational education at the numerous institutions. Tertiary TVET is offered at Institutes of Technology and Polytechnics (ITPs), Industry Training Organisations (ITOs), Private Training Establishments (PTEs).
NZ Immigration states, “International education contributes more than NZ$2 billion annually to New Zealand’s gross domestic product, and supports around 32,000 jobs.” Of the 49,000 student applications received annually in NZ, a substantial percentage come from India – international students arriving from India are only second in number to China.
FACT SHEET
• Most courses of one-year duration begin in February and end by November. If they are longer courses, students can enrol in February for the first semester or July for second semester.
• During the peak processing months of February, March and July, an average of nearly 10,000 student visa applications is received each month.
• Immigration advises students to apply for visa as soon as their study is confirmed (but no earlier than 60 days before their course starts). This helps the student to avoid queues and gives them the security of being issued with a visa before or early in their studies.
• Apply online if the education provider is accredited as a Students Online partner (immigration guarantees to make an initial assessment of online applications within 48 hours).
• Whether students apply online or manually, they should make sure that they provide all the information/documentation required. “At present, 29 per cent of all manual applications are incomplete, which means processing is delayed while we seek and receive the missing material,” says NZ Immigration.
WHAT WORKS AND WHAT DOES NOT
“All of New Zealand’s universities offer a broad range of subjects for undergraduate, masters and doctoral (PhD) degrees in commerce, science and the humanities. Each university has its own specialist subjects such as medicine, engineering, law, veterinary science, agriculture and environmental studies. A number of universities have more than one campus, often located in different cities, and some have overseas programmes. Our universities also work closely with the business community, in New Zealand and overseas, to include students in leading-edge research and development,” says the website studyinnewzealand.com .
On behalf of overseas students who would like to explore New Zealand as an option for higher education, Indian Weekender asked education providers and student immigration advisors a few questions.
Why would international students choose NZ over the US, the UK or Australia?
“There are numerous reasons for preferring New Zealand over other developed countries like the US, the UK or Australia, by international students. NZ has earned global reputation in the sector of foreign education all around the world. It is also called a 100 per cent pure country and offers quality of education at affordable tuition fees as compared to other countries. The most important factor that allures international students to study in NZ is the opportunity to settle permanently after the completion of course on the attainment of a job relevant to the course completed.There are other factors that NZ offers, like a multicultural society, a peaceful place, friendly ambience, student support services that make the country the most suitable place to study,” lists a spokesperson from Angels Immigration and Education Consultants.
“NZ has a fairly open and clear policy and students with previous education or experience overseas have obtained residency in less than two years of coming to NZ. Their spouse can also get visas and can come to NZ with them. In addition, NZ has a clean and green image and for students looking to study in a great environment, what better than being here and taking a step closer to their dreams,” explains a Dreams Immigration spokesperson.
Kiwi Study spokesperson, however, puts in a word of caution: “The NZ education system is heavily regulated and monitored so that only quality programmes accredited with the government (via NZQA) can be offered to international students. Courses are regularly audited to ensure standards are maintained. Tertiary education is a quality affordable product recognised worldwide geared to preparing students for success in life,” adding, “NZ is a safe, clean green environment offering access to opportunities and adventures not available in other countries with plenty of opportunity for part-time work while studying.”
On what basis should students choose their educational institution when they are looking to come to NZ for higher studies?
“New Zealand is an excellent choice for anyone who wishes to earn a highly valued, internationally recognised tertiary qualification. The diversity of New Zealand’s education system means students have many options,” says a University of Auckland spokesperson.
In support, a spokesperson from the Southern Institute of Technology adds, “Students should look at institutes that can provide them with the experiences and support to meet their expectations and objectives and also those of their parents and/or caregivers when they choose to study abroad. The actual course is just one part of the decision. The student needs to also evaluate if they will fit into the community; if they will be supported well; if there is greater community support to allow them to integrate better, opportunities for jobs and work experiences including voluntary positions; if students are able to participate in sports or extracurricular activities they would normally engage in or they would like to pursue. They must remember it is a lot of investment and their expectations as well as those of their parents, so they need to make sure the institute can provide them with opportunities to fulfil these obligations.”
Which courses are recognised for visa purposes, that Indian students should look for when choosing a programme?
“Students should only choose courses that are relevant to their previous qualification or experience (if any). They can choose any level 5 course and above that are recognised by NZQA. Technical courses that are lower than Level 5 must be National Certificate and recognised by NZQA. Choosing the right category of college is also important so students must ensure they ask their agent as to which category college they are getting admission into. It makes a huge difference in studying at a college which has good facilities and can cater to students’ requirement from time to time,” says Dreams Immigration.
Angel’s Immigration adds, “The best part of New Zealand education system is the variety of courses offered to international students ranging from nursing to cookery that international students may opt.Students belonging to different streams have different options that they may choose according to their interest.All courses which are offered to international students are recognized for visa purposes provided student can clear ones intention of studying the intended course with clear career path.We always recommend students to opt the course in which they are interested so that they may complete it successfully and avail lucrative job options after the completion of course.”
Kiwi Study spokesperson says, “All courses from Primary School and High School (provided the school is a signatory to the Pastoral Care Programme) and higher (i.e. Tertiary NZQA level 5 to level 9) are recognised by INZ for Student Visa purposes, provided the courses are accredited with NZQA. Students should choose courses that reflect their area of interest and/or career aspirations.”
What do education providers look for in international students when they make them an offer of place?
“Students must meet the minimum academic requirements of the specific degree programme they are applying for, and may need a higher score depending on the level of other applicants for the same programme. Some programmes have additional programme entry requirements, for example an audition or interview. International students must also meet the University’s published English language requirements,” explains the University of Auckland spokesperson.
“SIT looks at the student’s likelihood for success, whether they will fit in to the community and environment at SIT and whether the course would be able to deliver to their needs. SIT also is on a hunt for talented sports students that can give back to the community and help raise the level of athletes and sports men and women that come from Southland, by offering John Wright Scholarships to such deserving students,” says the institute’s spokesperson, adding,“For SIT it is about the welfare of the student and we appreciate the destination and conditions in Southland are not for everyone. Having said that though, if students succeed here, they can certainly succeed anywhere!”
Call for change to stop student exploitation
New Zealand Association for Migration and Investment (NZAMI), a leading professional association for immigration specialists, says the exploitation of students which has recently been highlighted in the media starts in their home country.
“They are being enticed to study in New Zealand with false promises of developing their career in this country and gaining New Zealand residence,” explains NZAMI chair, June Ranson.
Ranson says, the problem of migrant exploitation starts at the agent recruiting the student in India. In 2008 the NZ government introduced licensing of immigration advisors. In May 2010 an exemption was granted to offshore persons to become student agents. This exemption was quickly picked up on by self-appointed agents, who negotiated arrangements with NZ education institutions and introduced prospective students.
“The people overseas who are providing guidance and organising their student visas for New Zealand are not necessarily qualified to do so. They are enticing students to enrol in low-level Management courses in New Zealand without a thought for the likelihood of them getting work once they have completed the course, and building expectations that the student will be eligible to apply for residence after study.”
Ranson says students coming straight out of study are most unlikely to obtain a management position in NZ, but this is of little concern to the unlicensed agent offshore as they will have been well paid by the time the student completes the course.
The NZ Government announced last year its initiatives to encourage further growth in New Zealand’s $2.6 billion international education sector – the second major revenue earner for New Zealand. India is NZ’s biggest growth market for students.
“These students and their families sacrifice everything to come and study in NZ. Many of the students already hold Bachelor degrees or some other sort of degree gained at highly reputable universities.
“One would have to question why they are being strongly encouraged by these agents to come and study low-level business qualifications. We believe it is a quick, money-making opportunity for agents who have no responsibility for what happens to these students.
“These students would have a far better chance of gaining permanent residence in NZ if they were given guidance about courses that would better suit their circumstances such as post-graduate studies in the area of their studies back home.”
This has now encouraged some disreputable employers to take advantage, she says, adding that the NZ government’s current approach is very short-sighted and shameful, with no long term focus.
These employers, however, cannot be completely blamed as the unaccommodating immigration policies and the NZ job market are both unsupportive of students being able to find a future for themselves. In spite of the investment that they put into the country through tuition fees and get their ‘open work permits’ at the end of their courses, these almost never convert easily into permanent residency. These students often find themselves in a catch 22 situation, where Immigration expects them to provide job offers as managers and the NZ work stream expects them to have NZ work experience to even offer them entry level positions.
It is, at this juncture, that these students feeling shortchanged turn to immigration consultants, paying hefty amounts for their application for permanent residency. Many a thousand dollars later, frustrated and desparate, these students either end up being exploited at the hands of their employers or return to their home countries having lost time, money and dreams of a brighter future in the land of the long white cloud. For those who choose to stay and preserve, also struggle to find jobs as employers often hesitate to support people on short work permits.
While, on one hand, NZ concerns itself with the brain drain and loss of talented and qualified work force to its neighbour, Australia, its own immigration policies do little to retain the talent and work force that choose NZ as their destination of choice.
“This approach will undoubtedly damage the opportunity for trade as the exploited students will return to their home countries with a poor impression of the country and they could well be the future leaders of our trading partners,” Ranson concludes.
Studying in New Zealand is a dream often explored by Indians in their home country. Indian Weekender speaks to education providers and student immigration advisors to provide a low-down on how to plan that career move
Are you considering enrolling for higher studies at a tertiary institution in...
Studying in New Zealand is a dream often explored by Indians in their home country. Indian Weekender speaks to education providers and student immigration advisors to provide a low-down on how to plan that career move
Are you considering enrolling for higher studies at a tertiary institution in New Zealand? The Ministry of Education has a detailed description of what higher education has to offer on this land.
Broadly speaking, it includes university education at any of the eight public-funded institutions. “All have strong international connections and collaborate with universities in other countries on a range of research and teaching programmes,” says the Ministry of Education website.
You can also enrol for technical and vocational education at the numerous institutions. Tertiary TVET is offered at Institutes of Technology and Polytechnics (ITPs), Industry Training Organisations (ITOs), Private Training Establishments (PTEs).
NZ Immigration states, “International education contributes more than NZ$2 billion annually to New Zealand’s gross domestic product, and supports around 32,000 jobs.” Of the 49,000 student applications received annually in NZ, a substantial percentage come from India – international students arriving from India are only second in number to China.
FACT SHEET
• Most courses of one-year duration begin in February and end by November. If they are longer courses, students can enrol in February for the first semester or July for second semester.
• During the peak processing months of February, March and July, an average of nearly 10,000 student visa applications is received each month.
• Immigration advises students to apply for visa as soon as their study is confirmed (but no earlier than 60 days before their course starts). This helps the student to avoid queues and gives them the security of being issued with a visa before or early in their studies.
• Apply online if the education provider is accredited as a Students Online partner (immigration guarantees to make an initial assessment of online applications within 48 hours).
• Whether students apply online or manually, they should make sure that they provide all the information/documentation required. “At present, 29 per cent of all manual applications are incomplete, which means processing is delayed while we seek and receive the missing material,” says NZ Immigration.
WHAT WORKS AND WHAT DOES NOT
“All of New Zealand’s universities offer a broad range of subjects for undergraduate, masters and doctoral (PhD) degrees in commerce, science and the humanities. Each university has its own specialist subjects such as medicine, engineering, law, veterinary science, agriculture and environmental studies. A number of universities have more than one campus, often located in different cities, and some have overseas programmes. Our universities also work closely with the business community, in New Zealand and overseas, to include students in leading-edge research and development,” says the website studyinnewzealand.com .
On behalf of overseas students who would like to explore New Zealand as an option for higher education, Indian Weekender asked education providers and student immigration advisors a few questions.
Why would international students choose NZ over the US, the UK or Australia?
“There are numerous reasons for preferring New Zealand over other developed countries like the US, the UK or Australia, by international students. NZ has earned global reputation in the sector of foreign education all around the world. It is also called a 100 per cent pure country and offers quality of education at affordable tuition fees as compared to other countries. The most important factor that allures international students to study in NZ is the opportunity to settle permanently after the completion of course on the attainment of a job relevant to the course completed.There are other factors that NZ offers, like a multicultural society, a peaceful place, friendly ambience, student support services that make the country the most suitable place to study,” lists a spokesperson from Angels Immigration and Education Consultants.
“NZ has a fairly open and clear policy and students with previous education or experience overseas have obtained residency in less than two years of coming to NZ. Their spouse can also get visas and can come to NZ with them. In addition, NZ has a clean and green image and for students looking to study in a great environment, what better than being here and taking a step closer to their dreams,” explains a Dreams Immigration spokesperson.
Kiwi Study spokesperson, however, puts in a word of caution: “The NZ education system is heavily regulated and monitored so that only quality programmes accredited with the government (via NZQA) can be offered to international students. Courses are regularly audited to ensure standards are maintained. Tertiary education is a quality affordable product recognised worldwide geared to preparing students for success in life,” adding, “NZ is a safe, clean green environment offering access to opportunities and adventures not available in other countries with plenty of opportunity for part-time work while studying.”
On what basis should students choose their educational institution when they are looking to come to NZ for higher studies?
“New Zealand is an excellent choice for anyone who wishes to earn a highly valued, internationally recognised tertiary qualification. The diversity of New Zealand’s education system means students have many options,” says a University of Auckland spokesperson.
In support, a spokesperson from the Southern Institute of Technology adds, “Students should look at institutes that can provide them with the experiences and support to meet their expectations and objectives and also those of their parents and/or caregivers when they choose to study abroad. The actual course is just one part of the decision. The student needs to also evaluate if they will fit into the community; if they will be supported well; if there is greater community support to allow them to integrate better, opportunities for jobs and work experiences including voluntary positions; if students are able to participate in sports or extracurricular activities they would normally engage in or they would like to pursue. They must remember it is a lot of investment and their expectations as well as those of their parents, so they need to make sure the institute can provide them with opportunities to fulfil these obligations.”
Which courses are recognised for visa purposes, that Indian students should look for when choosing a programme?
“Students should only choose courses that are relevant to their previous qualification or experience (if any). They can choose any level 5 course and above that are recognised by NZQA. Technical courses that are lower than Level 5 must be National Certificate and recognised by NZQA. Choosing the right category of college is also important so students must ensure they ask their agent as to which category college they are getting admission into. It makes a huge difference in studying at a college which has good facilities and can cater to students’ requirement from time to time,” says Dreams Immigration.
Angel’s Immigration adds, “The best part of New Zealand education system is the variety of courses offered to international students ranging from nursing to cookery that international students may opt.Students belonging to different streams have different options that they may choose according to their interest.All courses which are offered to international students are recognized for visa purposes provided student can clear ones intention of studying the intended course with clear career path.We always recommend students to opt the course in which they are interested so that they may complete it successfully and avail lucrative job options after the completion of course.”
Kiwi Study spokesperson says, “All courses from Primary School and High School (provided the school is a signatory to the Pastoral Care Programme) and higher (i.e. Tertiary NZQA level 5 to level 9) are recognised by INZ for Student Visa purposes, provided the courses are accredited with NZQA. Students should choose courses that reflect their area of interest and/or career aspirations.”
What do education providers look for in international students when they make them an offer of place?
“Students must meet the minimum academic requirements of the specific degree programme they are applying for, and may need a higher score depending on the level of other applicants for the same programme. Some programmes have additional programme entry requirements, for example an audition or interview. International students must also meet the University’s published English language requirements,” explains the University of Auckland spokesperson.
“SIT looks at the student’s likelihood for success, whether they will fit in to the community and environment at SIT and whether the course would be able to deliver to their needs. SIT also is on a hunt for talented sports students that can give back to the community and help raise the level of athletes and sports men and women that come from Southland, by offering John Wright Scholarships to such deserving students,” says the institute’s spokesperson, adding,“For SIT it is about the welfare of the student and we appreciate the destination and conditions in Southland are not for everyone. Having said that though, if students succeed here, they can certainly succeed anywhere!”
Call for change to stop student exploitation
New Zealand Association for Migration and Investment (NZAMI), a leading professional association for immigration specialists, says the exploitation of students which has recently been highlighted in the media starts in their home country.
“They are being enticed to study in New Zealand with false promises of developing their career in this country and gaining New Zealand residence,” explains NZAMI chair, June Ranson.
Ranson says, the problem of migrant exploitation starts at the agent recruiting the student in India. In 2008 the NZ government introduced licensing of immigration advisors. In May 2010 an exemption was granted to offshore persons to become student agents. This exemption was quickly picked up on by self-appointed agents, who negotiated arrangements with NZ education institutions and introduced prospective students.
“The people overseas who are providing guidance and organising their student visas for New Zealand are not necessarily qualified to do so. They are enticing students to enrol in low-level Management courses in New Zealand without a thought for the likelihood of them getting work once they have completed the course, and building expectations that the student will be eligible to apply for residence after study.”
Ranson says students coming straight out of study are most unlikely to obtain a management position in NZ, but this is of little concern to the unlicensed agent offshore as they will have been well paid by the time the student completes the course.
The NZ Government announced last year its initiatives to encourage further growth in New Zealand’s $2.6 billion international education sector – the second major revenue earner for New Zealand. India is NZ’s biggest growth market for students.
“These students and their families sacrifice everything to come and study in NZ. Many of the students already hold Bachelor degrees or some other sort of degree gained at highly reputable universities.
“One would have to question why they are being strongly encouraged by these agents to come and study low-level business qualifications. We believe it is a quick, money-making opportunity for agents who have no responsibility for what happens to these students.
“These students would have a far better chance of gaining permanent residence in NZ if they were given guidance about courses that would better suit their circumstances such as post-graduate studies in the area of their studies back home.”
This has now encouraged some disreputable employers to take advantage, she says, adding that the NZ government’s current approach is very short-sighted and shameful, with no long term focus.
These employers, however, cannot be completely blamed as the unaccommodating immigration policies and the NZ job market are both unsupportive of students being able to find a future for themselves. In spite of the investment that they put into the country through tuition fees and get their ‘open work permits’ at the end of their courses, these almost never convert easily into permanent residency. These students often find themselves in a catch 22 situation, where Immigration expects them to provide job offers as managers and the NZ work stream expects them to have NZ work experience to even offer them entry level positions.
It is, at this juncture, that these students feeling shortchanged turn to immigration consultants, paying hefty amounts for their application for permanent residency. Many a thousand dollars later, frustrated and desparate, these students either end up being exploited at the hands of their employers or return to their home countries having lost time, money and dreams of a brighter future in the land of the long white cloud. For those who choose to stay and preserve, also struggle to find jobs as employers often hesitate to support people on short work permits.
While, on one hand, NZ concerns itself with the brain drain and loss of talented and qualified work force to its neighbour, Australia, its own immigration policies do little to retain the talent and work force that choose NZ as their destination of choice.
“This approach will undoubtedly damage the opportunity for trade as the exploited students will return to their home countries with a poor impression of the country and they could well be the future leaders of our trading partners,” Ranson concludes.
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