First-time student visas to New Zealand sees 63% jump

NEW DELHI, SEPTEMBER 24: In August 2019, first-time student visas from India to New Zealand universities showed a 63% increase. The country has also announced a new round of New Zealand Excellence Awards scholarships to further boost New Zealand and India’s growing education relationship.

Education New Zealand (ENZ) has announced the 32 new scholarships totaling INR 8.2 million on 24th September 2019. ENZ Chief Executive, Grant McPherson, said the New Zealand Excellence Award scholarship programme is beneficial for both countries.

“The Excellence Awards help talented Indian students pursue a range of specialist programmes in areas such as STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics), business and creative arts at New Zealand universities. Already over 100 talented Indian students have benefitted from these scholarships.” said McPherson.

“Awardees go on to strengthen ties between our two countries by contributing to a broader exchange of ideas in our universities, building our respective research capabilities, and enriching our cultures. New Zealand is currently experiencing significant growth and interest in high level courses from Indian students. This is something that we hope to see continue,” he said.

ENZ has recently led a range of academic mobility initiatives in India, including the second season of the New Zealand-India Academic Conclave and the fourth season of Guest Lecture Series featuring 44 lectures across India. These encourage stronger links between researchers and academics from high-quality institutions in New Zealand and India.

“We are sharpening our focus on supporting collaborative thinking between academics of both countries, particularly those at New Zealand universities and premier Indian institutions,” said Mr McPherson.

The Academic Conclave was attended by New Zealand academics, researchers and industry experts from India and featured workshops on topics of mutual interest for both countries such as research collaboration and future-proof education.