Looks like a whole lot of Indian students are all set to live their dream in Kiwi land. Not our words, but this is what speakers at the New Zealand-India Academic Conclave 2019 strongly believe. The country's policies are quite favourable for Indians and it has welcomed a large number of them over the years. Latest statistics say that there was a 51 per cent increase in the number of Indian students choosing to study in New Zealand universities through to June 2019.
So why do so many Indians prefer to study in New Zealand? We asked the right people: Joanna Kempkers, New Zealand High Commissioner to India and John Laxon, Regional Director - Asia, Education New Zealand.
Excerpts from the conversation:
We're quite surprised by the large population of Indians in New Zealand. This is phenomenal.
Joanna Kempkers: Did you know that Hindi is the fourth most spoken language in New Zealand? Four per cent of our population is Indians. It's quite a visible presence. We even celebrate Diwali and Holi these days.
Why do so many Indians prefer to study in New Zealand?
JK: Our universities offer world class education. You can't go wrong with them. The environment Is very safe. Also, the way the New Zealand education system trains students is notable. Students are taught 'How to think". With this skill set, they can never go wrong. They can get the right jobs and find the right solutions. If you give them the skills, they get the right chance.
Do you work with Indian universities too?
John Laxon: We work with a lot of Indian universities. We have a lot of joint PhD programmes too. Our relationship is beyond mere student exchange. We actually create education partnership.
How much increase did you witness in the number of Indian student admissions this year?
JL: Indians are New Zealand's second-largest International student group. This year, we saw a 50 per cent increase in the number of Indian student intake. It is a much-preferred study destination. The New Zealand government gives importance to our students learning the Indian education culture. So, we have students coming to India over the last few years. This is important for Indian students too, because this way, they'll have classmates and teachers who know India. We also provide internship opportunities for Indian students. Indian students are also given a three-year work visa right after graduating. They also get the right career advice.
How easy is the visa process when compared to other major study destinations?
JL: Emigration NZ is responsible for visas. Last year, 90 per cent visa applications were approved.
What are the most popular courses?
JL: Historically, Master's in Business and Commerce is popular. We also see students enrolling in courses in environmental sciences, sports sciences, sports nutrition and filmmaking.