FL: The sector is very excited. In particular, English language students are now able to work. Previously they weren’t able to work [until after six months] putting New Zealand at a disadvantage against Australia and other competitors. But we are particularly excited about work rights for PhD and Masters students. They now have unlimited work rights so they can work as long as they like during their study time as well as apply for a one year work visa when they complete their study which will allow them to stay in New Zealand and live and work.

For PhD students it’s doubly exciting because about six years ago it was decided that they would pay domestic, New Zealand resident fees instead of international tuition.

For PhD students it’s doubly exciting because about six years ago it was decided that they would pay domestic fees

The main reason for focusing on PhD and Masters students is New Zealand is trying to attract top quality markets who have been educated in New Zealand or completed a significant portion of their education in New Zealand. It assists with migration: studying, living  and working.

The PIE: Education New Zealand also announced a streamlined visa pilot scheme, is AUT part of that?

FL: Yes, what it means is that AUT and the other 25 institutions in the pilot will be given the authority to process visas from students who come from low-risk countries.

The PIE: Do you know which countries will be deemed low-risk?

FL: Not yet.

The PIE: No doubt other countries in the industry who will be envious of your position. What’s been the key to achieving such endorsement from the government?

“We looked at Australia, our closest competitor. We saw what they’re doing right or what they’re doing not so well”

FL: We looked at Australia, our closest competitor. We saw what they’re doing right or what they’re doing not so well and picked the best points out of it all while learning from the Australian experience. They do it brilliantly. There’s a lot of collegiality between the two countries.

The PIE: Going forward, what benefits do you see this having on international student recruitment?

FL: I think it will help us significantly. When the fees reduction for PhD students was introduced, PhD enrolments quadrupled. And we are now attracting brilliant people to New Zealand.

The PIE: Where do most of the international students come from?

FL: South East Asia, North Asia and the Middle East. Many from the UK coming from niche areas and we’re also looking to attract PhD students from Brazil.

The PIE: Have there been any deals made through the Science Without Borders programme?

“I think we’re one of the few countries in the world that has 100% of their universities in the top 500”

FL: Brazil, Chile and Colombia were a target before that programme was introduced, but now the Science Without Borders has definitely had an effect. This year was the first year for students through Science Without Borders. We just joined the scheme and the first round has just closed and the next round opens this month. New Zealand has got just over 70 in the process of arriving now.

The PIE: What do you think sets New Zealand apart from your competitors?

FL: Safe, cost effective, high quality education. And all eight New Zealand universities are ranked in the top 500. I think we’re one of the few countries in the world that has 100% of their universities in the top 500.

The PIE: How Does New Zealand’s size affect its ability to attract international students? [more>]