The update, which will see the current course go offline from the end of June, will be the first time the program has changed since launching in 2013 and is planned to better promote New Zealand as a study destination.

“Giving third parties the ability to add modules increases the reusability of the platform”

“There have been considerable changes in technology and learning styles since [2013] that mean the program is not as effective as it could be,” said Dan Smidt, ENZ’s agents manager.

“The program will be redesigned from the agent perspective and have a range of tools, resources and training material that will assist agents in promoting New Zealand as an international education destination.”

Once launched, ENZ announced providers will also be able to create learning modules on subjects they believe are of importance to education agents.

“Giving third parties the ability to add learning modules increases the reusability of the training platform whilst also providing a mechanism for third parties to provide useful information and training to agents without the need to create their own digital platform,” ENZ acting chief executive John Goulter said.

In 2017, New Zealand MP Priyanca Radhakrishnan announced the government’s intention to try to regulate offshore agents, and Goulter told The PIE News the new course would include a module outlining agent obligations under the New Zealand Immigration Advisors Act, which the current course does not cover.

New Zealand is set for several changes in the coming months, with ENZ also releasing the final draft strategy for international education, and the government consulting on proposed post-study work rights changes.