With India emerging as one of the frontrunners in sending its students to New Zealand’s educational institutions, the island nation has projected a five per cent increase in enrollment from the subcontinent this year.
Speaking on the sidelines of a New Zealand Education Fair here on Sunday, Ziena Jalil, Regional Director of South Asia for Education New Zealand, said that 11,349 students from India flew to New Zealand during the calendar year (January – December of 2012) for higher studies.
It is projected that the present figures would further increase by five per cent in the current year. Indians formed the second largest among the international students admitted to New Zealand institutions, after the Chinese,” she added.
A total number of 22 institutions from across the island nation, offering an array of courses ranging from business to design to engineering and hospitality, are taking part in the fair.
“Students from India, particularly, those with engineering background opted for business courses. Science and Technology is another key subject area,” she added. More than 50 per cent of Indians pursuing higher studies in New Zealand were from North India. “We have started to focus on Southern States, as it is a huge market for overseas education with quality students. In fact, four education fairs are being conducted in Bengaluru, Chennai, Chandigarh and Delhi, of which the fair in Chennai is the biggest,” an official added.
Asked about job opportunities for Indian students passing out in New Zealand, Ziena Jalil pointed out that students, who had completed two-year programme in New Zealand were given access to job search visa, which is valid for a year. “As far as permanent residency is concerned, some Indian students employed in New Zealand are applying for it,” she said.