Indian student numbers to New Zealand up more than 80%

The latest figures released by Education New Zealand (ENZ) show that India is the fastest growing source of international students to New Zealand, with an increase of more than 80% in total student visas issued to Indian nationals between January-July 2014 compared to the same period last year.

In addition, student visas issued to Indian nationals seeking to study in New Zealand for the first time increased by a staggering 123% in 2014 compared to the same period (January - July) in 2013.

ENZ Regional Director - South and South East Asia Ziena Jalil said, "ENZ has been running innovative campaigns and public relations activities to raise awareness of New Zealand as an education destination amongst the Indian community. It is really exciting and satisfying to see these strategies pay off and translate into such high first time student visa numbers from India."

According to Immigration New Zealand Area Manager Nathanael Mackay, New Zealand has put in place policies to make the country a top choice for international students.

"The New Zealand Government has made changes to our work rights programme which allow more international students to work while they study, enabling them to gain valuable first world business experience whilst they study," Mackay added.

A range of scholarships are available to students interested in studying in New Zealand, including the New Zealand India Sports Scholarships which were recently announced by High Commissioner Morton and Stephen Fleming.