The Role of Education Agents in Promoting the U.S. as a Study Destination
Read More
In an increasingly competitive global education landscape, New Zealand is emerging as a leading destination for international students both in terms of quality and demand. With enrolments having risen significantly in 2023, the 2024 edition of Education New Zealand Manapou ki te Ao (ENZ)’s International Student Experience Survey highlighted the fact that 86% of international students rated their study experience positively, with 41% rating their experience as ‘excellent’ – up 8 percentage points since 2023.
A recent discussion with representatives from ENZ highlighted a range of factors that have contributed to the country’s growing reputation among global learners, including personalised learning paths, globally recognised qualifications, a diverse and welcoming community, and a focus on student well-being.
This article explores New Zealand’s unique approach to education and offers valuable insights that you can use as an education agent or counsellor to enhance your support for students considering this study destination.
Central to New Zealand’s appeal as a study destination is its educational philosophy, which takes a student-centred approach. Emphasising critical thinking and practical application, it prepares students for life after exams, extending learning beyond textbooks and classroom lectures. With teachers more as facilitators than lecturers, guiding students through the learning process, it cultivates resourceful, independent thinkers capable of innovation – traits that are highly valued in today’s job market.
Michael Zhang, Regional Director for Greater China, ENZ, explains, “In New Zealand, education is about developing critical thinking and fostering a student-centred journey that continues from early childhood through to the highest level of education. It’s not just about absorbing knowledge or retaining information; it’s about learning how to apply that knowledge, how to use it effectively, and how to interact with others.”
New Zealand’s holistic approach to education has proven successful, as evidenced by its strong performance in international assessments. In the latest Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA), New Zealand students ranked fifth out of 81 countries for creative thinking, a testament to the country’s commitment to nurturing intellectual curiosity and problem-solving skills.
The New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA) plays a pivotal role in maintaining the reputation of New Zealand’s educational qualifications. By defining rigorous standards that education providers must meet, NZQA ensures consistency and quality across all levels of education. For universities, NZQA delegates quality assessment to a separate body that ensures all eight of New Zealand’s universities, each of which is ranked among the top 3% of universities in the world by QS, maintain high and equitable standards.
NZQA’s rigorous quality assurance processes, which include routine and risk-based monitoring, contribute to the credibility of New Zealand’s qualifications. As a signatory to various international conventions on quality assurance and recognition, NZQA works with global partners to ensure its standards evolve according to the changing needs of the sector. This commitment provides students with confidence that their qualifications will be valued and respected worldwide, whether they seek further study or employment in their home country.
Flexibility is built into New Zealand’s education system, allowing students to tailor their learning experiences to their interests and goals. For instance, the National Certificate of Educational Achievement (NCEA), a secondary school qualification, offers over 50 different courses that count towards various qualification levels. The flexibility of this system allows students to pursue multiple interests simultaneously, while earning credits towards higher qualifications, without having to sacrifice one passion for another.
“One example that really highlights the flexibility of New Zealand’s education system comes from a student from Mumbai,” says Jugnu Roy, Director of Engagement East Asia and India, ENZ. “She was torn between her passion for music and her parents’ wish for her to study economics. When she looked at New Zealand, she found it was the only country where she could pursue both – a degree with majors in economics and music. She was thrilled because it allowed her to follow her passion while also meeting her parents’ expectations. It was a perfect blend of both worlds.”
The same principle extends to the tertiary level, where the vocational education system supports multiple pathways for learning. Students can switch between work and study, pursuing qualifications from certificates to PhDs at their own pace. This adaptability is a significant draw for those who value the ability to balance education with real-world experience.
New Zealand’s education system places a strong emphasis on employability, engaging students in hands-on learning experiences that build practical, real-world skills throughout their education journey. Whether building houses, fixing cars, or participating in industry-integrated courses, students gain valuable experience that prepares them for the workforce. At the tertiary level, collaboration between educational institutions and industries further aligns curricula with current market needs.
Michael Zhang notes, “Students have a lot of opportunities to work and learn at the same time. Many courses require a certain amount of practical work, so by the time they graduate, they have substantial hours of real-world experience under their belt. Their teachers often come from the industry, providing invaluable connections to job opportunities.”
Sahinde Pala, General Manager of Sector Services at ENZ, adds, “Even at the high school level, institutions provide career guidance, and at the tertiary level, there are often career advisors available. It’s not just about the qualification; it’s about developing the skills needed to thrive, whether students choose to stay in New Zealand or move elsewhere. Employers are looking for people who know how to function in a team, interact effectively with others, and be a good fit for their organisation.”
Education agents play an important role in shaping the experiences of international students in New Zealand. The 2024 edition of ENZ’s International Student Experience Survey highlights that 84% of students (who used an education agent) reported positively on their agent’s knowledge of their education provider’s application process. This highlights the value of well-informed agents who can provide accurate, detailed guidance, ensuring that students are well-prepared and confident in navigating their study options in New Zealand.
For education agents, New Zealand presents a unique opportunity to diversify study destination expertise and provide comprehensive advice to students seeking a well-rounded study experience. The New Zealand Education Agent Course (NZEAC), developed by ICEF in collaboration with ENZ, is an excellent resource if you’re looking to deepen your knowledge about New Zealand’s education sector. Through this course, you can enhance your ability to highlight New Zealand’s unique value proposition, thus positioning yourself as a trusted advisor who can help students make informed decisions.
