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NEW ZEALAND'S EDUCATION INFORMATION ONLINE |
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NEW ZEALAND'S EDUCATION INFORMATION ONLINE |
The latest student visa dashboards released today shows 2015 has been another strong year for the international education industry – a total of 91,062 student visas were approved, a 13%, or 10,407, increase in approved visas on 2014.
“From a resurgent US study abroad market to countries like Colombia and Brazil driving new growth, it’s very positive to start 2016 with three consecutive years of growth behind us,” says Grant McPherson, Education New Zealand Chief Executive.
“The data also shows though, that our approach in 2015 is just as relevant for 2016 – having a diversified and sustainable approach to markets, realising regional growth, delivering the best possible student experience and, for some, significantly stepping up international delivery remain high on the agenda in 2016.”
“As we launch into another year of promoting, supporting and delivering international education, and while the global picture continues to change and present new challenges, it can be helpful to consider the trends and insights on the year that was.”
Going nationwide
Almost all New Zealand regions experienced strong growth in 2015, bringing all the associated benefits of a diverse student population living, shopping, eating, renting and travelling to more communities around the country. Growth in the number of student visas was strongest in:
Southland, Bay of Plenty and Nelson saw the largest percentage growth regionally, up 27% (229), 20% (361) and 16% (1,478) respectively.
Recovery, but not to 2009 heights
2015 was no exception to the steady growth the industry has experienced since 2012. An average growth rate of 15% in total student visas approvals year-on-year has seen an additional 25,664 approvals for study in New Zealand. Despite this, the industry has not reached the heights of 2009 when over 96,000 student visas were approved.
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Growth in first-time student visa approvals in 2015 is not only coming from Asia. Student visa approvals from the USA have increased, as they have in emerging markets such as Brazil, Colombia and the Philippines.
Returning students drive total growth
Returning students are responsible for 55% of the increase in overall student visa approvals. These returning students form the backbone of growth for many markets such as India, where 83% of the growth was as a result of visa approvals for continued study in New Zealand.
Growth for all
All sectors saw steady growth in 2015. The university sector experienced an increase of 6% (1,447), primarily driven by Chinese, Indian and American students. The school sector grew by 8% (1,087), an encouraging trend despite fewer scholarship students from Latin America studying here last year. Private Training Establishments and Institutes of Technology and Polytechnics grew by 16% (4,943) and 25% (2,853), respectively.
New Zealand Education February 2016