India As a Source of International Students.

India is an increasingly important market for New Zealand education providers, particularly those which provide vocational education services. Enrolment levels have rapidly increased since 2006. Demographic trends and domestic tertiary education participation levels indicate that there are very strong prospects to further expand enrolments from this source, if desired.

The key opportunities for New Zealand education institutions are that:

�         India has a similar education system due to common British colonial backgrounds

�         Indian students graduating with a New Zealand degree have the option to apply for permanent

�         residency and to find work after completing their study

�         New Zealand is seen as a safe environment for international students

�          there is potential to link with tourism and some other sectors

�         there is an accredited group of New Zealand Specialist Agents (NZSA) to advise students,

�         their details are available online at www.newzealandeducated.com/nzsai

The barriers for New Zealand education institutions are:

�         The presence of proactive, well-funded competitors in the market

�         negative stories trickling back about a lack of job opportunities in New Zealand

�         issue of branding for institutes of technology and polytechnics since there is a differing

�         perception of the term �polytechnic� in the Indian market

�         influx of Indian students at some New Zealand tertiary providers

�         the distance

In June 2009 the Global Peace Index (www.visionofhumanity.org) rated New Zealand as the most peaceful country in the world. The news created a marketing opportunity at a time when Indian students have become highly sensitive about racial abuse.

The cost of education (tuition fees and living costs) in New Zealand compares very competitively against other English-speaking countries. Therefore, during the global recession New Zealand is able to take advantage of this. However, rather than being branded as cheap, the message needs to be that New Zealand is a quality destination with fantastic value for money.

Student-friendly immigration policies such as 12-month job search visas and two-year work permits after completion of courses are extremely competitive and persuasive.

India offers huge opportunities for New Zealand to tap into short-term training courses or tailor-made short courses such as marine engineering. These also benefit the New Zealand economy as these students are mainly looking at short-term skill enhancement rather than New Zealand work or immigration.

According to local Indian education agents, Indian students are attracted to New Zealand as an education destination primarily due to the affordable cost, attractive post-education work rights, and the possibility of gaining permanent residency after completion.

New Zealand�s market share has increased significantly in the past two to three years. This is attributed to: increased awareness of New Zealand as an education destination; enhanced promotional activities/spend; a considerable number of New Zealand providers promoting in India; streamlined student visa procedures; and student-friendly immigration policies.