'Boutique option' for a quality education

Students from China continue to show a strong interest in studying in New Zealand, its education and immigration authorities say.

Education New Zealand says 29,640 students from China were issued student visas last year, 15 percent more than in 2014.

China, together with India, the Philippines, the United States and Brazil, formed the major driving forces for New Zealand's growth in the number of visas issued to students last year, it said.

Chinese formed the largest group taking up tertiary studies in New Zealand last year, accounting for 45 percent of the visas issued.

Steven Joyce, New Zealand's minister for tertiary education, skills and employment, said in a previous interview with China Daily that the number of Chinese enrolling for tertiary education had also risen notably in 2014. Many chose to study subjects such as business and management, English, science, creative arts and education, which are strengths of New Zealand.

What is equally impressive, Joyce said, is that more Chinese families are considering a full range of schooling in New Zealand, from primary school to intermediate school and secondary education.

Last year Chinese students accounted for more than 20 percent of those having their applications approved for visas to study in New Zealand primary and intermediate schools, second to students from South Korea, Education New Zealand said.

Despite the economic slowdown in China and the possibility that the number of Chinese students studying overseas may shrink, Joyce said he is confident New Zealand will not be greatly affected.

Joyce said that because China is moving from a manufacturing-based to a consumption-driven economy, it shares some interests with New Zealand. Trade in food and tourism are likely to increase, for example. "I think we will see flows continue to grow."

Joyce said that with a population of only 4.5 million, New Zealand will never be a mass study destination. "Rather, it is a destination of choice for those seeking a high-quality, globally recognized English-language education in a safe, multicultural, Asia-Pacific environment."

Apart from education, he said, New Zealand is a "boutique option" for Chinese students who seek a high quality of life. Research by Immigration New Zealand found that 43 percent of Chinese students who attained a tertiary degree stay on to work in the country.