12 February 2009

NZ's falling dollar lures more international students

It seems the global financial meltdown has not stopped New Zealand being a top choice for international students.

The New Zealand Herald has reported that 4,200 more New Zealand student visas were granted the year to February than the year prior, taking the total to 67,530. 

Some educational providers were proud to admit that they had grown by over one third in the international student department. 

The weakening New Zealand dollar has been attributed to the mad influx of international students, with some parents paying for two years upfront to take advantage of the current exchange rate.

Education NZ chief executive Robert Stevens warned that although the New Zealand visa applications had increased under the student category, it remains to be seen whether these applicants move to New Zealand and undertake their course.

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The New Zealand Visa Bureau is an independent consulting company specialising in helping people with their New Zealand visa application.