Pune

India has emerged as the second largest source of international students to New Zealand where the universities are producing “job ready” graduates and professionals, according to Education New Zealand (ENZ).

The immigration and visa formalities had been made smooth to make New Zealand an education destination for prospective Indian students to pursue among other disciplines specialized courses in cyber security, sports management, animation science and hospitality, John Laxon, Regional Director (India) ENZ, a government body of that country, told a press conference here today.

“Immigration New Zealand (INZ) has recently introduced a new Pathway Student Visa which allows for a more seamless study experience, Students can undertake up to three consecutive programmes of study with selected education providers on a single visa that is valid for five years.

Earlier, a student would need to apply for three separate visas,” he added.

India is the second largest source of international students to New Zealand with 20,227 enrollments at educational institutions in that country during 2014 with a 20 per cent increase in the total student visas in 2015, Nathanael Mackay, Area Manager, INZ, said.

“New Zealand is very safe and welcoming country which is an important consideration for students thinking about studying abroad,” Laxon said adding that the “multi-cultural” nation with students and nationalities from 118 countries did not harbour any racial bias.

“Love of cricket is one of the strongest bonds between India and New Zealand,” he felt.

PTI