The global economic crisis and New Zealand’s currently favourable rate of exchange has resulted in an influx of foreign students flocking to its shores.

Figures released by Immigration New Zealand reveal that in the year ending 1 February, 67,530 student visas were issued across the country; 4,200 more than last year. Other reports from academic institutions reveal that an increase as large as 36 per cent has been seen in the number of foreign students enrolling at Kiwi universities.


 

Moreover, there appears to be a trend emerging whereby overseas students opt to enrol in New Zealand’s smaller universities, rather than those located in large metropolitan centres such as Auckland and Wellington.

Karl Gill, Director of corporate services at Palmerston North’s International Pacific College (IPC) commented:

“I think our reputation is always increasing, and a lot of students are realising when they go to the bigger cities, it's just like home.

“We are explaining the benefits of coming to a smaller town we still have the nightclubs and fun, but it's a better environment to study and live.”

Presently, Japanese students alone make up half of the student population at IPC, with others hailing from as far a field as Brazil and India.