This story is from May 7, 2006

India, NZ forge new links

Amit Chanda / TNN / May 7, 2006, 19:55 IST

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It's now the turn of Kiwiland to forge a new education partnership with India, which goes beyond admitting Indian students.

It's now the turn of Kiwiland to forge a new education partnership with India, which goes beyond admitting Indian students.
This was the message which was conveyed to India during the recent visit of Hon Trevord Mallard, economic development minister, New Zealand (NZ).
The visit of Mallard focussed on strengthening and forging a new partnership in the area of research between NZ and Indian institutions.
"We are exploring new opportunities that NZ has to offer to Indian students and institutions. In 2005, there were 3340 Indian students compared to 164 in 1998. The NZ international education market is $2 billion per year. The Indian market itself is estimated at $60 million. Our visit centres around raising awareness about the programmes for international students available in our country,"said Mallard.

The minister also announced that an education counsellor would be based in the Capital from year-end to promote closer partnership between institutions in both countries.
This initiative is part of government of NZ's commitment made in 2004 when NZ$40 million were allocated over four years to broaden the international education framework.
This is being achieved through appointment of seven offshore education counsellors, improving quality systems across sectors and for a scholarship and study abroad programme for NZ and international students.

The counsellor in the Capital as Mallard remarked, "will support relationship-building by promoting NZ knowledge of policy, practice and directions in Indian education, assist Indians in understanding the strengths and policies of the NZ systems."
The counsellor will also focus on expanding tertiary links, particularly in research, biotechnology and ICT industries and on student and staff exchange.
The minister also announced that the NZ government has lowered the cost of PhD programmes and international students will be given domestic student status and not charged full fees by the universities. He also talked about scholarship programmes for international PG and UG students.

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