The Minister of Immigration Iain Lees-Galloway announced changes to post-study work rights for international students on 8 August 2018.
The proposed changes safeguard the interests and well-being of international students by reducing the risks of employment exploitation, gaining in-demand skills for New Zealand’s economic growth and incentivising study in the regions.
UCOL submitted feedback to Immigration New Zealand during the policy change consultation period. Executive Director for Business Development, Dr Arthur Chin states “The outcome of the consultation process is a good one for students, employers and the education sector. We welcome the new policy which provides UCOL graduates with the opportunity to apply their learning experiences whilst supporting regional economic growth.”
Dr Chin went on to say that international students are hugely beneficial for educational providers as they bring diversity of learning into and outside of the classroom, allowing a mix of cultures in a New Zealand educational context.
”Employers require applied skills that are unique to the polytechnic sector. Internationalisation of education helps connect New Zealanders with the rest of the world, through learning of different cultures, respect and shared values”.