More Indian Students are heading towards New Zealand

India is one of the leading countries sending its students to New Zealand's educational institutions, the island has projected a 5% increase in enrollment from the subcontinent this year.

Xiena Jalil, Regional Director of South Asia for Education New Zealand speaking on the sidelines of a New Zealand Education Fair on Sunday, said that 11,349 students from India flew to New Zealand during the calendar year (January to December,2012 for higher education).

"It is projected that the present figures would further increase by five per cent in the current year. Indians formed the second largest among the international students admitted to New Zealand institutions, after the Chinese," she added.

A total number of 22 institutions from across the island nation, offering an array of courses ranging from business, design, engineering and hospitality, are taking part in the fair.

"Students from India, particularly, those with engineering background opted for business courses. Science and Technology are another key subject area," she added. More than 50 per cent of Indians pursuing higher studies in New Zealand were from North India.

"We have started to focus on Southern States as it is a huge market for overseas education with quality students. In fact, four education fairs are being conducted in Bengaluru, Chennai, Chandigarh and Delhi, of which the fair in Chennai is the biggest," an official added.

Asked about job opportunities for Indian students passing out in New Zealand, Ziena Jalil pointed out that students, who had completed two-year programme in New Zealand were given access to job search visa, which is valid for a year. "As far as permanent residency is concerned, some Indian students employed in New Zealand are applying for it," she said.