News

ISEA is pleased to advise that we will offer a round of Online Agent Training in April for education agents promoting New Zealand as a study destination.

The next sessions for online training have been set as follows:

The training will be delivered via the Zoom platform. We will send you a URL link to join the training prior to each session.

Please ensure you

• Have a computer (individually) with a camera and microphone available
• Have downloaded and installed Zoom Client for Meetings in your computer
• Have created an account with Zoom

Please note

• A presentation will be shared to your screen for each module during the training.
• Please take notes as required throughout the training.
• An online quiz will be included for each module. This is not a test but a way to help each one of you to understand the training content clearly.
• We encourage you to engage with us during the training by asking questions and sharing your knowledge and experience.
• A set of training documents will be posted to you after the training.

Book the training now at [email protected]

ISEA is pleased to advise that we will offer a round of Online Agent Training in February for education agents promoting New Zealand as a study destination.

The next sessions for online training have been set as follows:

The training will be delivered via the Zoom platform. We will send you a URL link to join the training prior to each session.

Please ensure you

• Have a computer (individually) with a camera and microphone available
• Have downloaded and installed Zoom Client for Meetings in your computer
• Have created an account with Zoom

Please note

• A presentation will be shared to your screen for each module during the training.
• Please take notes as required throughout the training.
• An online quiz will be included for each module. This is not a test but a way to help each one of you to understand the training content clearly.
• We encourage you to engage with us during the training by asking questions and sharing your knowledge and experience.
• A set of training documents will be posted to you after the training.

Book the training now at [email protected]

ISEA is pleased to advise that we will offer a round of Online Agent Training in February for education agents promoting New Zealand as a study destination.

The next sessions for online training have been set as follows:

The training will be delivered via the Zoom platform. We will send you a URL link to join the training prior to each session.

Please ensure you

• Have a computer (individually) with a camera and microphone available
• Have downloaded and installed Zoom Client for Meetings in your computer
• Have created an account with Zoom

Please note

• A presentation will be shared to your screen for each module during the training.
• Please take notes as required throughout the training.
• An online quiz will be included for each module. This is not a test but a way to help each one of you to understand the training content clearly.
• We encourage you to engage with us during the training by asking questions and sharing your knowledge and experience.
• A set of training documents will be posted to you after the training.

Book the training now at [email protected]

ISEA organised a morning tea for our accredited agents and industry support partners on 11th December to appreciate their contribution and support to the ISEA initiatives.

It has been a tough year for the international education industry but we believe together we can get through this and welcome international students to New Zealand, one of the safest study destinations in the world in the near future.

We look forward to continuously working with each other in the coming 2021.

ISEA is pleased to welcome our new industry support partner Study Northland.

Owned by Northland Inc, the regional economic development agency for the Northland region, Study Northland works with a range of high quality schools and tertiary institutions to promote Northland as a study destination and to ensure international students are provided with a safe and supportive environment.

Northland is the warmest part of New Zealand and is known for stunning beaches, ancient kauri forests and rich cultural heritage. We have low international student numbers and strong outdoor education programs so students can learn to surf, sail, ride horses, play golf and a range of other activities. Students also have opportunities to visit and stay on a marae, to learn Te Reo (Maori Language) and to visit Waitangi and Cape Reinga.

ISEA look forward to working closely with Study Northland to bring more international students to study in the Northland region.

Website: www.studynorthland.nz

Facebook: StudyNorthlandnz

Instagram: studynorthland

YouTube:  Study Northland

ISEA are pleased to introduce the newest member of our Education Advisory Board, Mr Celso Luiz Garcia.

 Celso is one of the founders and Co-CEO at CI Intercambio, one of the biggest and most prestigious education and language travel agencies in Brazil. He has more than 35 years of experience working with international education, running 120 CI offices in Brazil and offices overseas in Canada, Ireland, Australia, and New Zealand. Celso has been President of BELTA (Brazilian Educational and Language Travel Association) and director and board member of several other organizations linked to the national and international travel and education industry in Brazil.

ISEA is pleased to welcome our new industry support partner Destination Rotorua.

As one of the Rotorua Lakes Council controlled organisations, Destination Rotorua is the economic development agency and the Regional Tourism Organisation for the Rotorua district. International students can find a variety of study options available at nearly 50 primary and secondary schools in Rotorua. Toi Ohomai Institute of Technolgy, one of the largest Institute of Technology and Polytechnics in New Zealand, operates two campuses in this region. International students are provided with one-on-one learning opportunities to overcome language and study difficulties. As a renowned tourist destination, international students are able to access fantastic extracurricular activities only available in Rotorua, which provide them with a unique study environment and enrich their learning experiences.

ISEA looks forward to working closely with Destination Rotura to explore possible cooperations on promoting Study in Rotorua.

Website: www.rotoruanz.com/study

Facebook: RotoruaNZ

Instagram: rotoruanz

YouTube: Rotorua NZ

ISEA is pleased to welcome our new preferred partner Whanganui & Partners.

Whanganui & Partners is Whanganui’s economic development agency which is dedicated to delivering a thriving and resilient economy to the Whanganui district.

There are a wide range of courses and programmes available to international students and there are over 50 schools and tertiary education providers in the Whanganui region. The small size of the district makes Whanganui a perfect place for international students to closely connect with the local community, build relationships with peers and tutors, get involved in the outdoors, sports and cultural activities. International students are carefully looked after and supported by a warm and diverse community.

ISEA will work closely with Whanganui & Partners to develop business opportunities and bring more international students to study in the Whanganui region.

Website: discoverwhanganui.nz/education

Facebook: Whanganui & Partners and Discover Whanganui

LinkedIn: Whanganui and Partners

Instagram: Discover Whanganui

ISEA is pleased to advise that we will offer a round of Online Agent Training in December for education agents promoting New Zealand as a study destination.

The next sessions for online training have been set as follows:

The training will be delivered via the Zoom platform. We will send you a URL link to join the training prior to each session.

Please ensure you

• Have a computer (individually) with a camera and microphone available
• Have downloaded and installed Zoom Client for Meetings in your computer
• Have created an account with Zoom

Please note

• A presentation will be shared to your screen for each module during the training.
• Please take notes as required throughout the training.
• An online quiz will be included for each module. This is not a test but a way to help each one of you to understand the training content clearly.
• We encourage you to engage with us during the training by asking questions and sharing your knowledge and experience.
• A set of training documents will be posted to you after the training.

Book the training now at [email protected]

ISEA is pleased to announce Central Economic Development Agency (CEDA) as our preferred partner.

CEDA is the economic development agency, and regional tourism organisation, for Palmerston North city and Manawatū. As a vibrant hub located in the lower half of the North Island of New Zealand, this region welcomes around 3,000 international students across the world every year to attend from primary school through to postgraduate programmes at a variety of world-class education providers. Palmerston North city has been accredited as a Safe City by the International Safe Community Foundation and the region is often ranked as of the most affordable areas to live in New Zealand.

ISEA will work closely with CEDA to develop business opportunities and bring more international students to study at its connected education providers.

Website: www.manawatunz.co.nz/study

Facebook: ManawatuNZ

Instagram: manawatu_nz

ISEA is pleased to welcome our preferred partner, Pearson PTE Academic.

Pearson PTE Academic is a leading English language test provider widely accepted by educational institutions and government agencies across the world.

As a preferred partner, ISEA will work with Pearson PTE Academic to develop business opportunities with industry stakeholders including education providers, education agents, international students and government agencies.  

ISEA is pleased to announce Southern Cross Travel Insurance as a new ISEA preferred partner.

Southern Cross Travel Insurance (SCTI) is a 100% New Zealand owned specialist travel insurer in operation for over 38 years. SCTI’s TravelCare products and services are award-winning. SCTI’s International Student product offers 24/7 emergency assistance and no excess charge on medical costs, and can cover not only the student but his or her spouse and dependent children.

ISEA will work with SCTI to develop business opportunities with industry stakeholders, including education providers, education agents and international students.

Website: www.scti.co.nz

ISEA is pleased to advise that we will offer a round of Online Agent Training in November for education agents promoting New Zealand as a study destination.

The next sessions for online training have been set as follows:

The training will be delivered via the Zoom platform. We will send you a URL link to join the training prior to each session.

Please ensure you

• Have a computer (individually) with a camera and microphone available
• Have downloaded and installed Zoom Client for Meetings in your computer
• Have created an account with Zoom

Please note

• The training will be delivered by Rachel, the ISEA director.
• A presentation will be shared to your screen for each module during the training.
• Please take notes as required throughout the training.
• An online quiz will be included for each module. This is not a test but a way to help each one of you to understand the training content clearly.
• We encourage you to engage with us during the training by asking questions and sharing your knowledge and experience.
• A set of training documents will be posted to you after the training.

Book the training now at [email protected]

The Minister of Education announced that a group of 250 international postgraduate students will be allowed to enter New Zealand to resume their studies as a border exemption, subject to 14-day quarantine at an approved isolation facility at their own cost, beginning in November 2020.

Only PhD and Master students who hold or held a visa for 2020, and whose long-term commitment to study here was disrupted by COVID-19 will be included in this small group. Priority will be given first to those who need to be in the country for the practical components of their research and study, such as medicine, veterinary, engineering, laboratory sciences, agricultural research.

The reason to prioritise PhD and master students is they are deemed to “make a significant contribution to our research and innovation systems and boost the global reputations and competitiveness of our institutions” according to the minister.

Although other education providers including schools and private training establishments might be disappointed with this announcement as their students are not considered at this point, it is a small step in the right direction for the international education sector.

The Government will review other possible border exceptions, as and when it is safe to do so.

ISEA is pleased to announce Learning Hawke’s Bay as a new ISEA industry support partner.

Funded by Hastings District Council, Napier City Council and its members, Learning Hawke’s Bay is an association of around 20 schools and tertiary providers situated in the Hawke’s Bay region. Learning Hawke’s Bay is dedicated to developing international education in the Hawke’s Bay region by promoting the region as a desirable education destination and running regional programmes to help ensure international students have a positive experience in Hawke’s Bay. Specifically, it works with central government agencies and other partners to promote the region and its member schools/institutions via digital marketing channels and other marketing activities and events, connects education agents with its members, and organises international student support programmes such as mayoral welcome functions and student ambassador programmes.

Website: www.learninghawkesbay.nz
Facebook: www.facebook.com/LearningHB
WeChat: LearningHawkesBayNZ

ISEA is pleased to advise that we are collaborating with Immigration New Zealand to organise an agent update webinar on 21st October 2020.

Celia Coombes from Immigration New Zealand will present at the webinar to provide agents with insights and updates about student visa application matters.

Date: Wednesday, 21st October 2020
Time: 3:00 – 4:00 pm NZ time
Topic: Update on processing and policies in light of COVID-19 impacts
Guest Speaker: Celia Coombes, Sector Strategy Manager, Immigration New Zealand

ISEA will send the meeting webinar link to our accredited agents and agent members in early October.

ISEA is pleased to announce Study Taranaki as a new support partner.

Study Taranaki is the brand that represents a group of education providers who offer high-quality education and care to international students in the Taranaki region, on the west coast of the North Island. The group includes schools from primary through to secondary level, public tertiary institutions and private training establishments. Taranaki has a wealth of opportunities for employment across a range of careers, including the energy sector, agriculture, food technology, nursing, engineering, and agri-tech.

Website: www.study.taranaki.info

We are pleased to announce a new strategic partnership is currently under development between International Standards Education Agents (ISEA) and Enroller. The partnership will serve to provide benefits to both education agents and education providers and will focus on creating new products and services to respond to the challenges and recovery of the current and post COVID-19 international student market. 

International Standards Education Agents (ISEA) is the central hub for Education Agents promoting New Zealand as a study destination, and aims to serve the needs of the sector by providing Training, Representation, Management and an industry approved Accreditation system.

Enroller is an international student marketing and enrolment platform designed to make it easy for more than 100 education providers and 1300 education agents globally to access digital marketing content and process student enquiries and enrolments online.

We look forward to providing more details about the partnership and how this can benefit you soon.

Website: www.iseducationagents.com   Email: [email protected]	Website: www.enroller.co.nz   Email: [email protected]

ISEA are pleased to advise that we will offer a round of Online Agent Training in October for education agents promoting New Zealand as a study destination.

The next sessions for online training have been set as follows:

The training will be delivered via the Zoom platform. We will send you a URL link to join the training prior to each session.

Please ensure you

• Have a computer (individually) with a camera and microphone available
• Have downloaded and installed Zoom Client for Meetings in your computer
• Have created an account with Zoom

Please note

• The training will be delivered by Rachel, the ISEA director.
• A presentation will be shared to your screen for each module during the training.
• Please take notes as required throughout the training.
• An online quiz will be included for each module. This is not a test but a way to help each one of you to understand the training content clearly.
• We encourage you to engage with us during the training by asking questions and sharing your knowledge and experience.
• A set of training documents will be posted to you after the training.

Book the training now at [email protected]

Pearson PTE Academic is organising a FREE webinar for those who want to know more about studying and living in New Zealand. 

Agents and international students are welcome to join the webinar for expert advice and tips for studying in New Zealand. 

Ben Burrowes, the Regional Manager (East Asia) of Education New Zealand will present at the webinar.

Click here to register now to reserve your place

Date: Tuesday, 22 September 2020

Time: 6:00 pm NZ Time

ISEA are pleased to advise that we will offer a round of Online Agent Training in September for education agents promoting New Zealand as a study destination.

The next sessions for online training have been set as follows:

The training will be delivered via the Zoom platform. We will send you a URL link to join the training prior to each session.

Please ensure you

• Have a computer (individually) with a camera and microphone available
• Have downloaded and installed Zoom Client for Meetings in your computer
• Have created an account with Zoom

Please note

• The training will be delivered by Rachel, the ISEA director.
• A presentation will be shared to your screen for each module during the training.
• Please take notes as required throughout the training.
• An online quiz will be included for each module. This is not a test but a way to help each one of you to understand the training content clearly.
• We encourage you to engage with us during the training by asking questions and sharing your knowledge and experience.
• A set of training documents will be posted to you after the training.

Book the training now at [email protected]

ISEA are pleased to announce Study Queenstown as a new support partner. Study Queenstown promotes study opportunities in the Queenstown Lakes District and works with members across the English Language Sector, Schools Sector and Tertiary Education Sector. Queenstown is New Zealand’s premium destination for education, offering world class educational opportunities through a range of education providers, international connectivity and a unique student experience.

Immigration New Zealand announced on 31st July that they will suspend most types of temporary visas applications from offshore applicant within the next three months.

Due to the border closures, Immigration New Zealand have not been processing any offshore visa applications except for the applicants who have met the restrict exemption criteria. However, over the past few months, many offshore visa applicants continued to lodge visa applications expecting their applications to be processed.

According to the announcement, only a small group of offshore temporary visa applications are not affected

• relationship-based visas for partners and dependent children of New Zealand citizens and residents
• visas for diplomatic, consular and official staff and accompanying dependants
• Antarctic Traveller Visitor visas and Antarctic Work visas
• Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE) Limited visas.

Offshore student visa, general visitor visa and most work visa applications will not be processed until further announcement.

Those who have already submitted a temporary visa application but are living offshore, are encouraged to withdraw their application and request a refund.

Click on the link to find out how you will get a refund for your visa application fee.

The Minister of Education announced on 27 July that the government will invest $51.6 million to help stabilise New Zealand’s international education sector through its long-term recovery plan.

• $20 million will be allocated to state and state-integrated schools to keep international specialists employed in teaching and providing pastoral care to international students
• $10 million will be allocated to Private Training Establishments (PTEs) including English language schools
• $10 million will be spent to develop new future-focused products and services, including allowing students to study from their home country
• $6.6 million will be spent on pastoral care and other activities for international students
• $3 million will be allocated for market activities to keep promoting New Zealand’s education brand, etc
• $1.5 million will be allocated to English language schools to deliver English language training to migrants
• $500K will be allocated to ensure the quality of New Zealand education being delivered offshore and to strengthen the quality assurance process.

Some further highlights of the Minister’s announcement include:

• Universities will not be allocated funds since they are financially doing well.
• Education providers should not expect to bring in students from overseas this year.
• The Government will be looking at bringing in low-risk cohorts of students first.
• International students, if they do come to New Zealand, will be responsible for the costs of their isolation/quarantine period.

Education New Zealand will administer the proposed funds for marketing and brand protection activities and development of new future-focused products and services, etc. Criteria for allocation of funding for PTEs and English language schools will be jointly managed by Ministry of Education and Tertiary Education Commission (TEC).

The International Student Hardship Fund has been fully allocated with around 11,000 international students receiving support in forms of cash grants, food parcels and accommodation support.

The New Zealand government has released a new programme to assist foreign nationals, including international students, impacted by the Covid-19 Pandemic with basic needs such as food and accommodation.

Temporary visa holders who are not able to financially support themselves are advised to depart New Zealand if possible. However, for those who have remained in New Zealand due to various reasons, the government will provide assistance to those who are suffering serious hardship if all other avenues of potential support have been exhausted.

Under the new programme, assistance may be provided for food, household goods, basic clothing, medication, accommodation, utilities, pre-paid phone cards to enable emergency communication and communication with consulate/embassy, and petrol/travel with limitations applied. No cash payments will be offered.

The programme commenced on 1st July and will last for three months. It is projected that approximately 20,000 individuals are experiencing serious hardship. New Zealand Red Cross has been contracted to deliver assistance to foreign nationals.

For details, please refer to the FAQ documents.

Stephen Town, the former Chief Executive of Auckland Council, has been appointed the inaugural Chief Executive Officer of New Zealand Institute of Skills and Technology.  Stephen commenced his role on the 6th July 2020 and will be based out of the WINTEC city campus in Hamilton.

Stephen looks forward to bringing the merged 16 national institutes of technology and polytechnics together to build a sustainable and world-class vocational education system that benefits students, workforce, employers as well as New Zealand’s social and economic development.

The headquarters of NZIST is based in Hamilton.

The New Zealand Government has announced changes to help the International Education sector which has been seriously affected by the Covid-19 pandemic

The Minister of Education, Chris Hipkins, announced that the government will make amendments to the Education and Training Bill to help the international education sector’s recovery from COVID-19 and respond to future emergencies. The main changes include:

• Waiving the Export Education Levy imposed on education providers for 2020 and 2021 to reduce their financial burden.
• Postponement of the implementation of the Code of Practice for the pastoral care for domestic tertiary students, which was planned to be implemented during the period 1 January 2021 to 1 January 2022. The current interim Code of Practice for domestic students will be in place until the 1 January 2022.
• Temporarily allow state and state-integrated schools to offer distance learning, including NCEA, to students based off-shore, on a case-by-case basis.
• Enabling the Minister of Education to vary a tertiary funding determination, without a three-month stand-down period, in response to an epidemic or emergency.
• Providing a new set of powers for the Secretary when a state of emergency, epidemic notice, or national transition period for recovery is in place.

For more information, please refer to the government and Ministry of Education website.

The New Zealand government established a one-million hardship fund for international students who are experiencing financial hardships due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

• Applications must be submitted from education providers and organisations. Individual international students and education agents are excluded from submitting an application.
• Funds will be provided to international students by education providers and organisations who are granted the fund
• The maximum amount for each request is $20,000.
• Applications must be submitted via this provide link.
• The application is opened from 21 May and will be closed until further notice.

For details, please refer to the International Student Hardship Fund official website.

International Standards Education Agents (ISEA) are pleased to advise that we have decided to offer a Free Education Agency Membership to education agents who promote New Zealand as a study destination.

The free ISEA Agency Membership opportunity is valid for the period 1st June 2020 to 30th September 2020.

Benefits of becoming an ISEA Education Agency Member

• Access to industry updates via ISEA Agent Newsletters and announcements
• Education Agencies will have access to contact ISEA with any industry related questions. This excludes any questions for individual course enrolment and student visa application processes and documentation checking.
• Have a voice – access to participate in initiatives for the sector
• Discount for joining the ISEA Training and Accreditation programme
• Discounts for participating in industry events and workshops

If you would like to become an ISEA agent member, sign up for the ISEA Education Agent Membership now.