Spearheading technology and education!
New Zealand is often cited for the Māori way of life, glorious ski slopes, delicious cuisine, and the plethora of fulfilling adventures that awaits any visitor. Yet, in addition to all the natural marvels and the mouth-watering food you can surround yourself with, New Zealand offers world-class tertiary education, making this island nation a university student’s paradise!
The country is constantly at the forefront of innovation, making breakthroughs across the many areas of science over the years, from renewable energy to nuclear physics. This in turn has laid a firm foundation for its tertiary education offerings that are on a par with the global best.
In fact, Malaysia’s first astrophysicist attended the University of Otago in Dunedin, New Zealand and graduated with a BSc. (Honours) in 1975. Professor Emerita Dato' Seri Dr Mazlan binti Othman went on to help create a curriculum in astrophysics at the National University of Malaysia, as well as build public awareness and understanding of astronomy and space issues in Malaysia.
Space exploration continues to shape New Zealand’s future. Part of the educational revolution that sets New Zealand apart is its involvement in the latest Love At First Insight mission. Rocket Lab, an end-to-end space company delivering reliable launch services, spacecraft, satellite components, and on-orbit management, has scheduled a lift-off from Launch Complex 1 on New Zealand’s Maha Peninsula.
How cool is that?
Today, technology has revolutionised the education landscape, and New Zealand is far from behind. The country’s education system equips people with the skills and knowledge needed to participate, create and thrive in whatever pathway they choose.
"We want to create more opportunities for students to begin their study journey with New Zealand either in their home country or online."
BEN BURROWES - Regional Director - Asia
Study with New Zealand!
So why should you consider New Zealand as your choice for tertiary study?
On a par with the best of the world
All of New Zealand’s universities adhere to global standards and are regularly tested and monitored by the government to ensure a consistently high level of education, irrespective of where you choose to study.
The country is home to eight state-funded universities, with the New Zealand Qualifications Framework (NZQF) ensuring quality control within the higher education framework.
Besides that, New Zealand has a progressive, responsive educational system that combines traditional principles of teaching with innovation and technology. This equates to globally recognised and well-respected qualifications.
“We’re building a reputation for study programmes that are linked to some fast-emerging industries such as gaming, 3D animation, cybersecurity and even in agricultural technology. It is those emerging industries that New Zealand is able to keep up to speed with, in terms of the skills employers are looking for,”
Global Rankings and a growth mindset
Considering that every student preference, course and university offering is different, it is important to make a well-informed decision. The great news is all of New Zealand’s universities are ranked highly on the QS World University Rankings and Times Higher Education World University Rankings.
“New Zealand’s universities are amongst the top 3% in the world. The education system is very much future focused, so graduates go on to being some of the most sought after in the job market globally,” says Ben.
“The key difference in why we rank so highly is that NZ has quite a unique learning and teaching environment.”
Students in New Zealand are encouraged to think for themselves, to be more analytical, creative and be independent thinkers who ask the questions that matter. This not only helps develop students’ cognitive skills but also helps them progress in the real world.
Ben elaborates, “We’re quite lucky that a lot of the learning happens outside of the classroom as well. Teachers give students the opportunity to apply what they’re learning into a real-life scenario.”
Far-Future Transportation Technology
Work Benefits
New Zealand has several unique work advantages for international students including the ability to work full-time during holidays and the option of applying for a six-month work permit to gain points for a residency application.
Students who choose to pursue their studies with New Zealand are not only getting a quality qualification but a possible lifestyle change. New Zealand is one of the few countries in the world to offer foreign graduates opportunities to obtain a post study work visa and work in New Zealand.
Embracing the rich heritage
Indigenous communities are often at the heart of all activities in New Zealand. In recent years, the country has made a huge effort to preserve and honour its Māori culture.
In line with its culture of supporting indigenous communities, the New Zealand High Commission in Kuala Lumpur (NZHCKL) has been running the Te Aka Internship Programme for the Indigenous Malaysian students.
ENZ has also done its part by collaborating with Universiti Malaya's Centre for Malaysian Indigenous Studies, the Tuyang Initiative and Orang Asal Academic & Activism groups that support the issues affecting indigenous people of Malaysia.
Most recently, ENZ partnered with Universiti Malaya to launch the Whakatipu scholarship for three indigenous Malaysian students who were accepted into the university this year.
In addition to the set units that form the academic course, these students will study Indigenous Knowledge at Universiti Malaya and experience learning with New Zealand institutions as part of the scholarship. An element of what they will learn includes learning Te reo Māori, the native indigenous language of New Zealand’s Māori people via an e-learning platform called Future Learn.
The programme also provides the scholarship recipients with internship placements at the New Zealand High Commission in Kuala Lumpur (NZHCKL) so to enable them to get a more holistic and authentic New Zealand experience.
“Through this initiative, we hope that we can be a part of creating global students through this programme and introduce a bigger awareness about our New Zealand culture,” says Ben.