Surge in overseas students awaited in region

Time will tell whether the world economic crisis and a low New Zealand dollar will bring international students flocking to study in Palmerston North.

Figures released by Immigration NZ show that in the year ending February 1, 67,530 student visas were issued nationwide, 4200 more than last year.

And Education New Zealand said education providers around the country are reporting an increase in international enrolments - some by up to 36 per cent.

But Palmerston North schools and tertiary institutes say they have not seen a big rise in international enrolments - yet.

Palmerston North Boys' High rector Tim O'Connor said there had been more overseas inquiries.

But a cap on enrolments meant only 25 students were accepted each year.

"It's been pretty positive - I would say there has been more demand."

Though fee-paying international students brought an extra $12,200 a year each to the school, it would not be fair on local boys to accept more, he said.

"We have always had a cap at 25, because we didn't want anyone to see it as a fundraising campaign . . . and by putting international students into a hostel with limited places, we are taking away from New Zealand students who want to come."

International Pacific College dean Peter Finch reported a slight increase in enrolments.

But he was not convinced the economic downturn would prove positive, saying it was just as likely students would can the idea of international study.

This was echoed by Freyberg High principal Peter Brooks, who said there were fewer fee-paying international students at his school.

There were still plenty of international students on Rotary and AFS exchange programmes, refugee students and international students who had become New Zealand residents, he added. International enrolments were steady at Palmerston North Girls' High.

But they could surge mid-year when the northern hemisphere school year began, principal Melba Scott said.

Massey University spokesman James Gardiner said preliminary figures showed international enrolments are up in Palmerston North.

- © Fairfax NZ News