A recent study by FPP EDUMedia Inc and Intead LLC revealed that 44 per cent of Thai students are willing to go overseas in a bid to pursue specific academic interests, with 41 per cent hoping to experience a different lifestyle from their stint overseas.
New Zealand is firmly committed to providing excellent learning opportunities for Thai students, and over the years, it has grown as a key education destination among students in Thailand.
In 2015, New Zealand saw a six per cent increase in the total number of Thai students pursuing their education there – a testament to the rising reputation of New Zealand's high-quality education.
Highly regarded, widely recognised qualifications
With an education system that encourages inventive and innovative thinking, and teaching techniques that reach far beyond traditional learning, education institutions in New Zealand offer internationally recognised qualifications providing Thai students with great leverage to build their career path.
New Zealand's eight universities all rank among the top three per cent globally, with many of their programmes featuring in the top 50 QS subject rankings, led by the University of Otago's ranking of 12th for dentistry.
In addition, the business schools of the University of Waikato, the University of Auckland and Victoria University of Wellington also hold the prestigious "Triple Crown" accreditation, and are among only 73 business schools worldwide to do so.
Providing the best through partnerships
New Zealand education institutions also place great importance on partnerships with schools around the world, including the important market of Thailand.
The commitment to providing the best academic and real-world skills to Thai students has culminated in several partnerships with institutions in Thailand and the introduction of initiatives that make it easier for Thais to study in New Zealand.
These partnerships also include vocational training and skills development for Thai professionals and teachers. For example, last year Otago Polytechnic and the University of Otago delivered a programme to health professionals from Praboromarajchanok Institute for Health Workforce Development, while several teachers from the University of Otago Language Centre are currently in Thailand training teachers at two of Thailand's most prestigious secondary schools, Mahidol Witayanusorn School and Princess Chulabhorn Colleges.
The new Pathway Student Visa launched this year will also provide Thai students pursuing their education in New Zealand with a more seamless study experience. This visa will allow international students to undertake up to three consecutive programmes of study with selected education providers on a single visa that is valid for up to five years.
With processes such as this and with New Zealand being an exciting and safe place to learn and grow, we look forward to warmly welcoming more Thai students.