UP Education welcomes the return of international learners to New Zealand

New Zealand resumes student and visitor visas processing from 31 July 2022 – signalling of the return international students to New Zealand.   

UP Education provides international students with the skills needed to succeed in a rapidly changing world.

With three prominent university partnerships with University of Auckland, Auckland University of Technology and Victoria University Wellington, UP Education enables learners to gain the foundation skills to successfully progress into degree-level study at university.

New Zealand international education is far more than the attainment of an academic qualification – it is an opportunity for students to immerse themselves in cultural values that make New Zealand education unique: manaakitanga (care of people), kaitiakitanga (care of place), and the pōtiki spirit of youthful energy and finding a better way.

“What we offer our international students is the confidence and capability to look at the world through the Number Eight Wire lens that New Zealand has become renowned for. We are committed to preparing the next generation of global thinkers and doers with the skills needed to solve the problems of tomorrow,” says Craig Jones, CEO University Partnerships, UP Education.

“When you study in New Zealand, you have the opportunity to become a well-rounded individual in a culture centred around inclusive values and high-quality education that supports practical learning, self-empowerment and fulfilment.”

“We also see the value international students bring to New Zealand. At UP Education, we motivate students to bring their whole selves to campus in order to learn from each other and build a future that is connected, strong and adaptable.”

Meet Yifei Qin

Earlier in the year, Yifei Qin, was granted a border exception to enter New Zealand from China to study the Auckland University of Technology Certificate in Foundation Studies at UP International College.

Initially, Yifei was apprehensive about leaving his hometown of Luoyang based in central China’s Henan province – where he was surrounded by family and friends.

“Luoyang is a safe tight-knit community in China. I didn’t want stray too far from my comfort zone. New Zealand was the perfect place to study as I got to experience a western education system and practice my English-speaking skills, but also attain the peace and quiet that I’m used to,” says Yifei.

“The move here was definitely worth it. I’ve gotten to know so many people from different cultures and backgrounds which has challenged me to broaden my belief systems beyond the ideals of my hometown.”

“The Māori value for kaitiakitanga (care of place) embedded in New Zealand culture really stuck with me. To see earth as a living being that should be respected comes to show why New Zealand is so clean and neighbourly.”

Meet Galen Green

Galen Green, international student from South Africa, is studying Foundation Studies at UP International College (UPIC) to staircase into degree-level study at Victoria University of Wellington.

Galen was drawn to study in New Zealand because of its reputation for quality education and a high standard of living.

Galen admitted that the adjustment period took a bit of time, but he is glad he made the move – astonished by the pristine landscapes, friendly locals and the range of education opportunities.

“I was home-schooled because there were no schools for miles in my small agricultural community in South Africa,” says Galen.

“As we hardly had access to the internet, computers or electricity growing up, it was important for me to start at a foundation pathway school before I started my degree to improve my digital proficiency.”

“As well as foundation academic skills, UP International College helped me understand how to use computer programmes and navigate student administration so I could hit the ground running in my Bachelor of Engineering degree.”

Having experienced the limitations of living in a rural town with little resources, Galen is driven to use his engineering skills to help bridge the digital divide for those most in need to succeed in education.

As the recipient of the 2022 UPIC Study Award, Galen is well on his way to achieving his education and career aspirations.

UP Education continues to offer tailored learning options for international students, from short micro-credential courses that focus on specialised skills, to foundation-level courses to staircase students into Bachelor level degrees at New Zealand’s top universities.

To find out more, visit the UP Education international webpage.