English language enrolments up

A significant increase in the numbers of international students learning English in Otago is being hailed as a big win for the region.

Figures released by Education New Zealand once again showed Otago was lagging behind most of the country when it came to overall international student numbers and numbers increased by only 1% to 5127, compared with a 13% rise nationally.

However, one area where Otago outperformed the rest of New Zealand was in attracting students learning English, as numbers increased by 22% (or 159 students) in the January-August period compared with the corresponding period last year.

University of Otago language centre and foundation year chief executive Roger McElwainsaid this increase was especially positive because many of the students learning English would go on to enrol at tertiary providers in the region.

The increase was evident both in the university's language centre and in Queenstown, where there were three English language schools, Mr McElwain said.

''From our point of view here at the university, even though the start of the year was relatively slow, we've have seen significant momentum build up through the year.''

The numbers were especially good for students coming from China, Japan and Thailand, he said.

This positive picture was not replicated in other sectors, with the Otago region experiencing the largest decline (-7%) in international secondary students in the country.

Enrolments in the primary school sector fell 24% and the university sector was flat with a 1% increase.

Enterprise Dunedin export education co-ordinator Sarah Gauthier said the 1% increase in overall international numbers in Otago showed the ''tide was beginning to turn'' after decreases in previous years.

The sectors were working together and ''strong plans'' were being put in place to ensure that in future years Otago would ''definitely'' perform as well as some of the better performing regions, Ms Gauthier said.

Tertiary Education, Skills and Employment Minister Steven Joyce welcomed the overall increase across New Zealand.

''This strong growth is testament to the efforts of education providers nationwide who continue to deliver excellent education and provide outstanding study experiences to domestic and international students alike.''

He said the increased enrolments resulted in an additional $91 million in tuition fee revenue for education providers, which reached a record $804 million for the January to August period.

There were 104,418 international students in New Zealand in the first eight months of this year, 11,760 more enrolments than in the corresponding period last year.

vaughan.elder@odt.co.nz

 

 


The numbers

International student numbers between January and August 2015. -

Numbers in Otago increased by 1% to 5127 compared with the corresponding period last year.

Largest increase in Otago was in English language schools, with numbers up 22%.

Worst performing areas were primary schools, with international numbers dropping 24%, and secondary schools, down 7%.

Overall numbers in New Zealand increased 13% to 104,418.


 

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