The news a large cohort of international students will be allowed entry into New Zealand this year has been greeted with enthusiasm by tertiary institutes in Dunedin and Southland.
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern announced that from April 12, 5000 international students would be allowed entry into New Zealand, the final details to be decided by the Ministries of Education and Immigration.
University of Otago international director Jason Cushen said the university welcomed the move.
It had not yet received information regarding how many international students it would take.
He said the announcement was important because of the security it offered to international students.
"New Zealand will once again have a fully functioning border, and this will give students certainty as they plan their travel to and study in New Zealand," Mr Cushen said.
Otago Polytechnic chief executive Dr Megan Gibbons was also excited about the news.
"International learners bring diversity to our classrooms, which enriches the experience and outcomes for all, including our domestic learners and staff," Dr Gibbons said.
The polytechnic had worked hard to maintain international relationships so the institute was well positioned for any increase in students.
"The announcement should give prospective international learners more confidence when they apply to study, provided they satisfy public health requirements."
Southern Institute of Technology chief executive Onno Mulder was eager to hear how international students would be allocated across different educational sectors and relieved borders would open to all visa categories starting in October.
Education New Zealand chief executive Grant McPherson said it was an important step towards rebuilding international education.
"Better days are coming," Mr McPherson said.
ENZ released a 2017 report showing international students in 2015 contributed $197million to Dunedin’s economy.
The countrywide economic contribution for 2019 was $5.23billion.
Figures for 2020 had not been released, Mr McPherson said.
