Exit caused by drop in international student numbers

Marc Doesburg
Marc Doesburg
Otago Polytechnic’s global engagement director has accepted voluntary redundancy amid a downturn in the international student market caused by Covid-19.

Global engagement director Marc Doesburg’s exit was a direct result of Covid-19’s impact on the international student market, Otago Polytechnic chief executive Megan Gibbons said.

"We would like to acknowledge Marc’s many years of outstanding service to Otago Polytechnic," Dr Gibbons said.

But a boost in the number of domestic students had helped cushion the blow of a reduction in international student numbers, Dr Gibbons said.

She expected the polytechnic to break even across its Dunedin, Central Otago and Auckland campuses.

The polytechnic has budgeted for 391 international students next year, which is about 750 fewer than arrived in 2019.

The Auckland international campus is expected to cater for about 250 international students.

Despite challenges, there is no review of the Auckland campus under way.

The number of international applications is 888, compared with 1278 at the same time last year.

However, many applicants will not be able to enter New Zealand.

The budgeted 391 international students is based on the fact many of them have remained in New Zealand.

 

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