The government has approved a waiver class for 1,000 international higher education students, who began their studies in New Zealand but were caught offshore when border restrictions began.
The exception will allow students to return to New Zealand in stages starting in April 2021.
“Our top priority remains the health, safety, and well-being of all people in New Zealand,” said Education Minister Chris Hipkins.
“Within our safety first framework, we also have a responsibility to carefully balance our decisions, to support New Zealand's economic recovery.
“This border exception fulfills a part of the recovery plan for international education. It underscores the Government's commitment to the international education sector, which is important in the country's long-term economic recovery from COVID-19.
Border exception details
Students with questions about this border exception should contact their providers. The Ministry of Education will continue to work with tertiary education providers to manage this process.
To be eligible for this border exception, students must:
- Have or have had a visa to study in 2020
- Be studying for a bachelor's degree or higher qualification
- Have studied in New Zealand in 2019 or 2020 to earn your current qualification
- You will study again with your current provider
- They need to be in the country to complete their study.
- Priority will be given to students who are closest to graduation.
Source: Beehive NZ
