During Prime Minister Christopher Luxon‘s recent visit to India, several key educational initiatives were unveiled, reinforcing the growing academic ties between New Zealand and India. A significant milestone of this trip was the ratification of an updated cooperation agreement between the Ministry of Education of New Zealand and its Indian counterpart. This agreement aims to enhance the bilateral exchange of information regarding both nations’ education systems, fostering a stronger academic partnership.
According to a spokesperson from Education New Zealand, this renewed collaboration will serve as a foundation for deeper educational engagement between the two countries. The joint statement released following Luxon’s discussions with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi underscored the critical role of education in strengthening bilateral relations. India remains New Zealand’s second-largest source of international students, highlighting the importance of these initiatives.
Data from Education New Zealand indicate a steady rise in international student enrollments, with 73,535 students registering in the first eight months of 2024. Among these, at least 10,640 students were from India, marking an increase from 7,931 in the previous year. Additionally, more Indian students are enrolling in New Zealand universities, with 3,635 pursuing undergraduate degrees and 4,215 enrolling in master’s programmes across universities, private training institutions, and vocational education providers.
One notable academic collaboration is the partnership between New Zealand universities and the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi through the New Zealand Centre. This initiative, which involves all eight universities in New Zealand, facilitates joint research in areas such as artificial intelligence, data science, and advanced engineering.
Recognizing the need to attract talented Indian students, over half of New Zealand’s universities have introduced dedicated academic packages that include scholarships and tuition discounts. During his visit, Luxon attended a programme at IIT Delhi and announced the launch of the New Zealand Excellence Awards 2025. This initiative aims to foster academic cooperation between the two nations and is led by all eight universities in New Zealand with support from Education New Zealand.
The awards provide a total scholarship package worth $260,000, offering 29 scholarships for Indian students seeking undergraduate and postgraduate studies in New Zealand. To qualify, applicants must be at least 18 years old at the time of application; hold Indian citizenship; and not be a citizen or permanent resident of New Zealand or Australia. Furthermore, candidates are required to reside in India during the application period and meet Immigration New Zealand’s student visa criteria. They must also secure an unconditional offer from one of the eligible New Zealand Excellence Awards courses. The deadline for applications is set for 30 April 2025.
Another significant initiative announced during the visit was the New Zealand Centre Innovation Fellowship. Designed to enhance collaboration in innovation and entrepreneurship, this programme will offer participants a two-week immersive experience in India’s innovation landscape. The fellowship will cover travel expenses, accommodation, and a stipend, providing selected individuals with valuable exposure to India’s dynamic entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Additionally, a virtual internship programme was introduced, enabling 30 IIT Delhi students to undertake remote internships with New Zealand-based companies. This initiative seeks to provide Indian students with cross-border industry experience while familiarizing them with New Zealand’s professional work culture.
The trade mission to India also witnessed the signing of 10 education-related memorandums of understanding (MoUs) between New Zealand and Indian institutions. These agreements mark a significant step in advancing collaborative research, student exchange programmes, and academic innovation, thereby fostering enduring institutional relationships.
Among the signatories, the University of Auckland formalized agreements with IIT Kharagpur, Tech Mahindra, and the Manipal Academy of Higher Education. The agreement with Tech Mahindra particularly stands out, as it focuses on enhancing industry-academia partnerships through a pilot internship initiative in quantum computing, artificial intelligence, and machine learning.
Further strengthening collaboration in design, fashion, and innovation, Whitecliffe College of Arts and Design signed two agreements with India’s National Institute of Fashion Technology and the National Institute of Design. These partnerships will facilitate faculty and student exchanges, joint research projects, and participation in international exhibitions.
Additionally, New Zealand Fashion Week and the Fashion Design Council of India established an agreement aimed at promoting a circular fashion ecosystem. This partnership will support both emerging and established designers from New Zealand and India, encouraging sustainable practices in the global fashion industry.
The initiatives announced during the visit of Prime Minister Luxon highlight the growing academic and cultural ties between New Zealand and India. By fostering innovation, research collaboration, and student mobility, these agreements are poised to strengthen the educational landscape of both nations, creating new opportunities for students and institutions alike.
