A distinguished delegation from New Zealand, comprising representatives from prominent universities and the government agency Education New Zealand, has commended India’s National Education Policy (NEP) for its instrumental role in fostering collaboration with foreign educational institutions. This laudatory acknowledgment comes as part of the delegation’s visit to India, aimed at exploring and enhancing collaboration opportunities with Indian universities, while engaging in discussions on the internationalization of education.
During their visit, the New Zealand delegation engaged with stakeholders across the education and government sectors in India, strengthening the dialogue on internationalization and student mobility. Expressing their positive impressions, the delegation members highlighted the transformative impact of the National Education Policy, emphasizing the increased openness of Indian universities to collaboration.
New Zealand, recognizing India as its second-largest source country for international students after China, views the NEP as a catalyst for expanding international education opportunities. The policy, introduced on July 29, 2020, brought about significant reforms in school and higher education, including technical education, replacing a 34-year-old education policy in the country.
Brett Berquist, Assistant Vice Chancellor Engagement at the University of Canterbury, conveyed his optimism about the new opportunities presented by the NEP, describing it as ushering in a “new world order” for international education in India. He emphasized the delegation’s collective effort to establish deep and meaningful collaborations with Indian partners in areas such as research, collaboration, and PhD supervision.
William Ho, Director of International Relations and Recruitment at Auckland University of Technology, echoed Berquist’s sentiments, emphasizing the strategic importance of the NEP in shaping their post-COVID strategy. Ho noted that the policy opens up avenues for collaborations, citing the example of potential partnerships with institutions like IIT Delhi.
While expressing interest in collaboration, New Zealand universities underscored the importance of quality agreements and strategic engagement. Ho emphasized the need for selectivity in partnerships, focusing on dedicating resources to meaningful collaborations rather than merely formal agreements.
The New Zealand delegation actively participated in the New Zealand-India Education Connect, where they explored collaboration possibilities with various universities in Bengaluru. The discussions centered around establishing a unified approach to strengthen student mobility and internationalization initiatives between New Zealand and India.
Amita Gejji, International Office Manager at the University of Auckland and part of the delegation, praised the NEP for providing clarity and facilitating a conducive framework for collaboration. Gejji highlighted the increased impetus from the Indian side to open doors for foreign universities, making international collaborations more accessible.
Last year, Auckland University of Technology admitted over 500 Indian students, showcasing a resilient interest despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. The university, known for its focus on technology, is now back at pre-pandemic levels, with a continued keen interest from students.
As the delegation progresses in its visit, they are set to explore opportunities in GIFT City, aiming to encourage dialogue on the evolving ecosystem of the city and further strengthen educational ties between New Zealand and India. The collaborative efforts between the two nations, fueled by the positive reception of the National Education Policy, mark a significant breakthrough in the New Zealand-India relationship in the realm of education.
