Worrying downturn in number of international students

There are about 100,000 international students in New Zealand studying at universities, polytechnics, schools and language colleges.

Statistics New Zealand figures show the number of international students enrolled in English language courses fell from 72,000 in the year to March 2003 to 51,000 in March 2004. The largest fall recorded was for Chinese students, down 9000 to 19,000 - a decrease of 32 per cent.

Schools had almost 15,000 foreign fee-paying students at July 2004, but according to the Secondary Principals Association there has been a 17 per cent decline this year and some of those recruiting for next year are struggling. The biggest drop has again been in Chinese students, with 40 per cent less than the previous year.

The association's acting president, Graeme Young, says a further downturn is worrying for principals who need the money from fee-paying students to stay afloat financially.

At tertiary level the figures are a little outdated. In July 2003 there were almost 35,000 international students, but the drop in number of students at language schools is a worrying indicator, as many students learn the language before moving on to a degree course.

The depreciation of the New Zealand dollar was initially blamed for the downturn, but many in the industry are now rejecting this as a cause.