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Source: ONE News
The falling value of the New Zealand dollar has been a boost to education providers looking to attract international students.
In the year to February 1, Immigration NZ issued 67,530 student visas, 4200 more than last year, The New Zealand Herald reports.
Education New Zealand, which promotes education services to overseas families, says some providers are reporting growth of up to 36%.
Some parents are rushing to pay fees for up to two years upfront to take advantage of the New Zealand dollar's sharply reduced exchange rate even as the international student market worldwide cools in the face of global recession.
Student numbers fell from 126,919 in 2002 to 90,934 in 2007.
The actual number of foreign students studying in New Zealand this year will not be known until next month at the earliest, as many who have applied for visas have not yet started their courses.
Education NZ chief executive Robert Stevens says several institutions have reported increases in applications.
"But whether these students turn up, we will only know when the term starts."
International student applications at the University of Auckland are up 20% on last year and the university says it is on track to meet its international student targets for the year.
AUT University has had a 17% increase in international student applications, spokeswoman Tiffany White says.
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