Export Award For Victoria University - High
Achiever
Wellington, May 15, 2003 -- Achieving very
strong growth in annual foreign exchange earnings and international student
numbers has seen Victoria University win a Trade New Zealand Export for the
second consecutive year.
(Note to editors: Media are invited to attend
the presentation of the Trade New Zealand Export Award to Victoria University
by the Minister of Education, the Honourable Trevor Mallard, on Thursday 15
May, at 9.45am, at Council Chamber, Hunter Building, Kelburn Parade, Victoria
University, Wellington.)
Tim Fowler, Director of Victoria
International, says overseas student numbers increased from 952 in 2001 to
1400 in 2002, with foreign earnings growing from $10.17 million to $17.3
million over the same period. Mr Fowler says the big jump in student numbers
is the result of several factors.
“We are seeing continued strong growth out
of China and the United States,” says Mr Fowler. “Whereas a few years ago
it was Australia, New Zealand is now the new hot ticket for study abroad
experiences for US and Northern European students. We are also seeing really
encouraging signs of growth from India, Japan and Korea.”
Mr Fowler says while Victoria University
delivers degree programmes and short-term programmes to students from 75
countries, it takes a very strategic approach to marketing, with the majority
of its international student body coming from selected key countries.
“We actively market in only 13 countries.
We are focused in the way in which we develop current and emerging markets,
and plan very carefully entry into new markets.
“Our developed markets are China, Singapore
and Malaysia, and our strong emerging markets are India, Korea and the USA.”
Mr Fowler says Korea has become an
increasingly important source of international students after the university
won a three-year contract with Chosun University. This sees at least 100
students come to Victoria University annually to complete a tailored 18 week
intensive English language and academic programme.
International education is a very competitive
industry, and Mr Fowler says Victoria University has worked hard to
distinguish itself from competitors.
“Wellington and Victoria University have
some unique selling features and benefits and those are the sorts of elements
we are building on in our marketing – especially the unique relationship
between government, business and academia in a modern and cool city.”
Mr Fowler says the university is well on its
way to achieving its goal of 20% of revenue generated from international
students by 2011.
“We are in the phase now of ensuring we
manage our growth in order to build a sustainable business for the next period
in the University’s history. We want to maintain student numbers, continue
to develop our brand, and add extra value to the student experience.
“A priority is continuous improvement of
our systems and processes and increasing the opportunities to develop our
staff, who are our greatest asset.”
Trade New Zealand Account Manager Dolly
Seow-Ganesan congratulated Victoria University on its Trade New Zealand Export
Award.
“The university is taking a very strategic
approach to its international business in order to maintain the quality of its
programmes and service, in order to enhance the experience of its
international and New Zealand students alike.
“It’s wonderful to see the special
relationship the staff at Victoria International have with the students. The
quality of pastoral care received by International students at Victoria
University is a testament to the university’s commitment to
internationalisation. Victoria University is taking a lead role in New Zealand
flourishing education export industry.”
Tim Fowler says Victoria International is
being consistent to its brand values, especially in relation to quality, and
still achieving growth targets.
“We have worked ourselves into a position
where we can now pick and choose students and the partners we want to work
with. We have got a wonderful 104-year-old brand behind us and an
international operation that is growing and that is here for the long term.
This is an emerging industry and a very exciting one to be involved in.”
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