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Implementing changes to French and German students' domestic status

As part of Budget 2009, domestic status for German and French post graduate students in New Zealand will be phased out.

Following discussion with sector representatives, the information below gives advice about this policy change to ensure a smooth transition for the students affected.

Who does the policy change affect?

The policy change affects all French and German students in post graduate study who have to date had domestic fees status, except French and German PhD students who will continue to have domestic status in line with Government policy on domestic status for all international PhD students.

The policy change does not affect any students in Government approved exchange programmes and students who hold DAAD scholarships.

How will the policy change be implemented in 2009?

Following discussion with university representatives, a decision has been made on how to manage this policy change for post graduate students who will be enrolling and commencing their study in level 8 and level 9 qualifications at the beginning of semester 2 (July 2009).

To ensure these students are not unduly compromised by the change, they will be considered to have received a firm offer of a place advising them of their acceptance by a provider and their domestic status.

They may therefore be enrolled with domestic status.

Those students enrolling after the beginning of semester 2 (2009) should not be enrolled with domestic status unless they already have an offer (conditional or unconditional) advised to them in writing by their provider.

A note on providing students with clear and accurate information

Please note that New Zealand providers are required to comply with the Code of Practice for the Pastoral Care of International Students. In this case, it means ensuring information is provided to the student in writing or in electronic form. Information must clearly state the cost of tuition and all other course related costs.

(Refer to Part 2, 4. Provision of information to Prospective International Students by going to the Code of Practice for International Students on the Ministry of Education’s website.)

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