Context

General

India is now recognised as a large and growing economy with significant long-term potential. Its political importance globally is also increasing.

India has some world-class research activity and intellectual property, particularly in the sciences and technology area. The scale of the investment and associated programmes means that there are many opportunities for New Zealand institutes and researchers, should they identify appropriate partners. Nearly three quarters of India's research into science and technology is conducted by government agencies. Investment is being committed to biotechnology, ocean development, nanotechnology, and genomics. The Indian government is also promoting information technology as one of India's top five economic priorities.

There is pressure currently on the Indian government to provide more and better quality education to meet growing demand from the large 18-25 year old age group. Admission to the elite tertiary institutions in India is extremely competitive, with a shortage of places in these institutions.

Many Indian students aspire to an international education, either through studying abroad or by seeking internationally recognised qualifications at home. Research predicts that in future there will be increasing numbers of students from India looking to study abroad. With economic growth and user-friendly student loans, overseas education is now more affordable. The attraction of permanent migration to a foreign country and a global career are also significant motivators.

Bilateral

At the political level, New Zealand's commitment to India has been demonstrated by high level visits in each of the past three years, commencing with the Prime Ministerial visit in 2004. Promoting the development of stronger education links was one of the three main objectives of the former Prime Minister's visit. The Hon Trevor Mallard led two education missions to India in April 2005 and in May 2006.

During the 2005 Ministerial visit, an Arrangement on Education Cooperation was signed between the New Zealand Ministry of Education and the Indian Ministry for Human Resource Development. The Arrangement clearly signals both governments' commitment to a mutually beneficial education relationship.

Indian students in NZ

In the last five years there has been a steady and significant increase in the number of Indian students studying here, with well over ninety percent of total enrolments studying at tertiary level. Indian students are more likely to be enrolled in longer term and higher value courses than the average international student. The Indian student population in New Zealand, as elsewhere, is characterised by a longer term work and migration objective.

Initiatives by NZ providers

There is an increasing interest from the New Zealand tertiary sector in collaborating with Indian institutions. Currently, six of the eight New Zealand universities have one or more formal links with Indian institutions. Activity includes delivery off-shore, academic and student exchange, and research collaboration. The Institutes of Technology and Polytechnics are also actively developing partnerships with Indian institutions to deliver New Zealand qualifications in India.