Media Release; OPSA Calls for Investment in International Students

OPSA welcomes National's recognition for the need to invest in international students. On Friday Pansy Wong pointed out that "In 2004 there were 112,675 foreign fee-paying students, which slumped to 98,266 by 2005. A more than 10% drop in a single year cannot be ignored". However, Pansy did not say what or how National would reverse these figures.

Students know of course.

The best way to invest in international students and increase numbers is to decrease the inflated fees international students pay.

However, Ms Wong also states that "What was a growing and lucrative foreign currency earner for New Zealand has suffered at the hands of Labour's inconsistent immigration and international education policies."

OPSA is concerned National sees international students as cash cows to be used to help fund our currently under-funded education system.

OPSA calls for all parties to increase investment in education by increasing funding and regulating fees downwards.

For more information contact:

Richard J Mitchell
President
Otago Polytechnic Students’ Association

Phone/Fax: 03 477 6974
Mobile: 027 320 2956
Email: president@opsa.org.nz