PUBLISHED : 17 May 2024 at 05:00
The number of Thai students choosing New Zealand for their secondary or tertiary education is expected to increase, with Thailand the Oceanic nation’s fifth-largest source country of international students.
The number of students picking New Zealand has been increasing since 2021, when its borders were reopened after the Covid-19 lockdowns.
Last year, there were 2,241 Thai secondary and tertiary students studying in the country, according to the New Zealand embassy.
Ong-Art Namwong, who studied at Massey University in Palmerston North for five years, said he enjoyed his time there due to all the hands-on research that saw him regularly get out into the field. “New Zealand takes good care of its students,” he said.
Mr Ong-Art said he was able to get to know many New Zealanders and students from countries as far afield as Africa, Egypt, China and Vietnam.
“It’s a good opportunity to meet people from around the world. It opened my eyes, and I learned about new languages and cultures,” he said.
Mr Ong-Art said being among Kiwi and international students also helped with his research. “It was good to be able to share ideas with students to gain different perspectives.”
However, he said a downside was the high cost of living. “Students who want to study in New Zealand need to make sure they are aware of the costs, as expenses are high.”
Jonathan Kings, the New Zealand Ambassador to Thailand, Cambodia and Laos, said many Thai students choose New Zealand for its “world-class education”.
He said Thai students were also drawn to the wide range of courses available. “We sell on the basis of the strength of our academic qualifications,” said Mr Kings.
Thai students study at many universities in New Zealand, he said, adding they can easily choose one that aligns with their chosen field of study.
Through the feedback he had received, Mr Kings said New Zealand’s clean image appeals to Thai students. “They like New Zealand for the outdoor lifestyle and quiet environment.”
The country’s eight universities rank in the global top 3% of 1,500 institutions in the 2024 QS World University Rankings. Since 2016, New Zealand has supported 31 scholars from Thailand through the Manaaki New Zealand Scholarship programme.
