ICEF Academy, the professional training arm of ICEF, has launched a new online course designed to equip education agents with the resources they need to provide the highest quality of guidance to students wishing to study in New Zealand.

Developed in collaboration with Education New Zealand Manapou ki te Ao (ENZ), the New Zealand Education Agent Course (NZEAC) is the seventh addition to ICEF Academy’s portfolio of destination training. The course launch comes at a time when international study policies around the globe are evolving, and education agents seek to diversify their market expertise.

ICEF Academy’s extensive range of certification courses, including the NZEAC, equips agents with the knowledge and skills to navigate these shifts and guide students in a wider variety of choices. “We are delighted to launch this course, in collaboration with Education New Zealand,” said Markus Badde, CEO of ICEF. “New Zealand is becoming an increasingly important study destination and its addition to the ICEF Academy portfolio supports our mission to raise industry standards, help education counsellors diversify, and drive optimum student recruitment outcomes.”

International enrolments in New Zealand have rebounded since the country’s borders reopened, with enrolments of international students totalling 59,306 in the eight months to August 2023. The country’s popularity amongst students was also reinforced in ENZ’s 2023 International Student Experience Survey which found 84% of 4,755 international students surveyed had a positive study experience, with 83% saying they would recommend New Zealand as a study destination.

Sahinde Pala, General Manager Sector Services of Education New Zealand Manapou ki te Ao (ENZ), commented, “The New Zealand Education Agent Course (NZEAC) is an important milestone. This course gives education agents the comprehensive insights they need to effectively advise students considering Aotearoa New Zealand for their studies.

By ensuring education agents are well-informed about our education system, culture, and policies, we can enhance the overall experience for international students and support their success in Aotearoa New Zealand.” The New Zealand Education Agent Course includes modules on the nation’s culture and history, education system, work policies and legislation, along with specifics on effective student recruitment and providing support within an evolving framework. The course is self-paced and free to study, with an optional paid certification exam for those who wish to set themselves apart as a destination New Zealand specialist.

For more information about the New Zealand Education Agent Course (NZEAC), please visit icef.com/academy/nzeac. ICEF Academy is the leading professional training and certification platform for the international education industry, with over 127,000 learners and almost 20,000 certified graduates. Its suite of 10+ courses for education agents and education providers serves as a gateway to decades of industry expertise, helping these professionals increase their impact and build recruitment efficacy.