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University of Canterbury in the running for top export awardPublished by the Communications and Development Department
16 June 2004
The University of Canterbury is a finalist in the New Zealand Trade and Enterprise 2004 Export Awards.
The University has been named a finalist in the education category for its innovative mix of initiatives including degree programmes, foundation education, short courses and customised study abroad which has helped boost its annual foreign exchange earnings to a record $26.4 million.
While the University’s foreign exchange growth is impressive – up from $11.6 million in 2001 - its international programme is not just about the money. Its export activity is part of a much wider picture of what makes a modern, vibrant international university, according to International Manager Les Brighton.
“We are a New Zealand university, here for New Zealand students and for the wider good of the country. But we also welcome and value international students. They are important to the university because of the cultural variety and learning they bring, their research contribution and the critical mass they provide for some programmes – and of course for the financial benefit also.”
Since 1999 the University of Canterbury has made a decisive effort to develop its international markets more strategically across a broad front. In 2003 it had 1630 students from 63 countries in degree programmes, with another 400 pre-degree students in foundation studies and English language programmes. The majority of these students come from South East and North Asia however the balance is steadily changing, with significant growth from the USA, India, Europe and the Middle East.
He says educational quality and student welfare are non-negotiable pillars of the University’s international business philosophy.
“Our marketing stresses we are a world class research-based university – students are going to be taught by people at the forefront of knowledge in their field. The quality message is reflected in our pricing, admission and high pastoral care standards.”
Building strong relationships with students, agents, universities,
research organisations and private companies is fundamental to the University’s
international success, Mr Brighton says.
The Centre recently diversified into education training programmes, gaining Chinese Government recognition as an official overseas training base. The programmes combine the University’s resources with those of other teaching and research institutions in New Zealand to provide middle managers with training in forestry, state sector management and the environment.
The University is also generating foreign exchange through its wholly owned subsidiary Canterprise, which seeks to commercialise new inventions. This is an activity regularly attracting offshore investment or resulting in spin-off companies that develop an export market.
In addition to fee income for the University, international students spending on accommodation, transport and tourism pumps millions into the region’s economy.
Twenty-three outstanding New Zealand exporters are competing for 2004 Export Awards in eight sector-based categories, with the winners to be announced at a gala dinner in Auckland on Friday 23 July. One of the category winners will also be named New Zealand’s Supreme Exporter of the Year.
Les Brighton International Manager University of Canterbury phone+64 3 364 2910 email les.brighton@canterbury.ac.nz
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