New Zealand is quickly becoming one of the most popular study abroad destinations for Cambodian students because of the unique mix of opportunities it offers.

New Zealand  - with its volcanoes, high snow-covered mountains, spectacular lakes, and white sandy beaches  - is a land of unparalleled beauty. Its pristine landscape provides the backdrop for some extreme outdoor activities. From mountain climbing to the thrill of bungee-jumping, skydiving and white-water rafting, New Zealand is a destination for lovers of the great outdoors. The 2011 Global Peace Index listed New Zealand as the world’s second most peaceful country.  

New Zealand’s uniquely multi-cultural society is one of the greatest attractions for tourists and students alike when choosing it as a destination. It is a young nation with a reputation for fresh thinking, new ideas and great innovation, and this is reflected in its education system.

Qualifications from New Zealand institutions are recognised and valued by industry and governments globally, and the country’s educational institutions pride themselves on their professional learning environment and focus on student welfare.  

One of the best parts of being a fully enrolled student for 12 months or more is the ability to be able to earn while you study with foreign students permitted to work up to 20 hours a week during semesters. In addition, students with skills in demand and who wish to stay in New Zealand long-term may apply for a Skilled Migrant Visa, which would allow them to live and work in New Zealand permanently.

On behalf of the New Zealand government, IDP Study Abroad Resource Centre in Phnom Penh provides information on the New Zealand ASEAN Scholars Awards, which are made available and fully funded by the New Zealand government through the New Zealand Aid Program (NZAP). NZAP funds up to 30 NZAP scholarships annually. IDP also represents schools and universities in New Zealand, providing information and enrolment assistance to those who wish to fund their own study abroad in New Zealand. These services are provided free of charge to the students.

In recognition of the growing number of Cambodian students who want to study abroad, the first-ever Study in New Zealand Exhibition will be held in Phnom Penh in April. Representatives from the Academic Colleges Group (ACG), Auckland University, University of Canterbury, University of Otago, UNITEC Institute of Technology and Victoria University of Wellington are among those who will be available to meet students and their parents to talk about New Zealand as a study abroad option and provide them with all the information they need. The Study in New Zealand Exhibition will be hosted from 10am to 6pm on Tuesday, April 2, 2013 at the ACE Auditorium, Samdech Pan Campus, Phnom Penh.