The first-ever ‘Study with New Zealand’ Roadshow in Sri Lanka was held from 5 to 8 March, marking a major milestone in deepening education ties between the two countries. The initiative highlighted opportunities for Sri Lankan students to access world-class New Zealand institutions and programs.
The ‘Study with New Zealand’ Roadshow strengthens Sri Lanka-New Zealand education ties
Organised by Education New Zealand Manapou ki te Ao (ENZ), the roadshow brought together 19 leading New Zealand tertiary institutions, including universities, institutes of technology, polytechnics, and private training establishments. The programme included meetings with government bodies, schools, tertiary institutions, student agents, and prospective students in Colombo and Kandy, providing an interactive platform for engagement and knowledge-sharing.
New Zealand High Commissioner to Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Maldives David Pine emphasized that education has been a cornerstone of the New Zealand–Sri Lanka partnership for more than seven decades. He traced the relationship back to the Colombo Plan in 1950, which enabled hundreds of Sri Lankan scholars to pursue higher education in New Zealand, establishing enduring people-to-people links.
High Commissioner Pine also noted the growing collaboration between Sri Lankan and New Zealand institutions, particularly in agriculture, engineering, business, and technology. These partnerships aim to strengthen skills development, research cooperation, and student success, enhancing the quality and relevance of education for both countries.
Education New Zealand Manapou ki te Ao Group General Manager, International Marketing, Brand, and Scholarships Anna Gestro shared that the initiative reflects positive trends in student mobility. “Between January and August 2025, 3,120 Sri Lankan students enrolled in New Zealand’s world-class education institutions — a 57% increase compared with the same period in 2024,” she noted, underlining the growing demand for international study opportunities.
Gestro highlighted New Zealand’s approach to education, guided by the Māori values of Manaakitanga (hospitality and care) and Kaitiakitanga (guardianship and responsibility), which foster student wellbeing, inclusion, and a sense of belonging. These principles, she explained, form the foundation of the country’s globally recognised education system.
The roadshow also facilitated institution-to-institution meetings and education fairs designed to inform high school counsellors and students about programs, scholarships, and admission pathways. By connecting Sri Lankan students with New Zealand institutions directly, the initiative strengthens the pipeline for international education and encourages long-term academic and professional collaborations.
ENZ’s efforts are aimed at not only promoting New Zealand as a high-quality study destination but also supporting knowledge exchange, economic development, and enduring cultural connections. International education continues to act as a bridge, fostering collaboration and mutual understanding between communities.
The ‘Study with New Zealand’ Roadshow represents a future-focused approach to the Sri Lanka–New Zealand education relationship. By enhancing student mobility and institutional partnerships, it sets the stage for long-term engagement grounded in shared values, collaboration, and innovation.
Through initiatives like this, Sri Lankan students gain access to globally recognised programs, practical learning opportunities, and a safe, inclusive environment that encourages personal growth and career readiness. For New Zealand, these collaborations help sustain its position as a preferred international education destination while contributing to cross-cultural exchange and global connectivity.
Education New Zealand Manapou ki te Ao (ENZ) continues to play a pivotal role in realising the social, cultural, and economic benefits of international education. Its mission is to promote New Zealand’s education system, ensure high-quality student experiences, and reinforce the value of international partnerships for both students and institutions.