Government announces new initiative to attract international students to Christchurch

Immigration Minister Nathan Guy has today announced a new initiative to attract international students to Christchurch.

Under the initiative, which will run for 18 months, work rights will be extended to English language students who attend quality education providers in Canterbury. Students would be eligible to work 20 hours per week provided they are studying an English language programme of at least 14 weeks' duration or a Level 4 Foundation Certificate of one academic year’s duration. The initiative will come into effect on 27 August 2012.