Massey University is now a “preferred provider” for the Indonesian Government, which plans to spend significant money over several years providing scholarships for students, tertiary teachers and public servants to study overseas.
I have just returned from a five-day trip to Indonesia, during which I signed agreements with the Directorate-General of Higher Education, the Ministry of Education and the Sampoerna Foundation in Jakarta, along with four major Indonesian universities in the cities of Bogor, Malang and Surabaya.
Indonesia represents enormous potential for growth for New Zealand universities. It was the 20th largest market last year, representing just 1% of the international students studying in New Zealand.
However, with a population of around 237 million and a firm commitment from Jakarta to invest in its workforce, we anticipate considerably larger numbers than the 600 Indonesian students who came here in 2011.
Many of them will be university-level teachers, who are being supported to complete additional qualifications.
Over the next five years the Indonesian Government, through the Directorate-General of Higher Education will provide scholarships for up to 10 PhD or masters students.
Massey will provide up to 10 English language study awards for PhD students.
The agreement also provides for developing academic activities and research cooperation between Massey and Indonesian universities.
Steve Maharey is Vice-Chancellor of Massey University based in Auckland
