Minister Releases Discussion Document On Proposed Export Education Levy

Education Minister Trevor Mallard is calling for feedback on the proposed export education levy that will be used to strengthen, develop and promote the expanding billion-dollar export education industry in New Zealand.

Trevor Mallard today released the Ministry of Education consultation document, entitled "Developing Export Education - the Export Industry Development Fund and Levy". It looks at options for an export education levy which will establish a ring-fenced industry development fund, worth $3.9 million annually.

"The proposed levy is one of a raft of measures being put in place to help open up markets and opportunities for what has become an important, exciting and rapidly growing billion-dollar industry in New Zealand," Trevor Mallard said.

"These initiatives will also ensure students receive world class service, and help guard against the risk of a few bad incidents spoiling the image of the whole industry."

The export industry development fund would pay for a proposed work programme encompassing promotional activities in key markets, professional development, research and quality assurance in both pastoral care of students and academic qualifications.

The discussion document seeks feedback on the following:

- proposal to set the levy at an initial level of 0.5 percent of the gross tuition fee income received from foreign fee paying students. This equals $5 per $1000 of tuition fee. - proposed work programme that the levy will fund - how to allocate funding - development of an industry-wide body

"I encourage people interested in the export education industry to engage constructively with the proposals. By working together and sharing ideas, experience and viewpoints, we can ensure continued sustainable growth for this important knowledge industry," Trevor Mallard said.

Export education providers will receive a copy of the discussion document shortly. It can also be viewed on the Ministry of Education's website at

http://www.minedu.govt.nz/goto/international

The deadline for submissions is 11 November, 2002.

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