Ringgit depreciation may affect decision to pursue studies in NZ - Envoy

The ringgit depreciation may affect the number of Malaysian students going to New Zealand to further their studies, said New Zealand High Commissioner to Malaysia Dr John Subritzky.

He, however, did not comment further on the matter.

"I don't have any comment on the depreciation of the Malaysian Ringgit, however to some extent it may influence the decision (for Malaysians) to further studies (in New Zealand)," he told Bernama at the Education New Zealand (ENZ) Education Fair, here today.

Currently, there are more than 1,800 Malaysian students studying in New Zealand.

On Aug 13, Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Idris Jusoh said the government would ensure Malaysian students studying overseas were not burdened by the Malaysian currency depreciation.

Subritzky said education remained a critical part of New Zealand's growing relationship with Malaysia.

"It is great to see more Malaysian students choosing New Zealand as their education destination, as this creates life long connections between our two countries," he said.

According to ENZ, as at July this year, there was a 69 per cent increase in the number of Malaysian students going to New Zealand for the first time to study at the universities and private training establishments.