New Zealand is becoming a popular education destination for Sri Lankan students and it has shown an increase of 50% student arrivals for the current year. New Zealand offers quality education at an affordable price when compared with other English speaking countries. It is highly structured and the qualifications are governed by a qualification authority and this maintains a quality assurance of New Zealand Education system.

There are 8 government universities, 20 Government Institutes/polytechnics and private education providers. Rivil International (Pvt.) Ltd has formed a unique brand name to promote New Zealand Education in Sri Lanka. New Zealand Education Services is the trading name for handling of all the New Zealand education inquiries and offers personalized and professional services.

New Zealand Education Services has become a New Zealand Specialist Agent for its commitment and professional involvement in promoting New Zealand Education in Sri Lanka. "A New Zealand Specialist Agent is one that has a deep knowledge and understanding of the New Zealand Education System and has experience in working professionally with the New Zealand International Education industry".

New Zealand Education services place students to all 8 universities, Government Institutions/polytechnics and private institutions. Mr. Jinendra Dias, MBA Graduate from UK heading the New Zealand Education services as Director Studies joined with us to explain his past experience of New Zealand Education. "We have been associating with New Zealand Education for the last four years and have been listed as a preferred agent with New Zealand education prior to becoming a New Zealand Specialist Agent. We have placed many students in the past to Universities, Government Institutions and Private institutions. Some of our students have completed their studies and have been able to secure work permits and further settlement in New Zealand. Our first priority is to place the student to government universities and institutions. Government institutions are the most popular option as they offer vocational courses and their education focused more on the applied side of learning. There are popular Government institutions that offer practical based learning. To name a few are UCOL, Unitec Weltec, Wintec, EIT, Northtec, Otago Polytechnic, Christchurch Polytechnic, Whitireia Community Polytechnic.

Mrs. Anuradha Jayathilake, a Bachelor's Degree holder is the Chairperson of this Education group and she counts ten years of work experience in the Foreign Education sector. She has in-depth knowledge in foreign Immigration laws and has guided lots of students to study in foreign countries. She further stated "Our Company offers all the visa guidance and consultation absolutely free of charge." Also there are a few important things to consider when selecting foreign education.
n Good English Proficiency - This is a very important factor to get your offer of place and also it helps to secure your visa. Most importantly if you are going to study in an English speaking environment you should have good communication skills as it will definitely help you to understand your studies and get settled comfortably.

n Budgeting of your studies - You should work out carefully the cost of tuition fees and living expenses that you are going to incur. Please note that your student visa only allows you to work part time and it is not a work permit condition for full time employment.

n Selection of Studies - It is very important to be aware of what you are going to study and the qualification that you gain and how this qualification would help you to develop your career improvement. Always consider Foreign Education as an investment in life.

Mr. Dias revealed that there are lots of career opportunities opened up for prospective students who would like to obtain a New Zealand qualification. The recent change of New Zealand Immigration policies has opened up doors for Sri Lankan students to pursue their academic achievements and obtain necessary working skills in an international environment. He further stated that prospective students who wish to do their research degrees will be offered the same tuition fees offered to New Zealand residents. Students are allowed to work part time during the academic period and full time during vacations.

Should you require further information you may visit our office during office hours. We are located at 424/1A, (2nd Floor), Galle Road, Colombo 03. Office hours are from 9.00a.m to 5.00p.m from Monday to Friday and Saturday 9.00a.m to 1.00 p.m. Also you can contact us on 011-4341888, 0714920830 or
e-mail: rivil@dialogsl.net.