For the third consecutive year the number of Brazilian students studying in New Zealand has decreased. Statistics provided by the New Consulate in Sao Paulo confirm that only 366 Brazilian students were issued student visas in 2005. This number does not compare well with 460 in 2004, 525 in 2003 and the record of 784 in 2002: suggesting that the attraction of Brazilian students once had in studying in NZ has run its course. (Full statistics at the foot of this article).

New Zealand is the only one of Brazil's ten most popular study abroad destinations that is experiencing a decline in student numbers. Perhaps surprisingly, the rapid decline is not the result of any amendments made to the criteria the New Zealand Consulate use when assessing student visa applications.

But the decrease can be attributed to fewer New Zealand institutions attending major educational fairs, and visiting Brazil in general. The problem is highlighted by Trade and Enterprise New Zealand's failure to attend a major educational event in Brazil, and across the continent as a whole. This is in spite of having the resources and avenues available. Another reason, which has been touted for the decline in student numbers is the strength of the New Zealand dollar, but one must bare in mind that the Brazilian Real has been just as strong over the last few years.

FPP Media's statistics gathered from the pre-selected and pre-screened students that attend their fairs confirm the downward trend. Only 7.9% of the 10th EXPO Brazil Road Show's (Brazil's leading education fair in March 2006) attendees were interested in studying in New Zealand. This figure looks far worse, when one considers 9.9% in September 2005 and 13.8% in March 2005 were interested.

As could be expected, these statistics coincide with the number of New Zealand institutions attending the EXPO Brazil Road Show. Eight New Zealand institutions attended in March 2003, but only two attended in March 2006. With a continued lack of New Zealand institutions and the failure of Trade and Enterprise New Zealand to attend a major educational fair on the continent, any significant change looks unlikely.

Making a move in the opposite direction, however, is Ireland. Interest in Ireland has soared with many institutions in the "Emerald Isle" receiving good numbers of Brazilian students. As always the key to student and agent recruitment in Latin America is continued visits, and with Irish institutions visiting the region regularly and en masse, interest is at an all-time high, and is expected to continue to grow.

Supported by Marketing English in Ireland (MEI), six Irish language schools attended FPP's EXPO Brazil Road Show this March, visiting Sao Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, Porto Alegre and Brasilia. After the event, Brian Burns - Director of MEI - stated that "all of the institutions were very pleased with the response both from the students at the fairs and the agents at the workshops". MEI has already confirmed that there will again be a good selection of Irish institutions at FPP Media's upcoming 11th Road Show, taking place this September/October.

Similarly, Education Ireland took several of its members to a graduate fair in Mexico in early 2006, and Gill Roe (Director of Programmes of Education Ireland) believed all attending colleges and universities were delighted with the level of interest Mexican students had in studying in Ireland.

The increased interest in Ireland is reflected in the statistics gathered from the pre-selected and pre-screened students that attended FPP Media's March 2006 EXPO Brazil Road Show. 10.1% of attending students were interested in Ireland as a study abroad destination - a significant increase on just the 4.2% recorded in March 2005 and the 5.4% from September 2005.

FPP Media's Chief Student Advisor in Sao Paulo - Daniela Ronchetti - believes the increased interest is a result of the Irish institution's determination to be seen. She says ...

"Every 6 months, we are receiving more and more Irish schools down in Brazil. They are attending FPP's education fairs, they're visiting agents at our workshops, and they're busy in the market. Students and agents notice this and are curious. They see that Irish schools want Brazilian students studying with them.

These days, students are contacting us asking for information on Ireland and the Irish schools and seeing what their options are. 12 months ago, this was not happening. FPP has already sent several students to a group of schools in Ireland this year, and we'll certainly send many more before the year is finished,"

Commenting on New Zealand, Daniela says - "It's disappointing. A few years ago, we sent many students to New Zealand, for English and Business Courses. But now, we don't receive much interest in New Zealand at all, and are only sending students to New Zealand Business Schools now. Students that might have been interested in studying English in New Zealand are now choosing Ireland or South Africa".

The statistics speak for themselves - Ireland is replacing New Zealand as a Top 10 destination for Brazilian students wanting to study abroad. Evidence that institutions of smaller countries working collectively and regularly in the region, through major educational fair visits and trips to the most lucrative cities of Brazil will more often than not yield results.

New Zealand Student Visas Issued to Brazilians
2000: 501
2001: 706
2002: 784
2003: 525
2004: 460
2005: 366
Please note: students studying for less than 3 months in NZ do not require a student visa.

New Zealand v Ireland: A Comparison
Percentage of Brazilian students at FPP Media's EXPO Brazil Road Shows interested in studying in New Zealand and Ireland.
8th Brazil Road Show (March 2005) - New Zealand: 13.8%    Ireland: 4.2%
9th Brazil Road Show (September 2005) - New Zealand: 9.9%    Ireland: 5.4%
10th Brazil Road Show (March 2006) - New Zealand: 7.9%    Ireland: 10.1%