All Students Have Rights

All Students Have Rights

The Aotearoa Tertiary Students' Association (ATSA) is advocating for an ‘International Students Reference Group’ be established. This group would include student representatives, government officials and representatives of both public and private education providers.

“ATSA believes that Aotearoa New Zealand's export education sector requires the voice of foreign fee paying students to be heard in a meaningful way,” said Julie Pettett, President of ATSA. “The fact that they are not citizens or residents does not lessen their right to quality education and meaningful involvement in the sector.”

“The reference group would be charged with monitoring the Code of Practice, as well as the resources provided to students. Basic rights in New Zealand’s democratic society include access to representation and advocacy mechanisms,” Pettett stated. “Local students have these rights; if we are to take foreign students’ money, and welcome them to our country, then we should afford them those same general rights.”

“The long term sustainability of export education in New Zealand must formerly recognise that these students have rights as participants in our education system. It is ATSA’s belief that the most effective way to protecting the interests of foreign fee paying students is through the establishment of an International Students Reference Group.”

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