More problems with English testing for foreign students have emerged, 18 months after the qualifications authority changed the rules to stop abuse from India.
Photo: 123RF
The authority said it wanted to extend its ban on institutions doing their own English testing of new students from high-risk countries to cover existing students applying for second and subsequent study visas.
"It has come to NZQA's attention that inappropriate English testing practices are still being used when students from countries with high student visa decline rates apply for their second visa in New Zealand (for example, when progressing from Level 5 to Level 6).
"This includes reliance on unverified high school documentation as evidence of English proficiency," the authority said in a consultation document about the proposed change.
The authority said students from countries where more than 20 percent of study visa applications were declined should sit independent English tests to prove their English was at the standard required by the qualification they wished to study.
"For example, if a student enrols in a Level 5 programme on the basis of IELTS 5.5 result, the student would then be required to provide a new IELTS test result of 6.0 before they can be admitted into a Level 6 programme.
"However, if a student has an IELTS result of 6.0 to begin with, they will not need further IELTS testing during the two-year validity of the test, as that result is sufficient for entry into programmes at Levels 5, 6 and 7."
Paul Chalmers, the spokesperson for the Auckland International Education Group, which represents private providers. Photo: RNZ / John Gerritsen
The spokesperson for a group of Auckland education businesses, Paul Chalmers, said the proposal was a waste of time.
He said most students' English improved while they were studying in New Zealand and very few would not be able to progress to a higher level of study.
"They've been here for a year, they've been generally working in student jobs for that period and their English has generally improved.
"There may be the odd student that hasn't but that's what they're focusing on," he said.
Mr Chalmers said the plan was an imposition on foreign students.
NZQA proposed relaxing the rules for students from high-risk countries if they had completed a higher qualification such as a Bachelor's degree in a country where English was the medium of instruction.
