Educational Cooperation Agreement signed with girls’ high schools in Japan

From left: Shigeo Yuasa, Principal, Jissen Joshi Gakuen Junior and Senior High School, Mineko Mashimo, Principal, Showa Women’s University Junior-Senior High School, Amanda Luxon, Shelley Turner, Deputy Vice-Chancellor University Services, Massey University, Yumi Susuki, Principal, The Senior High School Affiliated with Japan Women's University, New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon, Shinji Karasuda, Principal, Koen Girls' Junior and Senior High School, Toshihiro Oi, Principal, Tokyo Joshi Gakuin Senior High School and Chikara Tanimoto, Deputy Head, Osaka Jogakuin Junior and Senior High School.

The Educational Cooperation Agreement was signed on Tuesday 18 June at the New Zealand Embassy in Tokyo. The agreement was signed by Deputy Vice-Chancellor University Services Shelley Turner on behalf of Massey University, and representatives from the Japanese schools. The signing ceremony was witnessed by New Zealand Prime Minister the Right Honourable Christopher Luxon during his recent trip to Japan.

Mrs Turner says Massey has a number of important long-standing ties to Japan, particularly through Te Tumu Whakatipu and the School of Veterinary Science.

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon says, "The strong relationship between Japan and New Zealand has been supported by years of educational exchange. The exchange of young people from both countries is not only essential for building personal connections but also for the development of both countries in sports and business. Through this memorandum, we support the further success of Japanese female students."

The partner schools are: Osaka Jogakuin Junior and Senior High School, Koen Girls' Junior and Senior High School; Showa Women’s University Junior-Senior High School; Jissen Joshi Gakuen Junior and Senior High School; Tokyo Joshi Gakuin Senior High School; and the Senior High School Affiliated with Japan Women's University.

The agreement aims to:

• Showcase new pathway options from Japanese high schools to New Zealand universities.
• Enhance New Zealand’s presence and reputation among all-girls high schools and universities in Japan.
• Strengthen education collaborations with Japan and promote New Zealand as a preferred destination for Japanese students.​​

The schools that signed the agreement participated in the 'New Zealand Education Familiarisation Tour,' co-hosted by Education New Zealand and Air New Zealand in March 2024. During the tour, they found a high level of compatibility with Massey’s educational philosophy, wide range of academic options, future-oriented learning environment, and extensive support for international students. Recognising these strengths, they aimed to further build relationships with the university, leading to the conclusion of this agreement.

Through this agreement, students who meet the university's English and academic requirements and receive a recommendation from their schools will be able to enrol in Massey’s bachelor's programmes.

Massey University also offers other pathway options including English for Academic Purposes and Foundation to Bachelors Programme. The students' respective schools will cooperate with Massey to support the application and admission process, providing more support than if they were to handle the process individually.

The partner schools will start providing guidance on admission to Massey University from this year.