Massey students stuck in China
About 1300 Massey University students stuck in China due to a coronavirus travel ban have started their semester studying online.
New Zealand has imposed a travel ban on people travelling from China, where the virus originated, since February 2 to help prevent its spread and thousands of international students enrolled in Kiwi universities have been unable to enter the country.
The ban was extended for eight days on Monday, the first week of Massey’s semester one, and Massey students are among those unable to enter the country to start their studies.
A university spokeswoman said 1290 students had been prevented from coming to Massey because of the virus outbreak and 40 students had pulled out of their courses because they were unable to travel to New Zealand.
The 1290 students were enrolled in the hope they would be able to arrive later in the semester, the spokeswoman said.
Massey has 3960 international students enrolled for semester one.
One student on Massey’s Manawatu¯ campus was in selfisolation.
The university has worked to allow students to continue to study with little disruption. Massey has a large number of students who study extramurally – last year it was about half of Massey’s 30,000 students – so it can cater for students overseas.
The spokeswoman said Massey staff were working to put material online so students could start their studies from China until they could travel to New Zealand.
Online courses started for people in China this week.
‘‘Massey has world-class online learning facilities and we continue to teach students from all around the world online.’’
Stuff asked Massey if it has concerns about student welfare or the university being affected financially.
‘‘Massey University is following the Ministry of Health guidelines to ensure staff and student safety and we are taking all practicable precautions. We are also doing everything we can to support our students in China,’’ the spokeswoman said.
‘‘Like all universities, we are aware of the potential financial impact that could occur as a result of coronavirus and we are monitoring the situation closely.’’
Universities of New Zealand said earlier this month the organisation was working the Government to ensure all international students could continue their studies.
Students from China make up the largest proportion of international students coming to New Zealand – almost 45 per cent, about 15,000 people.
The last day for Massey students to apply for admission was Friday February 21 and the last day for course enrolment is Monday March 9, but the university has advised people to enrol as soon as possible so they could start studying when the semester started.
‘‘In most cases, those unable to travel to New Zealand will be assisted to commence their studies online,’’ Massey wrote on its website. ‘‘If you are a student that is affected you will be contacted with more specific advice.’’