While student visa applications from traditional markets like China, South Korea, South Africa, Taiwan and Britain have declined in the past years, Indian students continue flocking to New Zealand for higher education.

The number of Indian students approved to study has increased steadily over the past five years, from around 3,700 fee-paying students in 2005-06 to over 12,000 in 2010-11, according to statistics released by Immigration New Zealand (INZ).

Since 2007-08, India has been New Zealand's third largest source country after China and South Korea.As many as 9,141 student visa applications have been approved from July 2009 to February 2011, reported INZ statistics.

Ramandeep Kaur, a student from India who is at present studying Graduate Diploma in Communications in New Zealand, is of the view that the country is becoming one of the popular choices of students coming in from India because of its various facets, one of them being a "peaceful" nation.

Surpreet Kaur, who recently finished her business studies in New Zealand, said that encouraging students to work in groups and applying theories to real life situation are regular features of the teaching system in New Zealand.

"Besides, safe society and incredible natural environment make New Zealand one of the best destinations for higher studies among Indian students," she added.