International students will no longer have to undergo a full medical assessment under changes to health screening rules.

Immigration Minister Nathan Guy announced the changes today, designed to cut red tape around international education.

The changes come after the Government revealed international student numbers in Christchurch dropped 37 per cent following the February 2011 earthquake.

The Government has pledged $5 million to help revive the Christchurch sector over the next four years and is considering including the right to work on visas for short-term language students.

International students will no longer need to supply full medical assessments from July this year. ''Unless they have other health conditions, they will only need to be screened for tuberculosis,'' Guy said.

''This will greatly reduce the cost and hassle for around 62,800 students who will save around $17 million a year in medical costs.''

International students will also be required to have health insurance, as a condition of their visa.

Other changes include: previously submitted medical records less than 36 months old will be able to be reused, and screening for partners and dependent children of New Zealand citizens will be limited to serious conditions.

(Source Christchurch Press, Fairfax NZ News)