WELLINGTON, July 26 (Xinhua) -- The New Zealand government allocated funding of 750,000 NZ dollars (511,716 U.S. dollars) for projects aimed at supporting the wellbeing of international students, Education Minister Chris Hipkins said on Thursday.

The funding aims to improve the support and experience of international students in New Zealand, Hipkins said in a statement.

"I want every international student who comes to New Zealand to study to feel welcome, safe and supported so they get the most out of their stay and feel valued for the contribution they make to New Zealand," Hipkins said.

"International students are from diverse cultures, living away from their families, communities and social networks. Often, it is also their first trip overseas, so they can be vulnerable," Hipkins said.

He encourages groups and organizations that work with international students to support their safety and mental health to come forward with proposals.

Applications are open until Aug. 24 and successful projects will be announced in November. This is the second funding round under the International Student Wellbeing Strategy, according to the ministry.