NZ’s international education sector delivers NZ$4.5bn economic boost

New Zealand’s international education sector is now contributing more than NZ$4.52 billion a year to the economy. According to the latest data, education-related travel exports rose to $4.52bn in the year ending September 2025, up from $3.6bn in the year ending December 2024.

Notably, international education now ranks among New Zealand’s top 10 exports and now contributes 13.6% of the country’s total services exports. 

From January to August 2025, 83,535 international students enrolled with New Zealand education providers – a 14% increase compared to the same period in 2024, and already surpassing last year’s full-year total.  

In July 2025, the New Zealand government launched the International Education Going for Growth plan, as part of its broader Going for Growth strategy, which was released in January 2025. Goals include increasing international student enrolments from 83,700 to 119,000 by 2034 and double the sector’s export value to NZ$7.2bn by 2034.

A raft of changes have also been announced, including upping the number of hours overseas students can work and study visas being linked to education providers – the latter which caught the attention of some stakeholders in Australia, who have been lobbying for similar measures.

Another change on the cards, subject to Cabinet agreement, is a short-term work visa for some vocational graduates and streamlined visa processes.

“New Zealand is moving higher up the ladder of top choices of study destinations as students look for quality education in a safe, welcoming and stimulating environment,” said Amanda Malu, chief executive at Education New Zealand Manapou ki te Ao (ENZ).

“Our steady growth shows the sector is resilient and competitive as we move at pace to deliver on the International Education Going for Growth Plan. We are not chasing numbers at any cost, we are focused on sustainable, balanced growth that benefits our regions, strengthens our economy, and adds value to our communities.” 

We are not chasing numbers at any cost, we are focused on sustainable, balanced growth that benefits our regions, strengthens our economy, and adds value to our communities
_{^{Amanda Malu, Education New Zealand}}

“We want New Zealand to remain among the top choices globally, not just for education quality but for the values we stand for,” said Malu. 

The University of Waikato is one university benefiting from increased onshore and offshore efforts by its international and engagement office. The university’s deputy vice-chancellor, Alister Jones, said that increased numbers of international students are bringing diversity to its Hamilton and Tauranga campuses, as well as having a positive impact on wider communities and businesses.

“For the students who choose to make New Zealand their home upon completing their studies, it is a really good outcome for New Zealand society as a whole,” added Jones.

China remains New Zealand’s largest source of international students, making up 35% of enrolments between January and August 2025. India follows with 14%, while Japan accounts for 8%. Several emerging markets also strengthened their presence: Sri Lanka and Nepal recorded the biggest jumps compared with the end of 2024, rising to 4th and 8th place respectively.

ENZ is keeping a close eye on social licence as it is aware that rapid growth without public support can backfire. Each year, it surveys New Zealanders and its latest 2025 public perceptions surveyed showed that 77% want to see the same or more international students in the country, up slightly on last year’s 75%. 

By comparison, in neighbouring Australia, just over 50% of those surveyed in 2025 said they support maintaining or increasing international student numbers.

“It’s absolutely fantastic to see New Zealanders continue to back international students so strongly year after year,” said Malu.

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