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  • Message from Minister for Tertiary Education and Skills, Penny Simmonds

    It’s good to reflect on ENZ’s New Zealand International Education Strategy (NZIES), “to enable a thriving and globally connected New Zealand through world-class international education.” 

    I am delighted to say that with the increase in the numbers of overseas students we are on track to deliver on that strategy.   

    There have been 59,306 international student enrolments for Jan - August 2023, a 43% increase compared to the full year in 2022.   

    And New Zealanders' understanding of the economic and social benefits of international students was reflected in a survey late in December 2023 by Ipsos  which showed  75% percent of New Zealanders believe that overseas students benefit New Zealand. This is up from 47% in 2019.  

    An increase in the number of international students from all over the world is positive as it brings in vital revenue for institutions and the country, but it also has the spinoff of creating a wonderful cosmopolitan element to campus life.   

    New Zealand is a small country and for many students, rubbing shoulders with people from other cultures will give them a greater understanding of the issues facing our complex world. In this time of fragile geopolitics, the melting pot of campus life can help build greater understanding and tolerance.  

    In turn Kiwi students also can be champions for our own country as they share their knowledge, experience and friendship with the overseas students. 

    The quality education that our institutions provide also enhances our global society by upskilling and educating all students to take on international work opportunities which inevitably spreads New Zealand’s values and influence throughout our world.  

    Hon Penny Simmonds
    Minister for Tertiary Education and Skills

  • From the Acting Chief Executive: Cold temperatures, warm hearts

    Tēnā koutou katoa 

    As a recent “polar blast” bought frost and icy conditions across New Zealand, my thoughts turned to the international students who arrived here in the warmth of summer. Living a long way from home in a different country is challenging enough without being subjected to freezing conditions. The good news is that all our research and everything we hear from our international students is that the welcome and manaakitanga they receive is universally warm. 

    In our Student Experience survey of 4,755 international students from the end of last year, more than 70 nationalities, 84 percent rated their overall experience positively, while another 83 percent said they would recommend New Zealand as a study destination.  

    Last Wednesday, along with our Chair, Tracey Bridges, we appeared before the Education and Workforce Select Committee comprising nine Members of Parliament. This happens every year. As a government agency it is part of reporting to Parliament. I am extremely heartened by the level of interest all the committee members had in international education. It is good to know the sector has advocates within Parliament. 

    Tracey has recently returned from Singapore, Thailand, and the Philippines as a member of the business delegation supporting Prime Minister, Rt Hon Christopher Luxon. Education was a big part of the Prime Minister’s itinerary, and it was great to have Tracey in the delegation. Throughout the entire trip we took every opportunity to emphasise the benefits of international education to the Prime Minister. A good example was in Thailand where ENZ hosted a series of engagements, including the New Zealand Alumni Networking Event. At this event the Prime Minister met 25 accomplished New Zealand alumni, who have made substantial contributions to the bilateral relationship between New Zealand and Thailand. You can read more about the visit in our E-News article here.  

    New Zealanders going offshore for an experience is an important part of international education and ENZ’s work. It is pleasing then to see 60 applications for the group round of the Prime Minister’s Scholarship for Asia and Latin America that closed 19 April 2024. Of the 60, 22 were for Latin America and 38 for Asia. The applications are being assessed and successful scholarship recipients will be determined in a few weeks’ time.  

    In summary it has been, as it always is, a busy and productive month across international education. May will be no different. 

     

    Waiho kia pātai ana, he kaha ui te kaha 

    Let the questioning continue; the ability of the person is in asking questions. 

     

    Keep warm everyone. 

     

    Dr Linda Sissons
    Acting Chief Executive

     

  • Education New Zealand targets $4.4 billion by 2027

    Education New Zealand Manapou ki te Ao (ENZ) today announced its plan to grow the international education sector over the next three years. The strategy, which aims to build the economic contribution of international education to $4.4 billion by 2027, focuses on growing and diversifying the number of international students studying in New Zealand. 

    “International education has made a good start to its recovery with more than 69,000 enrolments in the first full academic year since borders reopened and universities returning to 86% of pre-pandemic numbers,” said ENZ Acting Chief Executive Dr Linda Sissons today. 

    “The government has a goal of doubling the value of export earnings in ten years and international education has its part to play.” 

    “In the first year of the strategy the focus is putting additional investment into markets we have identified with growth potential. These include India, Viet Nam, and the Philippines, and some specific sectors within markets like Japan and Thailand. We need to start now to grow awareness of New Zealand in these markets if we are to achieve our growth targets. Moving forward, we will continue to seek growth through diversifying markets while maintaining our strength in traditional markets such as China and India.” 

     “As a small agency with a finite budget, ENZ needs to be very smart and maximise every opportunity for New Zealand,” said Dr Sissons.  “We look to use the potential of Scale, Impact, and Leverage as the measuring rods for everything we do, as we commit to the Government’s Export Double goal”. 

    The strategy is the result of extensive consultation with the international education sectors, partner Government agencies and comes on the back of a productive 12 months for Education New Zealand. 

    In the past 12 months Education New Zealand student attraction activities have delivered: 

    • More than two million visits to the Study with New Zealand website 

    • Added more than 69,000 prospective students to its database 

    • More than 22,000 individuals have made enquiries to providers regarding study 

    • Our business-to-business activities targeting education agents delivered 33 webinars to over 1,800 participants 

    • 18 in-country events delivered in five countries (Thailand, South Korea, Japan, Vietnam, China) 

    • The New Zealand International Education Conference KI TUA 2023 to 599 delegates 

    • 50 new indigenous to indigenous networks and partnerships 

    • Sector satisfaction with ENZ topped 77% 

    ENZ’s offshore team provides significant support to overseas visits by representatives of the international education sector and the New Zealand government, building and deepening relationships said Dr Sissons. In 2024 this included a visit by representatives of all New Zealand Universities to India in February, and ENZ supporting the education component of the Prime Ministerial Trade Missions to Southeast Asia and Japan.  

    The agency also supports education visits to New Zealand. Very recently this included the visit of Chinese Premier Li Qiang, which included China’s Education Minister Huai Jinpeng.   

    It was the second visit by Minister Huai to New Zealand in ten months, and highlighted the strong momentum our bilateral education relationship. In 2023 ENZ also delivered the Prime Minister’s Scholarships to Asia and Latin America (PMSA/LA) which sees New Zealanders travel internationally for learning experiences and administers the Manaaki New Zealand Scholarship programme for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT). The Manaaki Scholarships offers scholarships to eligible citizens from developing countries to study at a New Zealand education institution or university or at a Pacific university.  

    In 2023 these important programmes have awarded: 

    • 118 individual PMSA/LA scholarships  

    • 20 group PMSA/LA scholarships  

    • NZIEC KI TUA 2023 delivered with 599 delegates 

    • 861 Manaaki New Zealand Scholarships awarded 

    “I am very pleased and proud of the results the team at Education New Zealand Manapou ki te Ao has delivered alongside the sector. We have more to do,” said Dr Sissons.


    For further information:   

    Justin Barnett | Director of Communications, Education New Zealand Manapou ki te Ao    

    justin.barnett@enz.govt.nz

    +64 21 875 132 

    About Education New Zealand Manapou ki te Ao (ENZ) https://www.enz.govt.nz/     

    ENZ is the government agency dedicated to helping Aotearoa New Zealand realise the social, cultural, and economic benefits of international education. Our role is to promote New Zealand as a high-quality education destination offering excellent education and student experiences and to encourage New Zealand students to study overseas.  

    With approximately 105 staff in 16 locations around the world, ENZ works closely with New Zealand’s diverse education sector which includes schools, English language providers, Private Training Establishments, Institutes of Technology and Polytechnics (Te Pūkenga), and universities. Internationally, we work with a range of education stakeholders, including government agencies and education providers to identify and encourage sustainable growth opportunities for New Zealand’s education sector.    

     

  • Update from Immigration New Zealand

    New Immigration New Zealand website now live

    The new Immigration New Zealand (INZ) website is now live, with clearer information and guidance to help INZ customers navigate their immigration journey more easily.

    The new visual design and structure makes it easier for customers to know what the visa process means for them and how to apply for a visa and comply with their visa conditions.

    Visit the new INZ website.

    Apply early to get ahead of the student visa peak

    Applying for a student visa at least three months before intended travel date gives students the best chance to have a decision made in time for their study. 

    The processing of student visas is a priority for INZ, particularly as it gets closer to peak times.

    Immigration New Zealand is in the mid-year student visa processing peak, which is between May and August each year.

    Applications take longer to be decided during this peak period, so it is important that students apply early if they want to come to New Zealand to study. 

    Wait times for international student visa applications are published in our visa wait times section. 

    Student visa wait times

    Help us process applications faster

    To help INZ process applications quicker and avoid unnecessary delays, students should provide full and complete applications, including all necessary documentation.

     Students can use our student visa information sheets to make sure their application has all the information and documentation required.

    Student visa information sheet – first-time international students

    Student visa information sheet – continuing international students

    If students apply late, their application may not be processed in time for their study in New Zealand. 

    Due to the high volume of visa applications expected, we will not contact students if documents are missing from their application. If the missing information is key to the assessment, then the application may be declined.   

     

    Student visas moving to enhanced Immigration Online

    From 18 August 2025, international student visa applications are moving to Immigration New Zealand’s enhanced Immigration Online system. 

    The aim is a simpler, faster and more user-friendly visa application process to reduce waiting times, provide clear communication on application statuses, and increase self-service capabilities so everyone feels more informed and better supported.

    How applications during this transition will be managed

    As we are in a peak period for student visa applications, we encourage applicants to submit applications when they are ready, and at least 3 months ahead of the intended travel date to help avoid delays that may impact them starting their study on time.

    There are some important things applicants need to know if they are submitting an international student visa application around August 2025.

    If applicants start a new draft application on or before 17 August, they will be applying in our current system. They will need to submit the application by 17 September, otherwise the draft application will expire.

    If they start an application on or after 18 August, they will be automatically directed to our new system.

    Please read our news item for more detailed information on the visas affected and the transition process. 

    Learn more

     

     

     

     

     

  • Around the world in five

    China 

    China approves 46 TNE partnerships 

    China’s Ministry of Education has approved a slew of new transnational educational partnerships, as the country aims to grow its TNE enrolments from 800,000 to eight million. 

    Global 

    Diversity is a rising concern for world’s students  

    Students around the world are more confident about career prospects but are increasingly concerned about a range of other issues, including student diversity and their quality of life, according to the latest Global Student Satisfaction (GSS) Report 2025. 

    United Kingdom 

    APPG report highlights £41.9bn contribution of international students in the UK  

    According to a new report from the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for International Students, International students contribute more than £41.9 billion annually to the UK economy, with their impact felt in local communities. 

    Australia 

    Equity report calls for overhaul of Australia’s higher education system  

    The Australian Centre for Student Equity and Success (ACSES) has released a new report calling for a complete shift in how Australia’s higher education system addresses equity and access issues. 

    United States of America  

    Fewer international students are coming to the US, costing universities and communities that benefit from these visitors 

    An estimated 30% to 40% fewer international students are expected on American college campuses in the fall of 2025, compared with trends in the 2024-2025 academic year, according to NAFSA: Association of International Educators. 

  • Update from Immigration New Zealand

    Update for international students: In-study work hours increasing from 3 November 

    From 3 November 2025, eligible international students will be able to work up to 25 hours per week during the semester - an increase from the current 20-hour limit. This change applies to all new student visas granted from that date, even if the application was submitted earlier. 

    If international students hold a student visa with a 20-hour work limit and want to take advantage of the new 25-hour allowance, they will need to apply for a variation of conditions (VOC) or a new student visa and pay the relevant fee 

    They can choose to apply now for the extra five hours or if their visa allows full-time work during summer vacation then they do not require the extra five hours and may choose to wait until later to apply for a variation. Some students will choose not to apply for a variation of conditions at all, and wait until their next student visa application  

    The process for applying for a variation of conditions depends on which system a visa was submitted through i.e. the old system or through enhanced Immigration Online. 

    For more information, visit Upcoming changes to student visa work rights: Immigration New Zealand

    If they’re unsure which system their visa was issued in or which form to use, they can contact us for support before applying: Contact us: Immigration New Zealand 

    Update for international students: Changing your education provider or lowering your level of study from 3 November 2025 

    If a student visa holder is planning to change education provider or lower their level of study (for example, from a degree to a diploma), they’ll need to apply for a new student visa - not just a variation of conditions. 

    Upcoming changes to student visa work rights: Immigration New Zealand

    This requirement ensures their visa accurately reflects the new study situation and complies with immigration requirements.  

    Before making any changes, students or their representatives should check the INZ website for guidance on how to apply for a new student visa on enhanced Immigration Online and ensure they apply in advance to avoid any disruption to their studies. 

    For more information, visit Study visas: Immigration New Zealand 

    Update for international students: Keep your visa photo filter free 

    We all like to look our best, but to avoid delays or declines, visa application photos must be a true, unedited likeness. That means students must abandon those filters and submit an accurate photo in order to avoid processing delays or declines. 

    Immigration New Zealand uses facial recognition, so filters, AI edits, or beauty enhancements interfere with identity checks. Photos must meet international biometric standards - natural skin tones, clear lighting, and no digital alterations. 

    Edited images including smoothing skin, changing eye size, reshaping facial features, or cropping your head onto a plain background will cause delays in processing and may lead to declined applications.  

    Key tips: 

    • Don’t use selfies - get someone to take your photo or use a professional. 
    • Tell photographers not to apply digital enhancements, like beauty filters or AI adjustments. 
    • Some photo apps or online tools may not be suitable for visa applications. 

    More information and examples of acceptable photos can be found on our website: Acceptable photos for a visa or NZeTA : Immigration New Zealand 

    Guardian visitor visa applications moving online from 3 November 

    From 3 November 2025, all Guardian Visitor Visa applications should be submitted on Immigration New Zealand’s enhanced Immigration Online system. This update is part of INZ’s broader digital transformation, aimed at improving the visa experience for families supporting international students. 

    While the information required remains the same, the application form may look a little different.  

    The enhanced system offers better application tracking and a more streamlined experience for applicants. Updated guidance and support materials are built into the form. 

    If you have an application in draft or submitted under the old application form, you will still be able to access or submit this application after 3 November 2025. We will notify you when the old application form is due to close.  

    For current visa holders, if your child is applying for a new student visa and you intend to apply for another Guardian Visitor Visa, both applications should be submitted through the enhanced system.  

    This change is particularly relevant for education providers, agents, and advisers supporting families of international students. Please share this update with your networks and encourage early preparation ahead of the transition. 

    Guardian Visitor Visa applications moving to enhanced Immigration Online: Immigration New Zealand

  • From the CE: Global New Zealand education promotions backed by positive international student experience

    Kia ora koutou,  

    I am delighted to share this update with you from Beijing, where I am attending the China Annual Conference and Expo for International Education (CACIE), which is among the largest and most influential international education conferences in the Asia-Pacific. 

    New Zealand, as you know, has the proud distinction of being Country of Honour at CACIE 2025. What’s made New Zealand’s presence even more impactful is to have Hon Dr Shane Reti, the Minister for Universities and Minister of Science, Innovation and Technology join us on this visit. It is helping us raise New Zealand’s profile in education, research and innovation space during our short time in Beijing.

    With over 25 tertiary education providers from around New Zealand in attendance at the conference, including universities, wānanga, polytechnics and private training establishments, we have a diverse delegation presenting a strong and unified New Zealand education brand in China.  

    On Wednesday, ENZ hosted the New Zealand Education Friends and Partners Reception and attended the New Zealand-China Education B2B Networking session.  

    While the reception was a wonderful opportunity that enabled our education providers to extend manaakitanga to their longtime Chinese partners, the B2B networking session was an important one to help them connect with new institutional partners in China.  

    On Thursday, I am looking forward to attending the CACIE plenary session (attracting over 3,000 people) where Minister Reti will deliver the Country of Honour address, followed by the second New Zealand-China High-Level Education Forum that will see significant government-to-government engagement in education.  

    I can’t wait to share some significant outcomes from this visit with you soon. 

    CACIE is, of course, only the latest major opportunity in what has shaped up to be an incredibly impactful promotions season for New Zealand education across the world – from China, India, Europe and Thailand to Viet Nam, Japan and Korea. I am truly proud of the huge collaborative effort that has gone into the successful delivery of these events with the sector.  

    It’s reassuring that these strong global promotions of New Zealand’s education quality are backed by the stellar results of the 2025 New Zealand International Student Experience Survey that see 87% of international students continue to rate their New Zealand experience positively. 

    What’s better is that these highly positive satisfaction results come as international student enrolments in New Zealand continue to grow, with 63,610 international students enrolled in the country between January and April 2025, a 16% increase compared to the same period in 2024 (54,690). 

    It’s a great track for us to stay on! 

     

    Poipoia te kākano, kia pūawai  

    Nurture the seed and it will bloom into a flower 

     

    Ngā mihi nui,    

    Amanda Malu    

    Chief Executive  

  • Corporate publications

    Download Education New Zealand’s Statement of Intent and Annual Report and the International Education Strategy 2022-2030.

    ENZ is committed to transparent reporting, and our Chief Executive’s expenditure can also be downloaded below.

    Previous publications

    Chief Executive’s expenditure

  • Cities bid international students haere mai

    Students from all over the world who are taking the first steps in their New Zealand education journey were extended a warm haere mai in Christchurch and Wellington recently.

    A warm Wellington welcome

    Wellington powhiri 2 0

    Around 600 new international students were welcomed to Wellington on Wednesday 16 March at a lively event at Pipitea Marae.

    While the weather was cool, the Ngāti Pōneke pōwhiri was warm.  The students – some wearing their national dress – were treated to a rousing kapa haka performance followed by a traditional Kiwi barbeque, and were given the chance to capture the moment in a Wellington-themed photo booth and take part in poi lessons.  

    The Mayor of Wellington, Celia Wade-Brown, welcomed the international students to the creative capital and promoted the opportunities for both study and work in the city.

    The arrival of this most recent cohort boosts the international student population in Wellington to more than 5,600, injects an estimated additional $17 million in to the Wellington region’s economy and brings enormous cultural and social benefits to the region’s education institutions and communities.

    A colourful Christchurch greeting

     ChCh IE welcome 1

    Students who have chosen Christchurch as their education destination were embraced in a similar style, at an event hosted by Christchurch Educated on Thursday 7 April.

    A pōwhiri at the Te Puna Wānaka marae at Ara Institute of Canterbury set the warm and welcoming scene and was followed up by a greeting from Mayor Lianne Dalziel. During her address, Ms Dalziel acknowledged the important role played by Christchurch’s International Student Ambassadors; and referred to success of the Indian Skills Scholarships.

    As in Wellington, the international students had the opportunity to pick up some kapa haka and poi skills.

    Canterbury welcomes more than 9,500 international students each year, contributing an estimated $253 million to the regional economy. 

    ChCh IE welcome 2

  • Around the World in Five

    USA

    Recognising the need for Americans to improve their international awareness, this article views study abroad as a “solution” to American foreign policy isolation. The article discusses the imbalance between the number of international students who study in the US (975,000) and the number of US students who study overseas (304,000), the Generation Study Abroad initiative that aims to double the number of US students who study abroad (and which ENZ is a signatory to), current US government support of study abroad and ideas around potential policy changes to further support study abroad.

    Read more

    China

    During the National People’s Congress (NPC) and Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) annual sessions in March 2016 (called the “Lianghui”, or “Two Meetings”), it was identified that skills in the high-end manufacturing industry, the science and technology service industry, IT, the cultural products and creative industries and the finance industry will likely become the most sought-after over the “13th Five-Year Plan” period (2016 – 2020).

    Read more

    Taiwan

    The number of Taiwanese people with a college, university or other type of higher education degree has increased to 5 million (42.68 of the population) in 2015, according to the latest statistics released by the Ministry of the Interior (MOI) on Saturday. This is higher than the OECD average.

    Read more

    Brazil

    Jose Celso Freire, head of the international office of Sao Paulo State University (UNESP) and also president of the international education association of Brazil, FAUBAI, is optimistic about the future of the Science without Borders scholarship programme. Mr Freire said, “I don’t believe they will just cut the programme, but there’s a huge push that scholarships will be more focused on postgraduate studies.”

    Read more

    Vietnam

    Transnational education, study abroad and opportunities for collaboration were all on the agenda at an international education conference on integration in education jointly held last week by the Association of Vietnam Universities and Colleges (AVUC) and the Vietnam International Education Consultants Association (VIECA). Held at the Government Guest House Hanoi, the one-day conference welcomed international education experts from both provider and agent sides of the industry and was attended by more than 200 AVUC members, foreign embassy officials and representatives from several government ministries.

    Read more

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