2026 International Student Experience Survey fieldwork is now live

Fieldwork for the 2026 International Student Experience Survey (ISES) is now underway, having launched on Monday 20 April. International students across all New Zealand education subsectors are being invited to share their views on key aspects of the student journey – from choosing where to study and preparing for arrival, through to orientation, education quality, living experiences, connections, work opportunities and value for money.

Last year, more than 5,000 international students shared their experiences of studying in New Zealand.

Key highlights included:
•    87% rated their overall experience positively, with 43% rating it ‘excellent’ 
•    92% rated their experience of people and connections positively

These results reflect the strength of New Zealand’s international education offering and the collective effort across the sector to enhance the international student experience. 

The ISES plays a vital role in building a robust, sector-wide picture of the international student experience.

We would like to sincerely thank the international education sector peak bodies and education providers who are supporting the survey and helping to maximise student participation.

Survey fieldwork will run until late May, and we look forward to sharing the insights from this year’s survey with the sector later in 2026.

If you have any questions about the survey, please get in touch with ENZ’s Senior Insights Analyst, Kyla Steenhart at kyla.steenhart@enz.govt.nz.