Government announces International Education Going for Growth Plan

The Plan outlines an objective to double the international education sector’s economic contribution by 2034. This target has been set at $7.2 billion. 

In the short term, the Plan will have Education New Zealand (ENZ) focus its promotional efforts on markets with the highest potential for growth while continuing to maintain New Zealand’s strong presence and reputation for high-quality education in other markets. 

ENZ Chief Executive Amanda Malu says New Zealand reaps a broad range of economic, social and cultural benefits from having international students in our classrooms and communities.

“A New Zealand education experience transforms lives, creating lifelong connections between students and Aotearoa. International education fuels innovation, boosts our economy, creates business opportunities, and delivers essential cross-cultural skills for a more connected world. The International Education Going for Growth Plan brings to life a vision to grow New Zealand as the destination of choice for international students,” Ms Malu said.

The plan to grow the international student sector has three objectives:

1. raise awareness of New Zealand as a study destination from 40% in 2024, to 42% in 2027 and 44% by 2034.

2. grow student enrolments from 83,400 in 2024 to 105,000 in 2027 and 119,000 by 2034.

3. increase the proportion of prospective students rating NZ among their top three choices of study destination from 18% in 2024 to 20% in 2027 and 22% in 2034.

In November 2025, in-study work rights will increase from 20 to 25 hours per week for eligible student visa holders and in-study work rights will be extended to all tertiary students in approved exchange or Study Abroad programmes, including programmes one-semester long.

The Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) will progress work on medium-term immigration actions under the Plan - design of a new short duration visa for some sub-degree qualifications not eligible for post-study work rights and ways to make it easier for students to apply for multi-year visas. MBIE will seek input and views from key stakeholders to inform the development of this work.

You can view the International Education Going for Growth Plan document here.