International education drives NZ$4.5 billion economic boost as sector grows with strong public support

New Zealand’s international education sector continues its steady and balanced growth, contributing more than NZ$4.52 billion annually to the economy and enjoying enduring public support for international students. 

According to latest Stats NZ data, education-related travel exports climbed to $4.52 billion for the year ended September 2025, up from $4.3 billion in the year ended June. 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.  

Education New Zealand Manapou ki te Ao (ENZ) Chief Executive Amanda Malu said the figures confirm New Zealand’s position as a trusted and attractive destination for international learners. 

“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. 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,” Malu said. 

“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.” 

Quality Tertiary Institutions (QTI) Chair and New Zealand Skills and Education Group Founder, Brijesh Sethi, said he was very pleased to see international student enrolments increase for private training establishments (PTEs) in New Zealand. 

“This growth is not only an academic success story but also an economic one.  

“International students contribute substantially to local communities and the national economy, reinforcing the international education sector’s role as a cornerstone of New Zealand’s global engagement strategy.  

“While there are some concerns regarding the PTE application numbers for 2025, enrolment increases are encouraging,” Sethi said. 

Public support remains strong 

Alongside growth in international student enrolments, ENZ’s latest 2025 Public Perceptions of International Education Survey shows 77% of New Zealanders want to see the same or more international students in the country up slightly on last year’s 75%. 

By comparison, only just over 50% of Australians polled in 2025 support maintaining or increasing international student numbers, and at less than 50% of those in the UK polled in 2023 were in favour of students coming to research or study at UK universities.  

Commenting on the survey, Malu said the survey shows international education is a key economic growth driver that also brings diverse perspectives through visiting students.  

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

Deputy Vice-Chancellor, University of Waikato, Alister Jones, said they were excited about the increasing number of international students at the university. 

“This represents the significant work undertaken by our International and Engagement Office, both onshore and offshore.  

“Our international students bring diversity to our Hamilton and Tauranga campuses, as well as having a positive impact on the 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,” Jones said.  

Beyond the economic benefits, New Zealanders also continue to appreciate the broad range of cultural and social benefits that international students bring to the country.   

81% agree international students contribute to local communities, and 79% say they provide invaluable global connections and research links. 

“International education is not just an economic driver, it’s a bridge to the world.  

“New Zealanders clearly value the cultural and social benefits international students bring, and that support is vital as we look to the future,” Malu said. 

Looking ahead 

ENZ’s International Education Going for Growth Plan aims to double the sector’s export value to NZ$7.2 billion by 2034, while maintaining public support for international education. 

“International education is a key contributor to the Government’s Going for Growth Plan to grow the New Zealand economy. This growth reflects the sector’s resilience and its critical role in our economic future.” 

“Our focus is on sustainable, balanced growth, diversifying markets, strengthening vocational pathways, and ensuring students have a positive experience.  

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

Read more:  

International student enrolments 2013-2025

2025 New Zealanders’ Perceptions of International Education Survey | ENZ IntelliLab

For further information: 

Sai Raje | Senior Communications Advisor, Education New Zealand Manapou ki te Ao 
sai.raje@enz.govt.nz | +64 21 479 649 

About Education New Zealand Manapou ki te Ao 

Education New Zealand Manapou ki te Ao (ENZ) is the government agency dedicated to helping 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.

With approximately 85 staff in 13 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 (New Zealand Institute of Skills and Technology 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.