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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 $3.6 billion in the year ended December 2024. 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 AoEducation 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.
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Education New Zealand Chief Executive Amanda Malu steps down
Amanda has been appointed Secretary for Children and Chief Executive of Oranga Tamariki – Ministry for Children, starting in early 2026.
She was appointed as ENZ Chief Executive in June 2024, taking charge on 30 September 2024. She was previously Deputy Chief Executive, Service Delivery at Accident Compensation Corporation (ACC), and Chief Executive of Whānau Āwhina Plunket.
ENZ Board Chair Tony Gray acknowledged Amanda’s outstanding contribution to Education New Zealand and the international education sector as she led ENZ through a period of complex change.
“In a relatively short time, Amanda has built up positive relationships across Government and the sector, represented ENZ at the highest levels and effectively promoted New Zealand’s international education offering around the world.
“In addition, Amanda has delivered an organisational reset which has helped set ENZ up well for the future.
“We are immensely grateful for Amanda’s leadership and we wish her every success with her new role. In the meantime, business continues as usual and our team worldwide remains focused on delivering the Going for Growth Plan ambitions for New Zealand.”
The ENZ Board has commenced immediate recruitment for a new Chief Executive.
“Between now and her departure date, we will be working with Amanda and the leadership team to ensure a smooth transition,” Tony said.
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Building on momentum from 2025 for steady growth in 2026
Kia ora koutou,
As 2025 draws to a close, I want to take a moment to reflect on what we’ve achieved together, and to thank you for the incredible support you’ve shown to grow international education in New Zealand.
This year has been one of big wins:
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New Zealand now has 83,535 international students enrolled between January and August, a 14% increase on last year, already surpassing 2024’s total.
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Education-related travel exports hit $4.52 billion, making international education among New Zealand’s top 10 exports.
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87% of international students rated their experience in the country positively, with 77% of New Zealanders agreeing that international education benefits the country.
These results are a testament to the strength of our partnerships and the commitment of everyone in this sector. Thank you for working with us on our Go-to-Market Plans, we are excited to keep building on this momentum in 2026 as we deliver on the International Education Going for Growth Plan.
And it’s not just our sector shining, New Zealand continues to stand out globally on several counts, which make us even more appealing as a high-quality study destination.
We are globally ranked:
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fifth for overall higher education quality (QS World University Rankings 2026)
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second on the Sustainable Trade Index
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third-most peaceful country in the world (Global Peace Index 2025)
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first for work-life balance (Global Life Work Balance Index 2025)
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tenth for overall prosperity and wellbeing (Legatum Prosperity Index 2025).
Finally, I want to acknowledge Amanda’s outstanding leadership as ENZ Chief Executive. Amanda has strengthened relationships across government and the sector, represented New Zealand internationally, and delivered an organisational reset that sets ENZ up for the future.
We’re immensely grateful for her contribution and wish her every success in her next role.
The ENZ Board has started recruiting for a new Chief Executive, and we’re working closely with Amanda and the leadership team to ensure a smooth transition. In the meantime, business continues as usual, and our team remains focused on achieving the growth goals we have set for international education.
On behalf of the ENZ Board, thank you for everything you’ve done to help international education grow and thrive this year.
Wishing you a safe and happy festive season filled with relaxation, good cheer and time with loved ones. We look forward to connecting again in the New Year and continuing this important work together.
Ngā mihi nui,
Tony Gray
Chair, Education New Zealand Manapou ki te Ao -
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