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By the numbers – Enrolment data and Perceptions survey
Enrolment data 2018
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117,276 international students enrolled in 2018
Enrolments by sector
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Schools – 22,276
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Private Training Establishments (excluding ELS) – 25,466
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English Language Schools (ELS) – 21,221
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Institutes of Technology/ Polytechnics (ITPs) – 17,240
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Universities – 31,529
What countries do international students come from?
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China – 32%
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India – 14%
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Japan – 8%
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Korea – 5%
Other key enrolment findings
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University enrolments for international students are at a six-year high and the sector is now the largest receiver of international students (27% or 31,529). This is a 7% increase from 2017.
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International students studying in the school sector has also increased by 6%.
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The regional distribution of international students is also at a six-year high.
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There is a growing diversity in where international students are coming from, with the number of students coming from Latin America up by 7%.
Perceptions 2019 highlights
The Perceptions research shows us what New Zealanders think about international education and the perceived benefits it brings to the country and our communities. Here are some of the highlights from the report.
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Almost three in five Kiwis believe that international education positively contributes to New Zealand as a country, while over half believe it contributes at a community level.
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More Kiwis are seeing international education as positively contributing to New Zealand’s tourism, economy and economic growth, our international networks and trading connections and a multi-cultural New Zealand.
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The social, cultural and economic benefits that international education brings to New Zealand are widely recognised by the New Zealand public.
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65% of New Zealanders recognise the benefits international education brings to New Zealand’s economy and its economic growth. This has increased from 56% in 2017.
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In the regions, 53% believe international education benefits the regional economy in comparison to 49% in 2017.
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More people are seeing the opportunity for international students to learn about New Zealand’s culture and way of life – 76% in 2019 compared to 64% in 2017.
Read the full report on Intellilab.
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International Pathway Programme for Indonesian business students
The partnership, named the International Pathway Programme (IPP) in Business, will allow students in Indonesia to complete their first year of study with i3L School of Business, and then progress directly into the second and third year of study under the University of Canterbury’s Bachelor of Commerce programme.
ENZ’s Regional Director, Asia, Ben Burrowes, said the partnership marks an important milestone in New Zealand’s relationship with Indonesia in the education sector.
“We look forward to witnessing how the skillsets and knowledge of both student communities will merge to create a more well-rounded and enriching learning experience. We highly value our international education partners, and we hope to establish more such partnerships in Indonesia,” Mr Burrowes said.
i3L School of Business’s Vice Rector of Admissions, Marketing and Institutional Development, Dr Tjong Budi Santoso, said the launch of the partnership is momentous for the institution.
“It has always been a goal of ours to empower students by presenting them with the opportunity to further their studies in International Business in some of the world’s best universities, such as University of Canterbury. This marks the first time that we are partnering with an esteemed New Zealand university, and we look forward to building our working relationship with New Zealand and its educational institutions even further.”
University of Canterbury Business School’s Internationalisation Director, William Shannon, commented, “The importance of having international experience and connections is highly crucial today as more business is conducted on a global scale.
“We hope that both student communities will benefit greatly from this programme and can contribute even further to the future economy and society of both New Zealand and Indonesia.”
This education pathway to the University of Canterbury is now open for applications with the first intake starting in September 2022.
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PIF Recipient: Connect2NZ
Connect2NZ aims to show that tertiary education providers can work with government agencies to build a framework for international learners that is innovative, future focused, and learner-centric.
Connect2NZ’s target audience is professionals, living outside New Zealand, who are seeking skills development in emerging sectors. Work has been undertaken to determine learner needs and match those with areas where New Zealand is strong. The project will design and deliver micro-learning and short courses which have pathways, allowing these learners to study from a group of courses to achieve their desired career outcomes. Potential topics include technology, leadership, health and wellness, food and agritech, energy, tourism, design and natural hazards. Our goal is to eventually extend our offerings to degree qualifications.
"What excites me the most about the Connect2NZ project is the exploration of potential new offshore/online markets. In particular, the global lifelong learner market which is huge and to date not well served by some of the fantastic educational offerings available from the New Zealand Higher Education sector, "
Professor Mick Grimley, Dean of Future Learning and Development, University of Canterbury
Some of these courses will be delivered by one provider partner, while others will be jointly designed and delivered. The number of tertiary education providers is expected to grow following consultation with government agencies and community outreach.
The pilot project is supported by Education New Zealand Manapou ki te Ao (ENZ). Through its International Education Product Innovation Fund, ENZ is supporting a range of pilot projects that reimagine how a New Zealand education can engage and inspire international learners and create impact through new delivery modes, approaches and partnerships.
"Connect2NZ breaks the mold by uniting our organizational strengths in solving a challenging problem. When we prove success, the value add is a model other institutions can follow".
Dr David Dannenberg, Director of Learning, Teaching and Library, Lincoln University.
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Study in New Zealand on Instagram
Over the next six months we are trialling some social media marketing with 15 scholarship students on Instagram.
The students from the university and ITP sectors have been challenged to capture one moment each week of their New Zealand study experience. This could be in the form of a photo or a short video.
Highlights so far include shopping for fruit and vegetables at Wellington’s fresh produce markets, a visit to the Taihape Gumboot, canyoning in Piha and riding a mechanical bull at AUT University. We are looking forward to seeing the ‘inside the classroom’ pictures as the study year gets underway.
With Instagram it’s very important to be real so we thought the best way to do that was to hand the reins over to the students themselves. While we are working closely with the students to generate the right type of content, our student ambassadors are encouraged to share their education experience as authentically as possible. As we learn how to make the most of this student-led social media channel, we’ll invite new contributors from all markets to increase the amount of content we are generating.
The 15 scholarship students are competing to be crowned the best contributor with a prize of $200 towards a kiwi adventure of their choice. We’ll also provide each of the 15 students with an official reference for their CV at the end of their six month stay in New Zealand.
If you’re on Instagram, follow the students’ journey at @studyinnewzealand - http://instagram.com/studyinnewzealand
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NZ Centre agreement with Peking University renewed
Established in 2007, the New Zealand Centre promotes strong academic engagement between New Zealand and China across diverse fields and builds mutual understanding between both countries. It is supported by our Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade and by Education New Zealand Manapou ki te Ao (ENZ).
A special event to mark the signing was jointly held at Peking University and at New Zealand's Parliament on 27 July 2022, hosted by Education Minister Chris Hipkins. Chinese Vice Minister of Education Tian Xuejun provided a speech, while New Zealand’s Ambassador to China, Clare Fearnley, took the opportunity to thank ENZ for funding migratory birds research, announcing this initiative during the ceremony. Around 50 guests, including former New Zealand ambassadors to China and China experts from New Zealand’s universities, attended the Wellington event.
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Around the world in five
UK
Scotland and Wales to pilot phone outreach for international graduates
A new graduate outcomes pilot will contact international alumni by telephone from December 2026 as the sector seeks stronger evidence of graduate outcomes beyond the UK.
Global
A social-listening analysis based on over 2,000 student posts and conversations finds that the traditional linear enrolment funnel concept is not suitable for international student recruitment and support today.
Global
What is happening to student mobility flows between the Global South and Global North?
In 2026, students in a number of important student source countries for Western schools and universities are increasingly likely to see their study visa applications rejected.
India
Currency crash and visa crackdowns force Indian students to rethink studying abroad
A weakening currency, bleak job prospects in the US and Europe, stricter visa requirements and immigration crackdowns have forced many Indian students to reconsider whether it is worth taking on hefty debts to move abroad.
Australia
When submission means suspicion: unpacking the AI anxiety affecting international students
For international students in Australia, navigating language, culture, and the immense pressure of overseas study has always been challenging. But the findings of the 2026 Australian Student Wellbeing Report (n=1,234 with 16% international) highlight a new and insidious weight being added to the balancing act: AI anxiety.
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Say hello to the new, improved Brand Lab
Over the past quarter, ENZ's marketing team has been developing a new and improved Brand Lab system – due to go live tomorrow, Thursday 11 May.
ENZ Content Marketing Project Manager, Laura Lingard, said the site has many new features, all of which are much more user-friendly than the previous Brand Lab.
“The new site has been designed with the user front of mind, even giving guidance around the different types of assets and how these can be used to promote the benefits of a New Zealand education,” said Laura.
The new Brand Lab also has improved search functionality to make it easier for users to find what they’re looking for – as well as a suite of new assets including translated videos and artwork.
“The Brand Lab is a useful resource for providers to promote their individual education offering, and it’s also a way for the sector to work together to build a consistent brand story about New Zealand ,” said Laura.
What’s new about the Brand Lab?
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New range of videos (across different markets and languages)
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New range of brand imagery and stories (Think New)
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New range of university imagery
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30 new student stories (case studies)
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New infographics (for social media)
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Translated sector stories
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Users can download low resolution or high resolution versions of images, and preview videos before downloading
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Users can share assets between users and send assets to non-users
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Users have increased access to a wider range of assets without needing to request permission
All current Brand Lab users will be sent an invitation to the new site on Thursday 11 May – you will need to re-register due to the system being completely new. Please take the time to complete your registration (it’s quick!) so that you can access the new site.
If you can’t wait until tomorrow (we know how eager you must be to take a look!) you can sign up now by going to thebrandlab.enz.govt.nz
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Connecting with education providers and agents in Germany
Earlier this month, ENZ took part in the ICEF Conference in Berlin. ENZ Associate Director of Engagement, Olga Elli, joined a panel discussion on the topic ‘Australia and New Zealand: The Year That Was and the Year Ahead’. This session brought together agents and providers from around the world to explore policy updates, challenges, and opportunities in international education.
Central to the discussion was New Zealand’s International Education Going for Growth Plan, with its ambitious goals and targets. Olga highlighted that the strategy is built around sustainable growth and grounded in public support as well as student success. She reinforced a message that resonated strongly with the audience: New Zealand is open, and students are welcome.
ENZ Associate Director of Engagement, Olga Elli, participating in a panel discussion at the ICEF Conference in Berlin.
Another key engagement in Germany was a roundtable with Hamburg-based education agents, held during a cultural night at MARKK Museum and hosted by New Zealand Ambassador to Germany, H.E. Craig Hawke.
The roundtable provided an excellent opportunity to exchange market insights, address challenges, and identify new opportunities. Agents shared positive feedback on New Zealand’s growing popularity among German students, citing safety, high-quality education, and the manaakitanga New Zealand offers as key drivers.
They also noted the success of scholarship campaigns in promoting New Zealand as a study destination. Single-sex schools were highlighted as particularly appealing to high-performing German student athletes, and agents expressed interest in exploring new schools in smaller coastal towns.
Olga said engagements like this reaffirm the importance New Zealand places on collaboration and open dialogue with international partners. “By sharing insights, addressing challenges, and celebrating cultural connections, we continue to strengthen New Zealand’s position as a trusted and welcoming study destination,” Olga said.
ENZ will continue working closely with education agents to ensure they have up-to-date information on New Zealand, awareness of emerging policy updates, and access to New Zealand Taught Me campaign materials – so students can experience the very best our country has to offer.
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From the CE: Memorable trip highlights value of international education
This was the first mission led by the Prime Minister since our borders closed in 2020, and it combined education, tourism, New Zealand businesses and government agencies. It sent a clear message that New Zealand is open for business and ready to reconnect with the world.
A couple of excellent things happened in Singapore from an education perspective, the first at Gardens by the Bay, which is a nature park of more than 100 hectares, visited by around 14 million people every year.
At a ceremony to mark the unveiling of a bespoke Māori carving, the Chief Executive of Gardens by the Bay, Felix Loh, spoke about his education experience in New Zealand 30 years ago. He said that studying for a Bachelor of Horticulture at Massey University had a huge impact on his life and career, not only because of what he learnt from his studies, but also because of the care and support he received here. It was a great endorsement of the best that an education in New Zealand can offer and highlighted to everyone who heard him that international education brings long-term value.
Image: Felix Loh, Chief Executive of Gardens by the Bay, speaks at the ceremony to mark the unveiling of a bespoke Māori carving. Photographer – Karan Gurnani, 35mm.
We had a similar experience the following day, at the signing of an MOU between the Singapore Institute of Technology (SIT) and FoodBowl, a New Zealand food innovation network based in Auckland. The senior signing official for SIT was their President, Professor Chua Kee Chaing, who was a student in New Zealand 40 years ago. Again, we saw the warmth and long-term relationships that are generated by international education.
The Japan part of our trip featured several events with a specific focus on international education, including signing an agreement with Japan Women’s University, relaunching Game on English for female rugby players, and an event at the Cookie Time store in Tokyo with an opportunity to meet previous participants in the working holiday scheme, including former students. You can read more about these events in a separate article in this issue of E-News.
It was great to meet people who feel such a strong connection to New Zealand, even after many years have passed. We often refer to the social, cultural and economic benefits of international education – what we experienced on this trip brought those words to life and marked another significant step on our path to rebuild New Zealand’s international education sector.
He aha te mea nui o tea ao? He tangata, he tangata, he tangata
What is the most important thing in the world? It is people, it is people, it is people.
Grant McPherson
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Letter from the CE: Impact of immigration changes
The announcements included some changes to residency requirements which have generated a lot of commentary including on the impact for international education – see Radio New Zealand, New Zealand Herald, Stuff, Newsroom.
The changes to residence under the Skilled Migrant category come into effect in August 2017. (Please note that the proposals for temporary migrant work settings are going out for consultation before a final decision is made.)
It is expected that the Skilled Migrant residency changes will have a short-term impact on international student recruitment, particularly for providers targeting students at below-degree-level qualifications, who are more likely to be affected by the changes.
The recent announcements do send a clear signal that permanent residence after three years of post-study work experience is not always a realistic expectation.
The quality education experience itself should be the prime driver for considering New Zealand as a study destination.
The new residence criteria includes remuneration thresholds. It is worth noting that, in the recently published Moving Places study by the Ministry of Education, more than half of the international students with postgraduate qualifications earned above the proposed threshold three years after completing their study.
In the longer term, we hope that the new remuneration thresholds will incentivise students to study in fields of study more closely aligned to skill shortages, thereby increasing the value for New Zealand as well as supporting better labour market outcomes.
Regulatory settings are under constant review, and Education New Zealand will continue to work closely with our partners across government in all of these areas.
Grant McPhersonChief Executive, Education New Zealand
