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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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ENZ Regional Partners Workshop lands in Queenstown
This was ENZ’s twelfth Regional Partners Workshop, coordinated under ENZ’s Regional Partnership Programme which aims to ensure that regions throughout New Zealand increasingly share the benefits of international education.
Jo Keane, ENZ Business Development Manager, said the workshops are a chance to bring together regional representatives of international education to receive professional development training and learn the latest news and updates from ENZ.
“ENZ is committed to the development of international education in the regions. We work closely with our Regional Partners across 15 regions to grow value, deliver an excellent student experience and create global citizenship opportunities – in line with the goals of the International Education Strategy.
“Of course, our regional partners need to ensure their local communities see the benefits of international education too. For this reason, a key focus of the latest workshop was empowering our regional representatives to ‘Tell the Story’ of international education in their communities, with a session on news media and communication skills.”
The group also heard presentations from representatives of Destination Queenstown, Queenstown Resort College and Queenstown Lakes District Council on the opportunities and challenges for the region across tourism, infrastructure and international education.
Representatives from the Secondary International Education Business Association (SIEBA) also presented, focussing on partnership with the regions.
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Agent training webinars for Malaysia and Thailand
The webinars will provide updates on popular study options, student entry requirements, scholarships, visa processing, through to employment and career pathway opportunities in New Zealand.
Speakers will include New Zealand institution representatives as well as ENZ and Immigration New Zealand staff.
ENZ’s International Market Manager for Southeast Asia, John Mollo, says “We see these webinars as a way to provide the tools, training and intelligence that agents need to better promote New Zealand.”
The Malaysia Agent webinar is scheduled for 21 May at 10am local time and agents can register here
The Thailand Agent webinar is scheduled for 22 May at 10am local time and agents can register here
Please note: Registration for these webinars is for education agents only. ENZ is running a separate series of webinars for New Zealand education institutions.
Other country webinars are being planned and we will open registration shortly.
Agent market
Date and local time of webinar
Indonesia
Tuesday 18 June, 10am
Japan
Tuesday 16 July, 10am
China
Monday 1 July, 10am
Philippines
Tuesday 20 August, 10am
Viet Nam
Tuesday 10 September, 10am
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