27 November 2025 at 11:00 am
South Korea event series highlights growing interest in New Zealand
During a recent event series in Korea hosted by Education New Zealand Manapou ki te Ao (ENZ), New Zealand’s unique education offering was front and centre. From agent seminars to the Seoul Education Fair and alumni-led sessions, the events strengthened connections with schools, agencies, and families and highlighted shifting trends, including rising interest in primary education and family-based study experiences.
New Zealand Education Fair in Korea draws strong interest
The New Zealand Education Fair in Seoul brought together 40 New Zealand schools and institutions, offering students and parents the chance to explore study opportunities directly with representatives.
Representatives from University of Auckland English Academy showcasing study options available to prospective students and their parents at the New Zealand Education Fair.
The event attracted 2,100 pre-registrations, with 900 participants attending on the day, underscoring the strong demand for New Zealand education pathways. Families engaged in one-to-one consultations, gaining tailored advice on study options, English preparation, and scholarship opportunities.
During the fair, alumni speakers were invited to share their personal journeys and provide guidance to attendees. They spoke about effective English study strategies before departure, practical approaches to a family “one-year living in New Zealand” experience, and the pathways from New Zealand study to admission into leading universities.
Strong interest in primary education
The fair confirmed a notable shift in interest, with Korean families showing particularly strong enthusiasm for primary education opportunities in New Zealand.
Many families expressed interest in spending at least a year in New Zealand with their young children, allowing them to experience the country’s safe and nurturing education environment first-hand. This reflects a growing trend in Korea towards family-based study abroad and “one-year living overseas” experiences.
Expanding interest in New Zealand education
While in Korea, New Zealand schools took part in the Agent Seminar and one-to-one meetings attended by 51 Korean education agency representatives. There was notable participation from agencies not specialising solely in New Zealand, who are now increasingly considering it a key English-speaking study destination to promote.
The event also provided a valuable opportunity for active engagement between New Zealand education providers and agents, followed by the New Zealand Education Night Reception at the official residence of New Zealand’s Ambassador to South Korea, H.E Dawn Bennet. There, deeper exchanges were held with Korean government officials, education stakeholders, and agency representatives.
Positive feedback from schools and families
New Zealand schools noted the high level of engagement and the quality of conversations with Korean students and their families at the New Zealand Education Fair. Attendees also shared positive feedback, commenting on the value of direct consultations with New Zealand education providers.
The Korea fair followed ENZ-led events in Thailand, Japan, and Vietnam, and marked the final stop in this season’s dedicated New Zealand education fairs across Asia. Together, these events have strengthened New Zealand’s connections with families across the region and reinforced the country’s reputation as a world-class study destination.
ENZ’s Senior Market Development Manager based in Seoul, Kay Lee, said the fair was a valuable platform to not only promote a New Zealand education, but gather insights too.
“It clearly showed how market trends and the expectations of Korean students and families are evolving,” she said.
“For students, it provided a strong understanding of the benefits of New Zealand’s education system, while for schools it was an invaluable opportunity to engage directly with highly interested families,” Kay added.
