24 February 2026 at 1:21 pm
Spotlight on Sri Lanka: A growing market for New Zealand
With Sri Lanka rising as a high‑value international education market, ENZ is taking strategic steps to expand New Zealand’s tertiary footprint.
The international student demand from Sri Lanka is strengthening across universities, private training establishments (PTEs) and institutes of technology and polytechnics (ITPs).
New Zealand’s growing popularity is also evident in international student enrolment trends: 3,120 Sri Lankan students enrolled for study in New Zealand between January and August 2025, marking an impressive 57 percent increase compared to the same period in 2024.
ENZ’s Market Manager – Sri Lanka, Monika Chaudhary said New Zealand’s growing popularity in Sri Lanka as a study destination reflects both rising aspirations among Sri Lankan learners and their strong confidence in New Zealand’s education offering.
“With strong momentum building organically in Sri Lanka, ENZ is supporting this opportunity by investing in its marketing efforts, combining out-of-home advertising, promotions on radio, social media channels and an expanded “New Zealand Taught Me” campaign.
“This campaign showcases authentic stories of Sri Lankan students studying in New Zealand – helping build aspiration and trust in the New Zealand brand,” Monika said.
Watch below ENZ’s recent feature that highlights the journey of Manodya, a Sri Lankan student in New Zealand.
A highlight of ENZ’s promotions in the market is the first ever Study with New Zealand Roadshow to be held in Sri Lanka from 5-8 March, featuring 19 New Zealand education institutions across three subsectors.
The roadshow aims to strengthen institutional partnerships, increase visibility of New Zealand’s education offering in Sri Lankan schools, and provide targeted support for education agents through seminars and capability‑building sessions.
ENZ is also partnering with Thames International to deliver the Colombo and Kandy student fairs on 7-8 March, supported by extensive promotions, including digital promotions through Study with New Zealand channels that will help nurture prospective students and maintain their interest in New Zealand education offerings beyond the events.
This coordinated effort reflects New Zealand’s long-term commitment to Sri Lanka as a market with strong and sustainable growth potential across the entire tertiary sector.
