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Strengthening education partnerships in Japan
The visit was led by ENZ Group General Manager for International and Sector Engagement, Sahinde Pala, and Regional Director for Asia (excluding China), Ben Burrowes, who met with partners in Tokyo, Kyoto, and Sapporo to formalise agreements and discuss future initiatives.
Renewed commitment to education collaboration with Tokyo Metropolitan Board of Education
On 20 October, ENZ renewed its Education Cooperation Arrangement (ECA) with the Tokyo Metropolitan Board of Education. First signed in 2017, the arrangement underpins collaboration on inbound and outbound study programmes and initiatives that deepen understanding of New Zealand’s education system.
The renewal included a review of past activities and discussions on future areas of cooperation, ensuring the partnership continues to deliver meaningful outcomes for students and educators.
New arrangement with Ritsumeikan Academy
On 21 October, ENZ signed a new ECA with Ritsumeikan University and its affiliated schools. Ritsumeikan is recognised for its strong focus on global competence and has maintained a close relationship with New Zealand since 2000 through long-term and exchange programmes.
ENZ Group General Manager International & Sector Engagement, Sahinde Pala, alongside Chancellor, The Ritsumeikan Trust Presindent, Ritsumeikan University, Dr.Yoshio Nakatani.
The formalisation of this partnership builds on years of collaboration, including support for identifying partner schools and facilitating study tours. The new arrangement will strengthen opportunities for Japanese students to experience New Zealand education.
Reaffirming ties with Hokkaido Board of Education
On 22 October, ENZ met with the Hokkaido Board of Education to reaffirm a partnership that began in 2017 and was formalised through an ECA in 2020. Discussions focused on continuing reciprocal school exchanges, advancing digital learning in regional areas, and promoting cross-cultural understanding and global learning for students in both regions.
From L to R: ENZ Senior Market Development Manager Takako Tominaga, Chief Coordinator, Hokkaido Board of Education Yohei Kato, ENZ Regional Director Ben Burrowes, ENZ Group General Manager Sahinde Pala and International Exchange Section, High School Education Division, Bureau of school Education, Aoi Konagaya.
This engagement reflects ENZ’s commitment to sustaining and deepening educational exchange between Hokkaido and New Zealand.
Meeting with JAOS leadership
Also on 22 October, ENZ met with Mr. Sone, a Board Member of the Japan Association of Overseas Studies (JAOS), the peak body representing Japan’s study-abroad agencies. JAOS promotes ethical industry standards, provides counsellor training, and advocates for safe, high-quality study abroad options for Japanese students.
The discussion covered the strong reputation of New Zealand in the high school sector, emerging market dynamics, and evolving preferences among students and parents. Both sides explored opportunities for deeper collaboration with Japanese agents, including future initiatives to strengthen partnerships and enhance global learning experiences.
Looking ahead
The visit marked an important step in strengthening ENZ’s partnerships across Japan and reaffirming shared goals for international education.
Reflecting on the visit, Sahinde Pala said this visit shows ENZ’s commitment to building strong international partnerships.
“We are delighted to work with our Japanese partners to create more opportunities for students from both countries to gain global skills and for Japanese students to experience the quality of NZ's education system," she said.
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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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