New Zealand’s international education sector is experiencing a remarkable resurgence, marking a 26% surge in enrolments this year. With over 73,535 enrolments recorded between January and August 2024 according , the numbers are already 6% higher than the total enrolments for 2023, according to Penny Simmonds, New Zealand’s Tertiary Education and Skills Minister. “We’ve seen more enrolments in just two terms this year compared to all of last year,” Simmonds noted, underlining the country’s strong recovery from the pandemic-induced lull.
This growth is more than just a win for the education sector—it’s a testament to New Zealand’s global reputation for offering high-quality education, the minister said. International students are enriching campuses, contributing to economic growth, and fostering cultural diversity in communities nationwide. The upward trend suggests that further enrolments could push these numbers even higher by the year’s end, according to Education New Zealand (ENZ).
Regional Growth and Recovery: Beyond the Numbers
The enrolment boom isn’t confined to the overall national level – regions across New Zealand are celebrating significant gains. Gisborne saw a staggering 126% growth in international student numbers, while Marlborough recorded a 45% increase.
Hawke’s Bay and Waikato also posted impressive figures, with 28% and 26% growth, respectively. These regional boosts reflect not only the recovery of the education sector but also the broader economic revival taking place across the country.
Schools, Universities, and Training Institutions Lead the Charge
Education institutions across the board are witnessing a surge. Universities have enrolled 31,345 international students this year, marking a 14% increase, while schools saw a 33% rise with 16,815 students—an impressive 69% jump in primary school enrolments alone. Additionally, private training institutions reported an astounding 80% growth compared to 2023. These numbers underscore New Zealand’s ability to cater to a diverse range of educational needs, from foundational schooling to specialized vocational training.
Why New Zealand is Emerging as a Global Education Hub
Diversity in source markets has been pivotal to New Zealand’s education sector revival. A recent analysis by data specialists Studymove revealed that nearly 70,000 international students enrolled in 2023, driven predominantly by university-level admissions. While China remains the largest source of students (64% of 2019 enrolments), India is catching up, now the second-largest group, despite a significant drop in numbers from 17,300 in 2019 to 7,930 in 2023, according to an ICEF report.
Brazil, traditionally a strong market for vocational education, has slipped out of the top 10 source countries, reflecting a shift in trends. Yet, these changes highlight New Zealand’s adaptability in attracting students from diverse regions and fields.
Strong Public Support: A Key Differentiator
What sets New Zealand apart from other study-abroad destinations is the strong local support for internationalisation. Education New Zealand’s 2024 survey revealed that more than three-quarters of New Zealanders want to maintain (36%) or increase (41%) the number of international students
In stark contrast to trends in countries like Australia, Canada, and the UK—where public sentiment against immigration is rising—72% of New Zealanders believe international students benefit the country, both culturally and economically.
This sentiment is mirrored in visa approvals, which have nearly doubled since 2022. The estimated 24,000 first-time, full-fee student visas for 2024 are close to pre-pandemic levels, bolstering the sector’s recovery.
Cultural and Economic Contributions: Why Locals Welcome International Students
The overwhelming support for international students is rooted in their multifaceted contributions to New Zealand society:
Cultural Diversity: Eight out of ten survey respondents agreed that international students enhance New Zealand’s cultural richness, helping local students learn about diverse ways of life.
Economic Impact: From contributing to education exports and tourism to boosting local businesses through spending and part-time work, international students play a vital role in economic growth.
Global Networks: Their presence helps build trading connections and networks, reinforcing New Zealand’s position in the global education market.
