New Zealand Unveils Plan to Attract More International Students

Strategic Insights -

New Zealand is poised to become a new hotspot for international students, as the country aims to double the value of foreign education to $7.2 billion by 2034. The government has unveiled The International Education Going for Growth plan, which includes modifications to its immigration rules to allow genuine students to study in the country while ensuring high-quality education. To achieve this goal, New Zealand plans to increase student enrolments from 83,400 in 2024 to 105,000 in 2027 and 119,000 by 2034. The country will also expand in-study work rights for eligible students and extend eligibility for in-study work rights for students on approved exchange and Study Abroad programmes.

Key Takeaways:

  • New Zealand aims to double the value of foreign education to $7.2 billion by 2034, up from $3.6 billion in 2024.
  • The country plans to increase student enrolments from 83,400 in 2024 to 105,000 in 2027 and 119,000 by 2034.
  • New Zealand will expand in-study work rights for eligible students, allowing them to work up to 25 hours a week.
  • Eligible tertiary and secondary school students will be allowed to work up to 25 hours a week during the semester, starting from 3 November 2025.
  • The Pathway Student Visa Pilot, with a view to introducing multi-year visas for students on multi-year programmes, will be reviewed.
  • International students wishing to study in New Zealand must obtain an International Qualification Assessment (IQA) to prove that their qualifications can be accepted in New Zealand.
  • Qualifications from countries including India, France, Germany, Italy, Singapore, South Korea, Sri Lanka, Sweden, and Switzerland will be exempt from IQA.

Statistics:

  • Under The International Education Going for Growth plan, New Zealand aims to double its foreign education revenue to $7.2 billion by 2034.
  • The country plans to increase student enrolments from 83,400 in 2024 to 105,000 in 2027 and 119,000 by 2034.
  • Between January and August 2024, international student enrolments from India increased by 34% to 10,640.
  • Sanjay Laul, Founder of MSM Group, said: "We commend New Zealand for setting a bold and strategic course in international education... New Zealand is clearly positioning itself as a student-first nation."

Sources:

  • IE Online Media Services Pvt. Ltd., 2025: "New Zealand unveils plan to attract more international students"
  • Contify.com: "New Zealand unveils plan to attract more international students"