New Zealand has unveiled a comprehensive 10-year strategy to double the value of its international education sector by 2034, as new figures show a strong rebound in student enrolments.
The?“International education going for growth plan”, released by education minister Erica Stanford, aims to increase the sector’s contribution to the economy from NZ$3.6 billion (?1.6 billion) in 2024 to NZ$7.2 billion within a decade.
The strategy – which aims to establish New Zealand as “the destination of choice for international students” – comes as other?rival countries tighten rules around overseas enrolments.
New data from Education New Zealand (ENZ) show that international student full-year enrolments for 2024 are up 21 per cent on 2023 levels. The total now stands at 72 per cent of the equivalent pre-pandemic figures in 2019.
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Growth has been recorded across all?areas, with master’s enrolments?going up by 68 per cent year-on-year. Recent figures showed?New Zealand’s universities achieved record revenue from international tuition fees last year.
The country’s new plan hopes to extend this further, targeting a?rise in student numbers from 83,400 in 2024 to 105,000 by 2027 and 119,000 by 2034.
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The share of prospective students who consider New Zealand among their top three study destinations is targeted to rise from 18 per cent to 22 per cent over the same period.
Several policy changes have been announced, including, from November 2025, that eligible international students will be able to work up to 25 hours per week during study, an increase from the current 20-hour limit.
In-study work rights will also be extended to all tertiary students in approved exchange or study abroad programmes, including those enrolled for just one semester.
The government is also considering introducing a short-duration six-month work visa for sub-degree international graduates who do not qualify for post-study work rights. This?would provide a pathway into the accredited employer work visa (AEWV) scheme. Student visa processes are also set to be streamlined.
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ENZ?said it will?launch a global brand campaign to promote New Zealand’s education system and student experience, supported by tailored country-level marketing plans and more immersive in-market activities such as fairs and delegations.
An improved engagement model with education agents is also part of the strategy, aiming to standardise training and increase effectiveness.?An AI-driven information platform will also provide 24/7 support for prospective students and partners.
ENZ chief executive Amanda Malu said the latest figures reflect a strong recovery. “This rebound shows we’re on the right track. With the new growth plan in place, we’re focused on maintaining quality while expanding our reach.”
Education minister Stanford said the sector delivers wide-ranging benefits. “On average in 2024, an international student spent NZ$45,000 across the year. That means more visits to our cafes and restaurants, more people visiting our iconic attractions and ultimately more jobs being created. With international student enrolments steadily increasing since 2023, we want to supercharge that growth track.”
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