<figure class="table"><table><tbody><tr><td style="background-color:#DBE8FF;padding:8px;">Key Highlights&nbsp;<ul style="list-style-type:disc;"><li>International Education contributes NZ$4.52 billion to New Zealand’s Economy.</li><li>More than 85,000 International Students hosted between January and August 2025.</li><li>All Education Sub-Sectors in New Zealand Recorded Growth Compared to 2024.</li><li>China and India remain Leading Markets; Nepal and Sri Lanka are expanding rapidly.</li><li>77% of New Zealanders Support Maintaining or Increasing International Student Numbers.</li></ul></td></tr></tbody></table></figure>New Zealand’s international education sector continues to expand steadily, contributing NZ$4.52 billion to the country’s economy and attracting increasing numbers of students from around the world. New data from Stats NZ shows that education-related travel exports rose from NZ$3.6 billion in 2024 to NZ$4.52 billion for the year ending September 2025, placing the sector firmly among New Zealand’s top export earners.This rise coincides with a consistent jump in enrolments. Between January and August 2025, institutions in New Zealand hosted more than 85,000 international students, up 14% from the same period in 2024 and already surpassing last year’s total.&nbsp;<h2>Enrolments Rise Across Educational Institutions in New Zealand&nbsp;</h2>The latest figures indicate broad-based growth across every part of the education system. <a href="https://www.studies-overseas.com/universities/new-zealand" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Universities in New Zealand</a> continue to attract the largest share of international learners, enrolling 36,045 students, a 15% increase from last year.&nbsp;Schools welcomed 18,505 students, up 10%, while Private Training Establishments (PTEs) recorded the most significant rise with a 33% increase, hosting 12,060 students. English language providers also saw a 7% uplift.Education New Zealand Manapou ki te Ao (ENZ) Chief Executive Amanda Malu said, “Our focus remains on sustainable, balanced growth that supports our regions and communities while strengthening the economy,” she said.&nbsp;<h2>China &amp; India Lead, While Sri Lanka &amp; Nepal Show Rapid Growth&nbsp;</h2>China remains the most important source market for New Zealand, making up 35% of all international enrolments. Nearly 30,000 Chinese students are studying in the country, marking three consecutive years of growth.India holds the second position with around 12,000 students, representing 14% of total enrolments. While numbers have stabilized after strong gains in 2023 and 2024, demand remains steady across both higher education and vocational pathways.Japan is the third-largest source country, followed by Sri Lanka, South Korea, the United States, Germany, Nepal, the Philippines, Thailand, and Vietnam.Two South Asian markets stand out for their rapid rise:<ul style="list-style-type:disc;"><li style="text-align:justify;">Sri Lanka climbed from ninth to fourth place, reporting successive double-digit growth.</li><li style="text-align:justify;">Nepal has expanded even more sharply, growing from just 250 students in 2022 to nearly 2,500 in 2025.</li></ul>Sector representatives say these emerging markets reflect changing mobility patterns and wider interest in New Zealand’s education system.&nbsp;<h2>New Zealanders Continue to Back International Students</h2>Strong public support remains a defining feature of New Zealand’s approach to international education. ENZ’s 2025 Public Perceptions of International Education Survey shows that 77% of New Zealanders want the same or more international students in the country.&nbsp;This contrasts with Australia and the UK, where public sentiment is far more cautious. Education New Zealand (ENZ) Chief Executive Amanda Malu said, “International education is not just an export industry. It brings new ideas, global connections, and cultural diversity that enriches our society.”&nbsp;University leaders share the same view. University of Waikato Deputy Vice-Chancellor Alister Jones noted that the presence of international students strengthens local communities and benefits the wider economy.The latest data reinforces the sector’s role as both an economic contributor and a driver of cultural exchange. According to the survey:<ul style="list-style-type:disc;"><li style="text-align:justify;">81% of New Zealanders believe international students make positive contributions to local communities.</li><li style="text-align:justify;">79% say they help build valuable global links and research partnerships.</li></ul>Industry experts say these contributions are key to maintaining the county's reputation as a welcoming and globally connected study destination.&nbsp;With enrolments rising, exports increasing, and public support remaining strong, the international education sector in New Zealand is poised for continued, sustainable growth. The Government’s focus on long-term development, regional strengthening, and quality learning experiences positions the country well for the years ahead.All opportunities to <a href="https://www.studies-overseas.com/country/study-in-new-zealand" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">study in New Zealand for international students</a> have never been so promising. So, if you are eager to start your academic journey, connect with KC Overseas Education for complete end-to-end support.

New Zealand’s international education sector continues to expand steadily, contributing NZ$4.52 billion to the country’s economy and attracting increasing numbers of students from around the world.

Strong Public Support Fuels Growth in New Zealand’s International Student Enrolment

Latest News