New Zealand’s international education export earnings have surged to nearly $5 billion, surpassing 2019 pre-pandemic levels.
Education Minister, Erica Stanford said the result confirms that international education is once again one of New Zealand’s most valuable export sectors.
“In the year to June 2019, international education generated $4.4 billion in export earnings. Today, that figure has climbed to $4.98 billion,” Ms Stanford says.
“That is a significant milestone for a sector that was hit harder than almost any other by the COVID-19 border closures.
“International education brings billions of dollars into New Zealand, supports jobs and businesses, strengthens our universities and schools, and drives economic activity in communities right across the country.”
International education export earnings have risen from $3.5 billion in the year to June 2024 to $4.3 billion in the year to June 2025, and now to nearly $5 billion in the year to June 2026.
“That is strong growth in just two years and puts us well ahead of schedule towards our ambition of growing international education export earnings to $7.2 billion by 2034,” the Minister said.
“We have been deliberate about getting our immigration settings right so New Zealand can compete internationally for students while maintaining the integrity of our immigration system.
“We want New Zealand to be the destination of choice for international students looking for a world-class education and an outstanding experience.”
In 2025 there were 92,580 international student enrolments in New Zealand – up from 69,140 in 2023. While enrolments are still lower than the 115,705 recorded in 2019, New Zealand is on track to reach 99,000 international students in 2026, said Minister Stanford.
“It is encouraging that we are generating more value of international education with fewer students. In 2019 around 116,000 students contributed $4.4 billion to New Zealand. This year we are on track for around 99,000 students with them continuing nearly $5 billion with three months to go.”
University enrolments increased 14% compared with the same period last year, while school enrolments increased 9%, including a 22% increase in primary school enrolments.
“Our job now is to keep that momentum going. That means backing our education providers to grow, making sure our immigration settings are internationally competitive, and promoting New Zealand in the markets where we see the greatest opportunities.”
“We have world-leading education, safe and welcoming communities, and an extraordinary country to offer international students.”
“By getting the settings right and backing our providers to compete, we can attract more students, support more Kiwi jobs and businesses, grow our exports and build a stronger economy for the future,” said Ms Stanford.
The International Education Going for Growth Plan sets a target of 105,000 international student enrolments by 2027 and an ambition to grow export earnings to $7.2 billion by 2034.
