New Zealand’s international education sector is rebounding strongly, with latest data showing enrolments are up 24% year-on-year and 6% above 2023 totals.
Tertiary Education and Skills Minister Penny Simmonds said that with 73,535 enrolments between January to August 2024, more enrolments have been achieved in just two terms this year than in all of last year.
“This strong growth in international student enrolments is a testament to New Zealand’s global reputation for high-quality education. These students not only enrich our campuses but also significantly boost our economy, contributing to jobs, local businesses, and communities nationwide,” Ms Simmonds says.
“With historical trends pointing to further enrolment increases before year-end, these are really positive results for our education providers. International education is not just about numbers – it’s about building lasting global connections, fostering innovation, and positioning New Zealand as a leader in education and research.”
Ms Simmonds said the enrolments show national recovery as well as significant regional gains from 2023.
“Gisborne has experienced remarkable growth with an increase of 126%, Marlborough has had an increase of 45%, Hawke’s Bay has increased of 28%, and Waikato is up 26%.
“Universities and schools are driving growth, with universities enrolling 31,345 international students, a 14% increase, and schools rising by 33% to 16,815 students, including 69% surge in primary school enrolments. Funded private training establishments also grew by 80% on last year.
“Diversity in source markets strengthens our education sector. While China and India lead, enrolments have grown from the US, Thailand, Germany, Sri Lanka, and the Philippines, each now contribute 3% of international students.
“Every funded part of the sector has seen growth this year, with universities now just 7% below pre-pandemic levels, reflecting the resilience and adaptability of New Zealand’s education providers,” Ms Simmonds says.
Find out more information about Education New Zealand (ENZ) https://www.enz.govt.nz.
