New Zealand has seen a remarkable surge in its international student enrollment, welcoming over 69,000 students from around the globe in 2023. This represents a striking 67% increase compared to the previous year and signifies a significant recovery, reaching 60% of the pre-pandemic levels seen in 2019.
Dr. Linda Sissons, Acting Chief Executive of Education New Zealand, expressed enthusiasm about this growth, highlighting that it reflects New Zealand’s appeal as a top-notch study destination. She emphasized the quality of education offered both inside and outside the classroom, set in a safe and inclusive environment. Dr. Sissons noted that the diverse campus life contributes to fostering greater global understanding and tolerance among students.
Breaking down the growth by sector, universities in New Zealand enrolled 29,065 international students in 2023, marking an 86% recovery compared to pre-pandemic numbers. The English Language Teaching sector experienced the most significant growth, skyrocketing by 511% from 1,565 students in 2022 to 9,570 in 2023. Similarly, the school sector and Private Training Establishments (PTEs) also saw substantial increases in international student numbers.
China and India remain the largest source markets, making up 35% and 17% of total enrollments respectively, with Japan, South Korea, and Thailand also contributing significantly.
The New Zealand government’s strategic approach focused on sustainable growth has played a pivotal role in this recovery. By balancing economic, social, and cultural benefits, New Zealand aims to ensure a robust education sector that enhances the country’s global connectivity.
Looking ahead, New Zealand continues to diversify its international student base beyond traditional markets like China and India, aiming to attract students from a broader range of countries. This diversification strategy is part of the government’s priority to promote a globally connected New Zealand through high-quality internationa
