New Zealand’s international education market is witnessing unprecedented growth, with a 24% year-on-year increase, according to Tertiary Education and Skills Minister Penny Simmonds. The number of overseas students enrolled in New Zealand institutions surged to 73,535 between January and August 2024, surpassing the total enrollments for all of 2023 by 6%.
“With more enrolments achieved in the first eight months of 2024 than in all of last year, this growth is remarkably encouraging,” said Ms. Simmonds in a press statement. She attributed this success to New Zealand’s global reputation for high-quality education, adding, “Not only do these students make our campuses richer, but they also contribute substantially to our economy, creating jobs and affecting local businesses and communities all around the country.”
Why choose NZ?
Sherin Jose, pursuing an MA in Anthropology at the University of Waikato, praised the country’s cultural richness and academic reputation. “The Indigenous culture of New Zealand is not veiled by the multicultural dynamics of the nation; rather, it shines bright along with the others. Could there be a better place to study human cultures? Ranking 235th worldwide and 1st for Research in New Zealand (QS World University Rankings 2025), the reputation of The University of Waikato was reason enough for me to choose the institute for international studies,” she shared.
Aditya V, who plans to pursue an MBA at Massey University, highlighted the global rankings of New Zealand’s universities. “NZ’s universities are consistently ranked among the best in the world. All eight of New Zealand’s public universities are ranked in the top 3%,” he said. He also emphasised the practical learning environment. “My cousin is studying at Massey University and he said their teaching method is more focused on practical learning than theoretical learning, and the university has strong industry links,” he added.
Neha Singh, a prospective Master’s student in Plant Biotechnology at the University of Otago, was drawn to the country for its work opportunities. “The three-year poststudy work visa will allow me to gain valuable experience overseas,” she said, also highlighting the pathway to residency. “Based on my research, if I work there for a year, I may apply for residency. Given that other nations continue to impose restrictions and caps, it makes it harder for them to prepare. I believe New Zealand is considerably easier than any capitalised country.”
For students like Angh S, affordability is a key factor. “My reason for studying in New Zealand is the affordable tutor prices,” said Angh, who is preparing for an MBA. He compared the costs, stating, “Let’s say you want to get an MBA in Australia and you spend 54 lakhs, but the same degree in New Zealand costs 25 lakhs.” He acknowledged higher living costs but said, “I can be mindful of my daily expenses while still receiving a quality and reasonable education.”
Top regional locations
Regions such as Gisborne (126% growth) and Marlborough (45% growth) saw significant increases in student enrollments, with Waikato and Hawke’s Bay also reporting notable growth at 28 and 26 percent respectively. These trends indicate a recovery for the education sector, which Ms. Simmonds said is “not just about numbers but about building lasting global connections, fostering innovation and positioning New Zealand as a leader in education and research.”
Riddhi Khurana, Country Advisor for South Asia at the University of Otago, attributed the growth to New Zealand’s supportive policies. “The new pathway for international students to secure a Post-Study Work (PSW) visa after completing a postgraduate diploma and transitioning to a Master’s degree offers a clear route for students to gain valuable work experience,” she explained. She also emphasised the welcoming environment, stating, “New Zealand’s growing appeal as a study destination can be attributed to several key factors — the country’s robust education system, high-quality institutions, and global reputation for academic excellence. At the University of Otago, we are committed to supporting these students throughout their academic and professional journeys.”
Mayank Maheshwari, CoFounder & COO of University Living, underscored the affordability of education in New Zealand. “Undergraduate tuition fees range from NZD 20,000–40,000 annually, while postgraduate degrees range from NZD 20,000–45,000, significantly lower than traditional destinations like the US and UK,” he explained. Highlighting opportunities for Indian students, he said, “The opportunity to pursue PhD programs at local tuition rates of NZD 6,500–7,500 is a major draw. Graduates can stay and work in the country for up to three years, gaining valuable industry experience.”
Ms Simmonds said diversity is growing in source markets for international students, strengthening New Zealand’s education sector. The number of students from China and India, the largest sources of international students, grew further last year, as did the number of students from countries such as the United States, Thailand, Germany, Sri Lanka, and the Philippines, each now providing 3% of New Zealand’s international students
