New Zealand Sets Ambitious Plan to Double International Education Market by 2034

New Zealand is positioning itself as a top destination for international students with a bold plan to double its international education market by 2034. Education Minister Erica Stanford announced on Monday that the government will offer incentives, including more flexible work options for foreign students, to attract more enrolments and increase the sector’s value to NZ7.2billion(7.2billion(4.32 billion) within the next decade. This renewed focus reflects New Zealand’s commitment to revitalizing its economy and capitalizing on shifts in global student mobility.

Responding to Global Shifts in Student Mobility

The timing of New Zealand’s announcement is strategic. Major competitors like Australia and the United States are implementing policies to curb the number of foreign students. The U.S., under restrictive visa policies, has made it more difficult for international students, particularly those from China, to study there. In a high-profile move, the U.S. even revoked Harvard University’s authority to enroll foreign students, although this was later overturned by a federal judge.

Australia, another international education powerhouse, introduced a cap that limits new international student enrolments to 270,000 for 2025. The cap is designed to control record migration and alleviate pressure on housing markets. With these leading destinations tightening their policies, New Zealand sees a prime opportunity to attract students who might otherwise have sought education elsewhere.

Incentives Aimed at Boosting Enrolment

To accelerate the growth of its international education sector, the New Zealand government is introducing several key incentives. One of the most significant changes involves increasing the maximum number of part-time work hours for eligible international students from 20 to 25 per week. This move is expected to make New Zealand a more attractive study destination, as the ability to earn income while studying is a major draw for overseas students.

Furthermore, the government will extend work rights to all tertiary students in approved exchange or study abroad programmes. By easing these restrictions, New Zealand aims to create a more welcoming and supportive environment for international students, making it easier for them to support themselves and gain valuable work experience during their studies.

A Targeted Approach to Market Expansion

Education Minister Erica Stanford emphasized that “Education New Zealand will focus its promotional efforts on markets with the highest potential for growth.” This targeted approach means that recruitment and marketing campaigns will be prioritized in countries that have traditionally sent large numbers of students, as well as emerging markets where there is untapped potential.

Currently, the international education market contributes NZ$3.6 billion annually to New Zealand’s economy. The new plan projects enrolments rising from 83,700 in 2024 to 105,000 by 2027, and further to 119,000 by 2034. Achieving these numbers would effectively double the sector’s value, providing a significant boost to the national economy and supporting jobs and innovation across multiple industries.

Economic Revitalization Through International Education

New Zealand’s push to attract more international students comes amidst broader efforts to stimulate economic growth. The government has already made changes to visa policies to encourage digital nomads and attract foreign investment, hoping to address the country’s challenges with soft economic growth. The international education sector is viewed as a cornerstone of this strategy due to its direct economic contributions, as well as the wider benefits it brings through cultural exchange, tourism, and the development of a globally connected workforce.

By pursuing ambitious targets and offering student-friendly policies, New Zealand is setting itself apart in an increasingly competitive global education market. The approach not only promises to enhance the country’s reputation as a premier study destination but also aims to secure long-term economic stability and prosperity.