Jul 15, 2024
By welcoming over 69,000 International Students in 2023, New Zealand saw a significant rise in its higher education sector. This marks a 67% increase compared to 2022 and represents 60% of the pre-pandemic numbers from 2019. Indeed, the country is becoming more popular among aspirants from all over the world!
Dr. Linda Sissons, Acting Chief Executive of Education New Zealand expressed optimism about the growth. “Over 69,000 enrolments from international students all over the world is good news for our education sector and positive for our communities. It confirms that New Zealand is an attractive place to study, offering a quality learning experience inside and outside the classroom in a safe, welcoming environment.” She added “New Zealand is a small country and for many students, rubbing shoulders with people from other cultures gives them a greater understanding of the issues facing our complex world. In this time of fragile geopolitics, the melting pot of campus life can help build greater understanding and tolerance.”
In 2023, universities in New Zealand welcomed a significant number of international students, with a total enrolment of 29,065. This is 86% of the pre-pandemic numbers and a 21% increase from 2022.
Meanwhile, English Language Teaching (ELT) experienced the biggest growth, increasing by 511% from 1,565 students in 2022 to 9,570 in 2023. Similarly, the school sector expanded significantly as well by hosting 14,125 students in 2023 which is a 138% increase from the previous year.
Private Training Establishments (PTEs) and Te Pūkenga (New Zealand Institute of Skills and Technology) also saw more International Students, with increases of 59% and 74% in 2023 compared to 2022.
China and India continue to be the largest source markets for International Students in New Zealand, accounting for 35% and 17% of total enrolments. Japan follows as the third-largest source market with 10%, while South Korea and Thailand make up 5% and 4% of the total enrolment, respectively. The numbers from China and India mirror the trends seen in other leading English-speaking destinations like Canada and the US.
The government’s focus on sustainable growth, instead of just limitless expansion has helped this recovery. This balanced strategy has also aimed to bring economic, social, and cultural benefits to the entire country. Also, despite a slower recovery due to longer border closures during the pandemic, the recent growth is a positive indicator for the higher education sector of New Zealand.
While China and India remain the largest source markets, accounting for more than half of the total enrolments, New Zealand is actively working to diversify where its international students come from. Dr. Sissons highlighted this, saying, "Enabling a thriving and globally connected New Zealand through world-class international education is a government priority. We are actively diversifying our recruitment efforts to reach international students in a broad range of countries."
In conclusion, the significant increase in international students in New Zealand shows just how appealing the country is as a study destination. With a strong focus on offering a top-quality education in a safe and welcoming environment, New Zealand continues to attract students from all over the world. This growth is great for the education sector and adds to the country’s cultural and social diversity.
This is a fantastic opportunity for higher study in New Zealand for International Students. Especially now, when many popular study destinations are putting limits on international student numbers. The increase in numbers could be due to this as well because New Zealand is seen as an affordable and world-class study destination.