New Zealand’s government has announced a comprehensive strategy to double its international education market by 2034. This initiative includes easing restrictions on part-time work for international students, aiming to enhance the country’s attractiveness to foreign students. Education Minister Erica Stanford emphasized that international student enrolments have been on a steady rise since 2023, and the government is determined to “supercharge that growth track” to achieve a market value of $NZ7.2 billion (approximately $A6.58 billion) within the next decade.
The current value of New Zealand’s international education sector is around $NZ3.6 billion. The government seeks to see enrolments grow from 83,700 in 2024 to 105,000 by 2027, eventually reaching 119,000 by 2034. This ambitious plan comes at a time when other countries, including Australia, are considering measures to limit the influx of foreign students due to concerns over housing prices and the impact on domestic students’ university experiences.
Strategic Focus on Growth
To attract more international students, the New Zealand government intends to increase the number of hours that eligible students are permitted to work while studying. The maximum working hours for these students will rise from 20 hours to 25 hours per week. This change is designed to make studying in New Zealand more appealing and financially manageable for foreign students.
Minister Stanford reiterated the government’s commitment to promoting New Zealand as a desirable destination for international education. “In the short term, Education New Zealand will focus its promotional efforts on markets with the highest potential for growth,” she stated. The government aims to enhance its outreach to countries where demand for international education is rapidly increasing.
New Zealand’s strategy reflects a broader trend in the international education sector, where countries are competing to attract foreign students. With its picturesque landscapes and high-quality education system, New Zealand aspires to position itself as a leading destination for students worldwide.
The proposed changes not only aim to boost the economy but also to enhance the cultural exchange and diversity within New Zealand’s educational institutions. As the government lays out its plans, the focus remains on creating a supportive environment for international students, ensuring they can thrive academically while balancing work commitments.
As the plan unfolds, it will be crucial for New Zealand to monitor the effects of these changes on both the local economy and the experiences of domestic students. By fostering a balanced approach, the government hopes to create a sustainable international education ecosystem that benefits all parties involved.
