NZ debuts growth plan as it eyes 35k more international students

Introduction

New Zealand has unveiled an ambitious strategy to expand its international education sector by attracting an additional 35,000 foreign students over the next decade.

Dubbed International Education: Going for Growth, this strategy aims to increase enrollments and twice the financial contribution of the industry by 2034.

The announcement follows the country's efforts to restore its worldwide education reputation after the COVID-19 pandemic destroyed it.

Rebuilding the sector with a long-term vision

Welcoming an additional 35,000 foreign students over the next decade, New Zealand has unveiled an ambitious strategy to expand its international education sector.

Going for Growth is an approach that aims to increase enrollment numbers and double the industry's economic contribution by 2034.

The news comes as the nation works to restore its international education reputation after the disturbances caused by the COVID-19 crisis.

Restoration of the industry with a long-term vision
Initiated by Education Minister Erica Stanford, the new plan aims to increase the total number of international students from approximately 83,000 in 2023 to nearly 119,000 by 2034.

The government projects that this will help boost the sector's economic output from NZ$3.6 billion to at least NZ$7.2 billion annually.

Stanford emphasised that although development is the primary goal, it will not compromise quality.

She said the initiative prioritises student wellbeing, sustainability, and regional involvement to ensure that institutions and local areas benefit from the growth.

Work rights extended and visa options expanded

As part of the new approach, the government has announced changes to student work rights. From November 2025, international students will be permitted to work up to 25 hours per week during their studies, an increase from the current 20-hour limit.

Short-term post-study work rights of up to six months will also be introduced for students in vocational programs.

The goal is to better align international education with New Zealand’s long-term workforce and migration needs.

These changes are expected to make the country more attractive in an increasingly competitive global education market.

Targeting new and diverse student markets

While China and India have traditionally dominated New Zealand’s international student intake, the new plan outlines a broader outreach strategy.

The government will expand recruitment efforts in countries such as Pakistan, Vietnam, Indonesia, Brazil, and the Philippines.

This diversification is seen as key to strengthening resilience and reducing overdependence on a few large markets.

Officials also stated that targeted promotional campaigns, greater collaboration with agents, and digital engagement will play a central role in reaching prospective students across these emerging markets.

Improving student experience and support systems

A significant part of the growth strategy is focused on enhancing the overall experience for international students.

New Zealand plans to invest in improved mental health support, better accommodation options, and streamlined services for newly arrived students.

A centralized digital platform is also being developed to simplify application and visa processes, provide real-time updates, and enhance transparency throughout the student journey.

This platform will help students access accurate information, avoid scams, and feel more supported throughout their education in New Zealand.

Local institutions and communities to benefit

The plan also encourages closer collaboration between education providers, government agencies, and local employers.

This will ensure that institutions tailor their offerings to meet both market demand and New Zealand’s skill needs.

Regional institutions, in particular, are expected to play a larger role under the strategy.

By encouraging students to study outside the main cities, the plan aims to spread economic and cultural benefits more evenly across the country.

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Looking ahead

New Zealand is positioning itself as a friendly and future-oriented destination for international students with this new ten-year strategy.

The plan shows a significant shift in the country's attitude toward international education, from merely an export sector to one that makes a crucial contribution to national development, community involvement, and skilled migration.

Its success will hinge on how well the projects are carried out and how effectively New Zealand can compete with other study sites.

With more explicit policies, stronger student rights, and a dedication to quality, the nation is, however, firmly moving forward in the worldwide education scene.