New Zealand’s international education sector is poised for growth, with stakeholders highlighting its economic benefits and potential for expansion at the recent NZIEC KI TUA conference in Wellington. Despite a dip during the Covid pandemic, international student numbers have rebounded to 60% of 2019 levels, with 69,133 enrollments in 2023.
Speakers praised higher education institutions for their swift recovery and discussed emerging sending countries, such as Japan, South Korea and Thailand, that New Zealand can strengthen ties with to boost admissions. MP Penny Simmonds emphasized the sector’s importance in strengthening trade relationships and driving revenue, but also noted its benefits in enriching the learning experience for both domestic and international students.
However, speakers warned against expanding too quickly, citing the mistakes of other major host countries that have seen unsustainable influxes of international students. Education Minister Andy Jackson emphasized the need for sustainable growth, avoiding “boom and burst” policies seen in Australia and Canada.
Delegates were also informed about promising signs of renewed interest from students in countries like the US, Germany and the Philippines, with opportunities to grow numbers from Vietnam and other countries. The conference highlighted New Zealand’s potential as a leading market for international students, with a focus on sustainable growth and strengthening ties with emerging sending countries.
