New Zealand's international education earnings near $5
New Zealand's international education export earnings have recovered to $4.295 billion in 2025, approaching pre-pandemic levels with fewer students.
International education export earnings in New Zealand reached $4.295 billion in 2025. Education Minister Erica Stanford called this a significant milestone for a sector heavily impacted by Covid-19 border closures.
That figure is close to the $4.403 billion earned in the year to June 2019, before the pandemic. Earnings had fallen to $3.533 billion in the year to June 2024. The recovery is occurring despite a lower number of international student enrolments compared to 2019.
Sector recovery with fewer students
There were 92,580 international student enrolments in 2025, up from 69,140 in 2023. The country is on track for approximately 99,000 students in 2026. This compares to 115,705 enrolments recorded in 2019.
Stanford said it is encouraging that the sector is generating more value with fewer students. "In 2019 around 116,000 students contributed $4.4bn to New Zealand," she stated. "This year we are on track for around 99,000 students with them contributing nearly $5bn with three months to go."
Data from Education New Zealand shows international students spend an average of about $45,776 per year in New Zealand, excluding tuition fees.
Economic impact and spending
The minister highlighted the wider economic impact of this spending. She pointed to benefits for businesses and communities beyond schools and universities.
"International education brings billions of dollars into New Zealand, supports jobs and businesses, strengthens our universities and schools, and drives economic activity in communities right across the country," Stanford said. She noted this means more customers for local cafes and restaurants, more spending in shops, and increased demand for accommodation and transport.
Growth across education providers
Latest enrolment data suggests the recovery is broadening. Between January and April 2026, 68,780 international students enrolled with New Zealand education providers. This represents an 8% increase compared to the same period in 2025.
Growth varied across different types of institutions during this period.
| Provider Type | Growth (Jan-Apr 2026 vs. 2025) |
|---|---|
| Universities | 14% |
| Schools | 9% |
| Private Training Establishments | 6% |
Within the schools category, primary school enrolments saw a notable 22% increase.
Government targets and immigration settings
The government's International Education Going for Growth Plan sets specific targets. It aims for 105,000 international student enrolments by 2027. The long-term goal is to achieve export earnings of $7.2 billion by 2034.
Stanford said the sector is already "well ahead of schedule" towards the 2034 earnings ambition. She attributed part of the success to deliberate policy on immigration settings.
"We have been deliberate about getting our immigration settings right so New Zealand can compete internationally for students while maintaining the integrity of our immigration system," she explained. The goal is for New Zealand to be the destination of choice for students seeking a world-class education and outstanding experience.
The minister said the current focus is on maintaining momentum. This involves backing education providers to grow, ensuring competitive immigration settings, and promoting New Zealand in key international markets.
