The globally education market in New Zealand is booming, according to Tertiary Education and Skills Minister Penny Simmonds, growing 24% year over year and 6% above 2023 totals. According to the most recent TES Ministry data, the number of overseas students enrolled increased dramatically between January 2024 and August 2024. The current intake, which includes the first two term returns of the calendar, was 73,535.

"With more enrollments achieved in the first eight months of 2024 than in all of last year, this growth is remarkably encouraging," Ms Simmonds said. "This strong growth in international student enrollments is a reflection of New Zealand's global reputation for high-quality education. Not only do these students make our campuses richer, but they also contribute substantially to our economy, creating jobs and affecting local businesses and communities all around the country."

Top regional locations for International students in New Zealand

Ms Simmonds said the trends indicated that the enrollment would continue to increase before the end of the year, suggesting a bright future for the sector. "These are really positive results for our education providers. International education is not just about numbers — it's about building lasting global connections, fostering innovation and positioning New Zealand as a leader in education and research," she added.

The sector recovery is not confined to the national numbers alone. Indeed, several regions have made significant gain compared to last year. There has been an impressive gain of 126 percent enrolment in Gisborne. Marlborough's gain in the same parameter is 45 percent. Growth in terms of percentage also recorded notable growth in the Hawke's Bay and Waikato regions at 28 and 26 percent respectively.

Growing diversity in International student enrolments

Ms Simmonds said diversity is growing in source markets for international students, strengthening New Zealand's education sector. The number of students from China and India, the largest sources of international students, grew further last year, as did the number of students from countries such as the United States, Thailand, Germany, Sri Lanka, and the Philippines, each now providing 3 per cent of New Zealand's international students.

Enrolment figures have been impressive and reflect the resilience and adaptability of the sector in the face of challenges posed by the global pandemic. "Every funded part of the sector has grown this year, with universities now just 7 percent below pre-pandemic levels," Ms Simmonds said. "This demonstrates the ongoing strength and flexibility of New Zealand's education providers.