
New Zealand's international student enrolments have been steadily increasing, with over 69,000 international students enrolled in 2023, a 67% increase from 2022. The country's universities and schools are the largest subsectors for international students, with the University of Auckland hosting the highest number of international students. In terms of country of origin, China and India are the largest source markets, together making up nearly half of total enrolment.
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What You'll Learn

China and India are the top two source countries
China is the largest source market for international students in New Zealand, contributing 35% of total enrolments. India is the second-largest source market, making up 11% of international students in the country. Together, these two countries account for nearly half (46%) of all international student enrolments in New Zealand. This reliance on Chinese and Indian students is similar to patterns seen in other countries, such as Canada, the US, Australia, and the UK.
The university sector in New Zealand has seen the strongest recovery, with 29,065 international students enrolled, representing 86% of pre-pandemic volumes. This sector is the largest segment of New Zealand's overall international education industry. Overall, there are 24,600 international students enrolled in universities, making up 72.9% of the total international student population in the country. The University of Auckland has the highest number of international students, with 8,470 students enrolled.
The English-language sector has also expanded significantly, enrolling 9,569 students in 2023 compared to only 1,565 in 2022, an increase of 511%. New Zealand's Private Training Establishments (PTEs) and Te Pūkenga have also seen notable increases in international student enrolments, with 59% and 74% more students, respectively.
International education is a significant contributor to New Zealand's economy, generating at least $742 million in 2021. The country's universities are committed to offering a high-quality education to international students, with 97% of these students enrolled in bachelor's degree programmes or higher. The strong reputation of New Zealand's universities is a key factor in attracting international students, with 92% choosing to study here for this reason.
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English language schools saw a 511% increase in enrolments
New Zealand hosted over 69,000 international students in 2023, a 67% increase in total foreign enrolment over 2022. The country's international enrolment continued to recover in 2023, with the university sector reaching 86% of pre-pandemic volumes.
Among all the sectors, the English-language sector witnessed the most significant expansion year-over-year. English language schools in New Zealand enrolled 9,569 students in 2023, marking an impressive 511% increase compared to the previous year's enrolment of 1,565 students. This substantial growth underscores the appeal of New Zealand as a destination for international students seeking to improve their English language skills.
The overall increase in international enrolments is a positive sign for New Zealand's education sector and its communities. It reinforces the country's reputation as a desirable place to study, offering a holistic educational experience in a safe and welcoming environment. The diverse cultural interactions that international students encounter in New Zealand's campuses contribute to a greater understanding of global issues and foster tolerance.
The surge in English language school enrolments can be attributed to several factors. Firstly, New Zealand's borders were fully reopened in the summer of 2022 after a prolonged closure during the pandemic, making it more accessible to international students. Secondly, New Zealand's international education strategy prioritises a sustainable sector that brings economic, social, and cultural benefits to the country, which may have attracted students seeking a well-rounded educational experience.
Additionally, New Zealand universities have established strong connections with overseas institutions, fostering international research collaboration and student exchange programmes, further enhancing their appeal to international students. The high calibre of New Zealand's international student population, with many enrolled in postgraduate and PhD-level studies, adds to the country's reputation as a leading education hub.
The significant increase in English language school enrolments in New Zealand underscores the country's growing popularity among international students seeking to improve their language skills. This trend contributes to the diversification of international student enrolments and reinforces New Zealand's position as a top destination for quality education.
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The University of Auckland has the most international students
New Zealand has a lot to offer international students, including quality teaching, a friendly study environment, modern infrastructure, vibrant campuses, and a diverse student community. The country is ranked as the fourth most peaceful country in the world, according to the 2024 Global Peace Index Survey.
Auckland is New Zealand's most populous city, with over a quarter of all residents. The city has a vibrant nightlife, with a large number of bars, clubs, and restaurants in the city centre. The spectrum of options, from laid-back outdoor venues to multi-story dance clubs, allows students to find a place where they feel comfortable.
The University of Otago, established in 1869, is the oldest university in New Zealand and is also one of the best universities for international students. It is ranked among the top 1% of universities worldwide and has achieved a 5 Stars Plus rating by the QS Global University Performance Rankings. The university is known for its outstanding graduate employability, with over 95% of graduates going on to work or pursue further studies.
Other top universities in New Zealand for international students include the University of Waikato, Massey University, and the University of Canterbury. These universities offer diverse programs and a supportive environment, making New Zealand a preferred destination for those seeking an exceptional educational experience.
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International students favour Management and Commerce courses
New Zealand's international student enrolment continued its recovery in 2023, with the country hosting over 69,000 international students. The university sector, the largest segment of New Zealand's international education industry, has bounced back the most, reaching 86% of pre-pandemic volumes, with 29,065 students (+21% over 2022). This recovery is especially impressive given that New Zealand's borders were closed for longer during the pandemic than any other leading English-speaking destination, only fully reopening in the summer of 2022.
International enrolments in New Zealand institutions are heavily reliant on China (35%) and India (11%), which together make up nearly half of all foreign students (46%). This is similar to the top two source countries for Canada and the US (51% and 52%, respectively). When compared to Australia and the UK, Chinese and Indian students make up a similar proportion of international enrolments (45% and 41%, respectively).
Among international students in New Zealand universities, 97% were studying at bachelor's degree level or higher, with 45% in postgraduate qualifications and 15% at the PhD level. The strong reputation of New Zealand universities is a significant draw, with 92% of international university students citing this as their primary reason for choosing to study in the country. International education is a valuable source of income for New Zealand, generating at least $742 million in 2021, with earnings from export education representing 0.9% of all exports of goods and services.
In terms of course preferences, international students in New Zealand universities favour Management and Commerce. This is evident from the fact that New Zealand's universities attract high-calibre international students, with a significant portion enrolled in postgraduate and PhD-level programmes. The country's commitment to advancing international education through curriculum internationalisation, student experience enhancement, and collaboration in research and teaching further contributes to its appeal for students pursuing Management and Commerce courses.
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More female than male international students are enrolled
New Zealand's international student enrolment has been steadily increasing over the years. In 2023, the country's schools, universities, language institutes, and vocational institutions hosted 69,135 international students, a 67% increase in foreign enrolment compared to 2022. This number constituted 60% of the pre-pandemic number of international students in 2019, which was over 115,000.
China and India are the top two countries accounting for nearly half of the total enrolment (46%), with 35% and 11% respectively. Other countries that make up the remaining international students in New Zealand include the USA (7%), Vietnam (4%), Malaysia (3%), Indonesia (2%), South Korea (2%), Sri Lanka (1%), Japan (1%), and Canada (1%).
Among domestic students, New Zealand has witnessed a higher number of female students in schools and universities than male students. Girls outperform boys in schools, and more women attend universities in New Zealand. Additionally, more women complete their qualifications, and they generally achieve higher levels of academic success. However, this has not translated into top jobs or equal pay in the workforce. Men earn more than women in their first year of work after tertiary study, and the gap widens over time.
While the number of female students in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) subjects has been increasing, they still constitute a small proportion of students in these fields. Women make up just 23% of the IT sector and 13% of the engineering industry. The movement of women into STEM fields has been encouraged by government and industry initiatives, but changing the status quo has proven to be a slow process.
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Frequently asked questions
There were over 69,000 international students enrolled in New Zealand in 2023, a 67% increase from 2022.
Management and Commerce is the most popular field of study for international students in New Zealand, with a total of 10,325 students.
China is the largest source of international students in New Zealand, contributing 35% of total enrolments.
The University of Auckland has the highest number of international students, with a total of 8,470 students.
There are more female international students enrolled in higher education institutions in New Zealand than males, with 17,210 female students and 16,425 male students.











































