Study Abroad: New Zealand plans to double international education earnings to NZD 7.2 billion by 2034

The New Zealand government has unveiled a new strategy to double the economic contribution of its international education sector from NZ$3.6 billion in 2024 to NZ$7.2 billion by 2034 with focus on relaxing rules around part-time work hours while studying and plans for multi-year student visa policies. The initiative, titled ‘International Education Going for Growth Plan’ was announced by education minister Erica Stanford on Monday positioning New Zealand as a premier global study destination while maximising its economic benefits.

“International education is one of our largest exports, injecting $3.6 billion into our economy in 2024,” said Stanford. “It also provides opportunities for research, strengthening trade and people-to-people connections, which are important to drive investment, productivity and innovation in New Zealand.”

Study in New Zealand: Key policy reforms

With international student enrolments on a steady rise since 2023, the New Zealand government aims to accelerate the potential for rapid expansion.“We want to supercharge that growth track and make New Zealand the destination of choice for international students,” Stanford added. To enable this expansion, the government will introduce key reforms starting November 2025.

These include:

• Extending study work rights from 20 to 25 hours per week for eligible student visa holders.

• Extend eligibility for in-study work rights to all tertiary students in approved exchange or study abroad programmes, including one-semester long ones

Proposals under consideration

• Introduction of a short-duration work visa of up to six months to support graduates who may not qualify for the post-study work visa but are seeking employment through the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) pathway.

• The government also plans to simplify the process of obtaining multi-year student visas. Clear targets for student enrolment.

The ‘Going for Growth Plan’ outlines measurable goals, that is, increase in international student enrolments from 83,700 in 2024 to 1,05,000 by 2027 – and 1,19,000 by 2034. The government also aims to raise awareness about New Zealand as a study destination from 38% to 44% by 2034, and increase the proportion of students who rank New Zealand among their top three study destinations from 18% to 22%.

“In the short term, Education New Zealand will focus its promotional efforts on markets with the highest potential for growth,” Stanford said. “Across all markets, promotional activities will aim to elevate awareness of New Zealand as a premier study destination that is a safe and welcoming place to live and learn.”

Also read Study Abroad: AUT New Zealand plans 130 scholarships for international students, says pro-VC

Indian Students in New Zealand key

India has consistently ranked among the top source countries for international enrolments in New Zealand over the past decade after China, particularly in business, IT, hospitality, and health sciences. A significant policy shift prior to the July growth announcement came on June 23, 2025, when Immigration New Zealand (INZ) added India to its List of Qualifications Exempt from Assessment (LQEA). This allows degrees from recognised Indian universities accepted without requiring the International Qualification Assessment (IQA). This eases as well as speeds up the visa process for both Indian students and skilled migrants.

While the plan sets aggressive growth targets, Stanford emphasised that the strategy will balance quantity with quality. “It’s important to strike the right balance between increasing student numbers, maintaining the quality of education, and managing broader impacts on New Zealanders. Our plan will deliver that,” she said.