WORLD · VERIFIED DEVELOPMENT
New Zealand's International Education Exports Surpass Pre-Covid Levels
WHY IT MATTERS
This achievement is crucial for New Zealand's economy, as international education export earnings are expected to contribute significantly to the country's growth and development, with a target of $7.2 billion by 2034.
What happened
New Zealand's international education export earnings have reached nearly $5 billion, surpassing the pre-Covid levels of 2019. This significant milestone is attributed to the growth of international student enrolments, which have increased from 69,140 in 2023 to 92,580 in 2025.
The sector's strong performance is expected to continue, with a target of 99,000 international students in 2026.
Education Minister Erica Stanford has emphasized the importance of international education in driving economic activity and supporting jobs and businesses across the country.
PRIMARY SOURCES
International education exports surge past pre-Covid levels
New Zealand Government Beehive · beehive.govt.nz · New Zealand Crown copyright; accurate reproduction/translation with attribution; third-party media excluded