New Zealand Welcomes 69,000 International Students in 2023

New Zealand has become a popular destination for international students, with a significant increase in enrolments in 2023. According to Education New Zealand, a government agency, there were 69,135 international student enrolments, a 67% rise compared to 2022.

Quality Education and Welcoming Environment

Linda Sissons, Acting Chief Executive of Education New Zealand, stated that the increase in enrolments is positive for the education sector and communities. She emphasized that New Zealand offers a quality learning experience in a safe and welcoming environment.

University Subsector Leads Recovery

The university subsector saw the strongest recovery with 29,065 students, representing 86% of 2019 enrolments. Universities and schools are the largest subsectors for international students in New Zealand.

Growth in English Language Schools

English language schools experienced the greatest percentage increase in enrolments, rising by 511% from 1,565 to 9,570 students.

Top Source Countries

China is the largest source market for international students at 35%, followed by India at 17%, Japan at 10%, South Korea at 5%, and Thailand at 4%. No other country represented more than 4% of total enrolments.

Sissons added that the government is actively diversifying recruitment efforts to attract students from a broad range of countries.