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International student numbers on the rise as sector sees renewed interest

Author
Newstalk ZB,
Publish Date
Wed, 20 May 2026, 8:33am
(File)
(File)

International student numbers on the rise as sector sees renewed interest

Author
Newstalk ZB,
Publish Date
Wed, 20 May 2026, 8:33am

New Zealand's seeing renewed growth in international education, with rising demand from both major and emerging markets. 

Education New Zealand data shows more than 92 thousand international students enrolled last year, up 11% on the year prior. 

China and India make up almost half of all enrolments. 

Acting Chief Executive Linda Sissons told Mike Hosking we’re sitting at around 80% of our pre-Covid numbers, but the difference between then and now is the focus on value as well as volume.  

She says we’re on track for both, as in the past year we've exceeded their target of export earnings and are sitting just below the target for enrolments.  

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