International Education Exports Surge Past Pre-Covid Levels
New Zealand's international education sector has seen export earnings surge past pre-Covid levels, indicating strong growth in student numbers and economic contribution.
What changed
- International education export earnings reached nearly $5 billion in the year to June 2026, surpassing the 2019 figure of $4.4 billion.
- This marks significant growth from $3.5 billion in June 2024 and $4.3 billion in June 2025.
- The government aims to grow international education export earnings to $7.2 billion by 2034.
- The growth is attributed to deliberate immigration settings designed to attract students while maintaining system integrity.
Who this affects
This primarily affects international students considering New Zealand, as well as education providers and related businesses. It signals a continued government focus on attracting students.
What you should do
Prospective international students should be aware that New Zealand remains a strong destination for study, with government support for the sector. Continue to research visa requirements and study options.
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Check your eligibility dateOriginal source: https://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/international-education-exports-surge-past-pre-covid-levels
This summary is an AI-assisted plain-English rewrite of an official NZ Government press release for general guidance only. Always check the official source before acting on your visa or citizenship application.